The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average brake wear and stereo system issues reported. At $16,000 to $26,950, it’s a great value for a compact car with an upscale cabin and German build quality.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the VW Jetta since it has a nice cabin, and excellent build quality. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, safety technology, and the quiet cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact car, the seats are very comfortable, and cargo space is also great in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major complaints from 2021 Jetta owners. Avoid models from 2019 which have transmission problems, while 2020–2023 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – The engines offered in the Jetta all offer reasonable power for a small car, but none of them are very fast.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Jetta is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 34 MPG, offering 459 miles of range out of the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $57 cheaper than average, at $123 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is less than other small sedans on the market while also having good luxury features, making it a good value for shoppers.
What Do Critics Say About the Volkswagen Jetta?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offers impressive fuel efficiency and straightforward controls, while also earning high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Volkswagen Jetta at 3.9/5, enjoying the excellent storage space, but doesn’t like the cheap plastic buttons found on the dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Jetta a 4.1/5, praising the compact size with a very roomy interior, but owners don’t like the shorter warranty than the competition.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta include excessive brake wear, a frozen stereo system, and some reports of noises from the front suspension. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Jetta ages.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Jetta owners, showing up at around 10,000 miles. The brake pads tend to wear down quicker than in other small cars, and have to be replaced. Changing out the brake pads costs around $200, while a new set of rotors is an additional $400 if they have been damaged.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by some Jetta owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the stereo system, which improves reliability. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Noises from the front suspension also show up on some 2021 VW Jetta models within the first 20,000 miles. There are some reports of suspension ball joints wearing out quickly, and needing replacement. Changing out the parts costs around $300, depending on local labor rates.
There are four recalls on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, which is worse than some other cars from the same year. The most serious recall covers the rearview camera, which may freeze and not work. VW will update the software on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the air bags and some seat bolts. Volkswagen will fix all of those issues for free as well.
How Long Will the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Volkswagen Jetta can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $599 per year.
As a used 2021 Jetta reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition switch for $150, transmission oil cooler assembly costing $500, along with the brake vacuum pump, which costs around $700.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good, and includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen as well as a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic, since it only has a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance feature upgrades include:
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a good value since it offers a nice interior and reasonable ownership costs for a German car. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,000 to $26,950, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $18,995 to $31,545. Depreciation is similar to other small cars, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Volkswagen Jetta?
There are seven main models of the 2021 VW Jetta, from the entry-level S through to the Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn. All Jetta models come with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is not available.
Jetta S is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- 5-inch touch screen infotainment system
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Two USB ports
- Four-speaker stereo
- Optional Driver Assistance package:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Heated outside mirrors
Jetta SE is a step up, adding:
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- V-Tex synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Proximity keyless entry
- Heated outside mirrors
- Rear-seat center armrest
- Standard safety features:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional Cold Weather package:
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated rear seats
- Remote start
Jetta R-Line upgrades include:
- Unique exterior styling
- Fog lights
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Upgraded differential
- Amenities similar to SE trim
Jetta SEL has more items, including:
- Automatic transmission only
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated rear seats
- 25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Remote start
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Interior ambient lighting
- 8-inch touch screen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless device charging
- Eight-speaker BeatsAudio stereo
- Satellite radio
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Jetta SEL Premium offers luxury features such as:
- Genuine leather upholstery
- Front sport seats
- Navigation
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings
Jetta GLI S is a sportier model which has:
- Stronger engine
- Performance front brakes
- Sport steering wheel
- Stainless steel pedal covers
- Cloth upholstery
- Six-speaker stereo
- 5-inch touch screen
- Standard safety features:
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Jetta GLI Autobahn is the flagship model with:
- Adaptive damping suspension
- Sunroof
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Genuine leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- BeatsAudio stereo
- 8-inch touch screen
- 25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Satellite radio
- Wireless device charging
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
What Engines Come In the Volkswagen Jetta?
- 1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine: This engine delivers 147 horsepower and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 34 MPG. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 0-60 MPH time for this engine is 8.1 seconds.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine (GLI): Available in the Jetta GLI, this more powerful engine produces 228 horsepower. It achieves a combined fuel economy of about 28 MPG. The engine is coupled with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 0-60 MPH sprint is achieved in roughly 5.8 seconds.
What Colors Does the Volkswagen Jetta Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta stands out for its comfort, offering a well-balanced ride that caters to both driver and passenger needs. The interior of the Jetta is designed with comfort in mind, featuring supportive seats that provide ample cushioning and good lumbar support, making long drives less taxing. The front seats, especially, offer a range of adjustments, allowing drivers of various sizes to find a comfortable driving position. Additionally, the rear seats are spacious, providing enough headroom and legroom for adult passengers, which is a significant plus for a compact sedan. The cabin’s layout, with its logical and user-friendly controls, contributes to a stress-free driving experience.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Jetta excels with its smooth and composed handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, providing a comfortable ride even on rougher surfaces. This makes the Jetta an excellent choice for both city driving and longer highway journeys. The car’s insulation from road and wind noise is another highlight, providing a quiet cabin environment which is essential for both comfort and concentration while driving. Furthermore, the climate control system in the Jetta is efficient and easy to operate, maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature in various weather conditions.
Overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provides a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. Its well-crafted interior, ample space, and smooth ride quality make it a strong contender in the compact sedan market, especially for those who prioritize comfort in their daily commute or during longer trips. The Jetta’s combination of ergonomic design, spaciousness, and refined ride dynamics makes it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a comfortable and reliable vehicle.
How Much Storage Space Does the Volkswagen Jetta Have?
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offers a generous amount of storage space, accommodating various needs for both daily use and longer trips. The vehicle boasts a spacious trunk with 14.1 cubic feet of room, which is ample for a compact sedan. This capacity allows the Jetta to easily handle a variety of cargo. For instance, it can comfortably fit several large suitcases, making it ideal for family vacations or airport runs. Additionally, the space is enough for a full grocery run or transporting sports equipment like golf bags. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, further expanding the cargo area for larger or longer items, such as skis or flat-pack furniture.
Inside the cabin, the Jetta continues to impress with its thoughtful storage solutions. The design includes numerous small storage spaces that are conveniently located and easily accessible. For example, the center console offers a deep compartment, perfect for storing small bags, electronic devices, or other personal items. The door pockets are sizable and can accommodate water bottles or travel mugs, while a glove box provides additional space for important documents or items that need to be kept out of sight. Furthermore, the Jetta is equipped with cupholders and a small tray in the front, ideal for holding keys, phones, or snacks. These practical storage options enhance the overall functionality of the car, making it a great choice for those who value both space and organization in their vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Jetta was introduced for the 2019 model year.
2015: Updated interior with higher-quality materials, along with some small exterior styling changes.
2016: New entry-level engine available, diesel engine removed from the lineup, and there’s a standard touchscreen stereo system.
2017: USB port added to the stereo system, and a rearview camera is standard on all models.
2018: Wolfsburg Edition added to the lineup, and some new wheel choices offered.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with all new technology, engines, and styling.
2020: Car-Net telecommunications system is now standard, wireless charging is offered, and there’s a six-speed transmission on the R-Line model.
2021: Improved stereo system on the SEL and higher models.
How Does the Volkswagen Jetta Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a very nice small car since it offers excellent German build quality, although it is more expensive to repair than some of the competition.
The Honda Civic is another compact car, which costs about $3,000 more. Standard technology is better in the Honda Civic, while the VW Jetta has a more upscale cabin. We recommend the Honda Civic for most buyers since the Jetta has higher predicted ownership costs.
The Kia Forte is a popular competitor, which can be found for $3,000 less. Safety features are better in the Kia Forte, while the Volkswagen Jetta offers a more comfortable interior. We recommend the VW Jetta since it is a nicer car, but it’s worth testing out both to see which you prefer.
