2023 Volkswagen Jetta

Sedan · 1.4L Turbo I4 · FWD

74/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a sedan is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	1.4L Turbo I4
Horsepower	158 hp
Torque	184 lb-ft
0–60 mph	7.5 sec
Top speed	118 mph
Drivetrain	FWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	32 mpg (28 city / 36 hwy)
Range	514 miles
MSRP	$21,895
Body style	Sedan

The verdict

What's good

Stretch-out rear legroom for the class
German road manners feel upmarket
Easy on gas for daily commuting
Affordable entry into the segment

What's not

Base engine is merely adequate
Some hard, cheap-feeling plastics
Styling plays it very safe
No all-wheel-drive option

The engine

EA211

1.4L Turbo I4

A small-displacement turbo four that leans on early, abundant low-end torque, making the Jetta feel punchier in everyday driving than its modest size suggests.

Part of VW Group's EA211 engine family introduced in 2011 and built in Mlada Boleslav since 2012; Skoda Auto took over EA211 development in 2023. It replaced the older naturally aspirated 2.0 and 1.8T units in the Jetta.

The cylinder head integrates the exhaust manifold, which speeds engine warm-up and helps manage exhaust temperatures.
Unusually for a modern turbo engine, it uses a toothed-belt-driven DOHC valvetrain rather than a chain.
The die-cast aluminum block keeps the whole engine to roughly 106 kg, with cast-iron liners for durability.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 74 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 4 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault