MSRP: $21,360 - 29,090
8.2 /10
Rating
Pros
- Great gas mileage
- Premium interior feel
- Smooth quiet ride
Cons
- Not very sporty
- Some cheap plastics
2022 Volkswagen Jetta SEL review by Vyocar
Overview
When you’re shopping for a compact, affordable sedan that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this German car makes a solid case with its refined style, punchy turbocharged engine, and well-balanced safety features. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder puts out 158-hp and 184 lb-ft, giving you decent acceleration and solid mileage, whether on a test track or a quick highway run. I’ve driven the SE trim and SEL, and for the money—$21,460 to $29,190—you get great content like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a sharp touch screen, wireless connectivity, and even a digital gauge cluster that feels kinda Audi-like. The driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and traffic-adaptive cruise control are more than just buzzwords—they actually help without nagging. Compared to something like a Honda Civic or Kia Forte, it holds its own, especially with its reserved demeanor and smoothness. And if you’re cross-shopping bigger rides, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line or the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport echo this same VW blend of tech features, style, and subtle confidence.
What’s New in 2021?
There’s a quiet confidence in how this compact sedan handles its 2022 updates, and it starts with the new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the older 1.4-liter with a more eager 158-hp output—it’s not a rocket, but the extra punch is welcome. The Digital Cockpit now comes standard on most mainstream versions, adding that clean, fully digital gauge cluster that mimics what you’d find in a VW Golf or even the newer Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S. The exterior styling also got a mild makeover, especially noticeable on the Sport model and R-Line trim, both rocking more distinctive styling cues borrowed from the Taos crossover and other subcompact SUV designs. It’s still riding on the older Mk 7 platform, not the newer Mk 8, but the upgrades feel more like a solid heart transplant than just cosmetic tweaks.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four in our SEL test car delivers 158 horses—an 11 extra horsepower increase over the previous model—and pushes out 184 pound-feet of torque in a surprisingly fluid manner. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, it’s not explosive off the line, but it’s got ready power when you need to zip past the posted speed limit or merge with confidence. During normal driving, especially at city speeds and roundabouts, the steering feels light yet connected, without any of the annoying characteristics you’d expect from a budget sedan. There’s zero torque-steer, and in acceleration testing, we hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, making it 0.6 second quicker than last year’s car and even within reach of slower Volkswagen Golf R vibes—minus the AWD madness, of course. The chassis is tuned for a comfortable, quiet ride, but don’t expect miracles in sharp corners—it still leans a bit. If you’re upgrading from a base S or Corolla, the jump in performance and serene nature is instantly noticeable.
Fuel Efficiency and Real World Testing
During our real-world testing, we took this gas-powered non-hybrid sedan across varied terrain—from breezy backroads to a steady 75-mph highway test—to get a proper sense of its fuel economy. On an early morning run through the cooler parts of California, we managed an impressive 44 MPG while keeping it around 70 MPH, which actually gains 2 mpg over the official highway estimates. In city traffic, the EPA city rating of 29-mpg felt spot on, and over a week of mixed driving we averaged about 33 overall, which we’d call pretty exemplary for a Volkswagen running regular automatic transmission. Warmer days and short trips dropped that to around 31/41 mpg, similar to what we’ve seen in the base S version or even last year’s older 1.4-liter engine. Still, considering $6.00/gallon gasoline in some States, these numbers make this car a real contender if you’re not ready to commit to something like a Toyota Prius.
Interior and Comfort
The Jetta SEL cabin pulls off something rare—it feels a bit like a luxury car, just without the luxury car payment plan. Our tester came with a Volcano Brown interior, real leather seats, and customizable ambient interior lighting, which added just the right amount of flair without drifting into nightclub territory. The flat-bottom leather wheel felt sportier than expected, and thanks to features like wireless device charging and ventilated front seats, even the daily grind felt a little more first class. Despite its shallow footprint and compact exterior dimensions, it’s surprisingly spacious, offering enough generous passenger space to keep both adults and egos intact—and yes, the trunk can still fit a few carry-on bags for that spontaneous “we need to get out of town” moment. At 70 mph, cabin noise measured just 67 decibels, meaning conversations won’t require subtitles, even at full throttle. Compared to the Civic Touring or loaded Mazda3, which both hum louder at 78 decibels, this one acquitted itself with a smooth compliance over potholes, like it knew we had coffee in the cupholder. The driver gets solid outward visibility, and the shape of the dash follows a proven formula—clean, no-nonsense, and nothing drab. It may not dazzle like some expensive models, but it nails the refinement, comfort, and clever use of available features that make the VW badge feel earned. It’s not trying to be more than it is—and that’s exactly why it works so well.
Cargo & Practicality
For a compact sedan, the roomy trunk in this Jetta is a pleasant surprise. You get 14 cubic feet of usable space, which handled our weekend duffel bags, a folding chair, and—true story—an 80-pound Labrador without needing a team of fluffers to make it all fit. The rear accommodations are equally solid, offering adequate room for two adults on an hour and a half trip without a single complaint (which is rare). The cabin feels spacious up front, and the back seat doesn’t pinch legroom unless you’re trying to seat three linebackers. It’s not enormous, but it’s well thought out, with a plethora of space for real-world use, whether you’re grocery hauling, weekend tripping, or chauffeuring your dog to daycare. For a car of this size, the rear is actually more accommodating than some midsize options, proving practicality doesn’t need to shout—it just needs to show up.
Tech & Connectivity
Tech in the SEL trim strikes a nice balance between modern and straightforward, which is refreshing in a world full of all-touch infotainment setups that seem to hate your fingertips. The 8.0-inch unit is sharp and responsive, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging without needing a subscription-based data plan just to use basic features. Unlike the ID.4 or newer GTI, this one keeps the beloved volume knob and tuning knobs intact, saving us from touchscreen annoyance during a bumpy commute. The 10.3-inch display for digital instrumentation is clear, easy to read, and doesn’t try to outsmart you with unnecessary gesture controls or overthought display options. There’s even a pinch-to-zoom feature on maps and a traditional radio display, which feels oddly comforting in the best way. While the interior design does include some hard plastics, it never feels stark, and the inclusion of climate controls you can actually touch—no swiping required—makes this tech suite feel less like a test and more like a well-finished product that even a GLI purist wouldn’t grumble about.
Safety
The safety features baked into the SEL trim go beyond the basics, offering a well-rounded suite of standard driver-assistance technology that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. You get lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring—all part of the upgraded equipment that helps take the edge off everyday traffic. Add in rear cross-traffic alert, and it’s ready for tight parking lots too. Both the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave strong crash-test results, showing that this isn’t just a safe pick—it’s a smart one. Even compared to the entry-level Jetta, the SEL brings more confidence without demanding luxury-brand money, which honestly feels like a win for drivers who care about peace of mind without losing their peace of wallet.
Warranty and Maintenance Plan
In terms of coverage, Volkswagen offers an above-average limited warranty that lasts four years or 50,000 miles, which gives you a decent safety net right out of the gate. However, the powertrain warranty is where it falls a bit short, offering below-average powertrain coverage compared to rivals like the Acura Integra Type S, which give you a bit more long-term confidence. That said, complimentary maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles is included, which helps cover those early oil changes and tire rotations—basically the stuff you forget about until your company car suddenly starts blinking warning lights. It’s not the most generous plan in the segment, but it’s structured well enough for drivers who plan to move on in a few years anyway.
Vyocar Bottom line
If you’re after an economical car that blends great gas mileage, a better interior, and a dose of German character, this SEL trim delivers a surprisingly attractive overall package. It’s not trying to be a Golf GTI or a GLI, but with some added touches, it still feels nicer to drive than you’d expect at this entry price. During our test, it proved to be wonderfully efficient, offering good mileage without sucking the fun out of the drive—something the new Civic and Honda Civic Si are also trying hard to balance. Sure, it’s not properly fast or electric to drive, but it’s an affordable daily that feels spacious, handles well, and undercuts some alluring players by nearly $3,000. Whether you’re new to Volkswagen or just want a break from the “Das Auto” drama, this is a good choice—an unbeaten, sensible pick with quality baked in, even if there’s a questionable amount of piano black plastic.
This Post Has One Comment
Pingback: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport Review & Updates