2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI: Mid-cycle refresh adds style and content across the board
11/02/2021
Volkswagen
The Jetta has defined affordable German engineering for more than four decades, spending more than three of them as Volkswagen's best-selling model. In 2022, the torchbearer is refreshed, with new technology and styling elevating both the value-oriented Jetta and the sporty Jetta GLI.
Among the most important updates to the 2022 Jetta is the adoption of the 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 engine found in the recently launched Taos compact SUV. Offering an ideal combination of low-speed torque and competitive fuel economy, the EA211 is mated to a six-speed manual or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI is powered by Volkswagen's EA888 turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed DSG(R) dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.
The refreshed Jetta and GLI models get a style update with new front and rear bumpers, new colors and new wheels. In the front, standard LED headlights frame a redesigned grille. New available exterior colors and unique wheels on each trim level also up the visual ante.
Inside, the Jetta and GLI boast upgraded technology and driver assistance features. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster now comes standard, as does Volkswagen Car-Net(R) with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. On top Jetta trims and the GLI, wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices are standard. Base Jetta models come standard with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. IQ.DRIVE(R) driver assistance technology is available from the Jetta S trim and up (automatic models only), and is standard on GLI.
The 2022 Jetta is offered in four levels: S, SE, SEL, and a new Sport trim. Jetta Sport models offer a great value and enthusiast-inspired content, like the XDS(R) Cross Differential System, two-tone machined 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, black exterior and interior trim, and sport seats. The GLI is now offered in one fully-loaded trim.
MSRP for the Jetta starts at $20,195 for the six-speed manual transmission, and $20,995 for the eight-speed automatic transmission. MSRP for the GLI starts at $30,995 for the six-speed manual transmission, and $31,795 for the DSG. Destination for all 2022 Jetta and GLI models is $995.
Exterior
Based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, the Jetta uses dynamic exterior lines and taut surfaces to produce an elegant and athletic coupe-like profile. For 2022, the look is sharpened further thanks to a number of key updates.
A revised front end features a new bumper and a large front grille on both Jetta and GLI models. On Jetta, two wide chrome bars sit at the top and bottom, while two slimmer chrome strips flank the VW logo. All four bars flow into the headlight housings, creating a wrap-around effect with the LED signature lights, which emphasizes the Jetta's wide stance. LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard from the S trim, while SEL trims feature projector LEDs. The new Sport trim features a blacked-out grille.
On GLI models, the front end features the legacy black honeycomb detailing and characteristic red accent strip, which draws the connection to its sporty stablemate, GTI. The grille replaces the wide chrome frame with a gloss black one and trades the standard Jetta's black parallel lines between for honeycomb, which is repeated in the lower front fascia. A red strip layers between the slim chrome strips to either side of the logo, and the GLI lettering sits above to the left, as on GTI. Projector LED headlights are standard.
The new front end flows into the roofline, where a 'phase'-a narrow strip that runs parallel to the actual roofline and into the C-pillar-visually reduces the car's height, contributing to the Jetta's more coupe-like appearance. An acoustically optimized panoramic glass tilt/slide sunroof is optional on SE models and standard on the SEL and GLI. The optional Black Package on GLI models adds a black roof.
The distinctive side profile of the Jetta remains, with the bold character line featured in the previous model marrying the assertive new front end to the solid rear wheelarches. Chrome window trim is standard along the side of S, SE, and SEL models, while the new Sport trim and GLI feature black window surrounds. The Sport trim also features black mirror caps, which are optional on GLI as part of the Black Package. An arch-shaped trailing edge extends into the shoulder section and forms the aerodynamic termination of the trunk lid.
At the rear, sharply lined LED taillight clusters serve to emphasize the sedan's impressive width, and all 2022 Jetta models feature redesigned body-colored bumpers. SEL models feature a chrome accent on the rear, while GLI models add a black honeycomb diffuser and a wider dual exhaust, which features improved acoustics for 2022. The optional Black Package on GLI adds a spoiler in black.
All Jetta models feature a remarkably low drag coefficient. Standard Jetta models have a Cd of just 0.28 for manual models and 0.27 for automatic models, while GLI models have a Cd of 0.30. To attain this figure, the Jetta features an active radiator shutter and air curtain intakes on each side, which allow air to flow smoothly past the front wheelarches. To further optimize airflow, the Jetta utilizes aerodynamic wheel designs and underbody panels.
New for 2022, each trim receives differentiated wheels. The Jetta S comes standard with 16-inch two-tone machined aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 205/60 R16 all-season tires. The new Sport trim includes 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design. Jetta SE models feature 17-inch silver alloys with a 10-spoke design as standard, and offer the same wheel in dark graphite as an option. Jetta SEL models wear 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a five-spoke design. All three models with 17-inch wheels have 205/55 R17 all-season tires. The GLI comes with 18-inch machined alloy wheels standard, and 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels are included in the available Black Package, both with 225/45 R18 all-season tires.
The 2022 Jetta will be available in seven exterior colors including new Kings Red Metallic, Oryx White Metallic, and Rising Blue Metallic, while the GLI will offer a five-color palette.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Jetta is more refined than ever, but continues to offer a spacious and comfortable cabin and ample cargo room. The Jetta is 186.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 105.7 inches. GLI dimensions are only slightly different-186.9 inches long, 57.9 inches tall, with a width of 70.8 inches and a wheelbase of 105.6 inches. Both boast generous passenger space, 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, and standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
The cockpit is a driver-focused environment, with form following function. Both the instruments and the infotainment system are arranged in an easy-to-read horizontal orientation. The infotainment system and the climate-control interface are located on the center console, which is angled towards the driver.
Meanwhile, design elements from the exterior are repeated in the cabin for a touch of sportiness. The standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and MIB infotainment screens are surrounded by a trapezoidal trim piece with a piano black surface linking the two screens. To either side, decorative trim runs across the width of the dash and into the door panels. In Jetta S and Sport models, the trim pieces are silver accented with a herringbone pattern, while SE models feature a light grey crosshatch design, and SEL models sport a modern grey woodgrain design. GLI models play up the performance nature with gloss black trim accented with red hairlines.
New material and design options set the tone for the upgraded interior of the 2022 Jetta. Padded leatherette door inserts are standard across all models; Jetta SEL and GLI models sport contrast stitching for added visual interest-ceramic on Jetta and red on GLI. Contrast stitching is also found throughout the cockpit of all 2022 Jetta models, accenting the dash top, shifter housing, and both door and center armrests. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is available on base Jetta models and standard on SE and higher trims, with heating available on SEL.
GLI features a new leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with touch functions and a red "GLI" clip; DSG models add paddle shifters. A leather-wrapped shift knob is available on S and Sport models, and is standard on SE, SEL and GLI manual models. GLI models equipped with DSG sport an aluminum shift knob. Sport and GLI models feature a black headliner; GLI bears stainless steel pedal caps and illuminated scuff plates. A 10-color ambient lighting system is standard on Jetta SEL and GLI models, washing the interior with the selected hue.
Base models carry new cloth seats, with leatherette and leather seating surfaces available on higher trims. S models feature a rhombus pattern cloth in Titan Black or Storm Grey, while Sport models carry Titan Black cloth seats with black cloth seats with a subtle striped pattern. SE models have leatherette seating surfaces in Titan Black or Storm Grey. SEL and GLI models sport perforated-leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching-SEL models are available with a new Volcano Brown and black two-tone leather palette or Titan Black, while GLI models feature Titan Black perforated leather seating surfaces with a red underlay. A six-way adjustable driver's seat is standard on all models, while SE models and above add power and lumbar adjustment; SEL and GLI models offer a driver's seat memory feature. Front seats are heated on SE and GLI models; SEL trims add heated outboard rear seats. SEL and GLI models feature ventilated front seats as standard.
Jetta and GLI models carry an array of comfort and convenience features across the lineup. Automatic headlights and heated side mirrors are standard; an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing wipers are available in the Convenience Package on S and Sport trims and standard from SE. Climatronic(R) automatic climate control and KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start are standard on Jetta SE, SEL, and GLI models. SEL models add a heated windshield wiper park and washer nozzles.
MIB Infotainment. All 2022 Jetta models feature innovative Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment systems. The displays utilize a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming. App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard, and offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM) and MirrorLink(R).
Jetta S, Sport, and SE models are equipped with the MIB2 Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system includes two USB-C ports, SD Card multimedia interface, and Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices.
Jetta SEL and GLI are equipped with the all-new third-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB3). The new MIB3 infotainment system features a glass-covered 8.0-inch display, wireless charging for compatible devices, wireless App-Connect that can switch between compatible devices, enhanced voice recognition, two illuminated USB-C ports in the center stack, and one charge-only port in the storage console.
GLI models are equipped with the Composition Media unit and SEL models feature Discover Media with navigation. Both units feature Bluetooth technology for compatible devices, HD radio, and SiriusXM(R) with 360L (3-month Platinum Plan trial). With a Car-Net Hotspot subscription and Plus Nav Package, maps can be automatically updated with the most up-to-date traffic and construction information. To appeal to music lovers, Jetta SEL and GLI feature the BeatsAudio(R) system. This setup showcases a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier, digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a subwoofer.
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on all Jetta models, presents drivers with a fully digital instrument cluster. S, Sport and SE models feature an 8-inch display with two views and customizable widgets to show a variety of vehicle information. SEL and GLI models and above upgrade to a 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with three views-including full-screen navigation for equipped models-and 21 viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more.
SiriusXM with 360L. Jetta and GLI models offer the most advanced audio entertainment platform-SiriusXM with 360L. SiriusXM's next-generation platform combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more options than before, including access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM's recorded On Demand content, and more live channels, available by subscription (three-month Platinum Plan trial package included). SiriusXM with 360L's personalized "For You" recommendations help listeners to discover more of what they love based on listening habits and are served on screen in an easy-to-find, easy-to-use format. The enhanced sports play-by-play offering makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorite channels.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. For model year 2022, Car-Net Services will be offered in three areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. For vehicles equipped with a MIB3 system and an active data plan, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment.
Car-Net Remote Access allows owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on estimated fuel level and mileage and door and window status.
VW Car-Net skills for Amazon AlexaTM are now available for most new Volkswagen vehicles. To set up, owners should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account. This will allow them to use their voice on an Alexa-enabled device to ask Alexa to send remote commands from the comfort of their own home-for instance: "Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn."
For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers' lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. Powered by ParkopediaTM, the Parking Information feature allows users to click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to My VW" button.
Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The Car-Net app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
By enrolling in the DriveView(TM) program, Car-Net users may be eligible for discounted rates from some of the top automotive insurance companies in the country. This program can also help Car-Net users monitor their driving by tracking activities like night driving, hard braking, idle time, and excess speed. These factors all contribute to an overall driving score, which is visible within the mobile app.
Car-Net Safe & Secure is a paid subscription service that includes Information Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The current subscription price is $159 per year before taxes and fees, and automatically renews annually at the end of the subscription term, unless cancelled. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more- at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Volkswagen recently introduced Carrier of Choice, giving customers the option to select a data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile (R). With just a few clicks in the VW Car-Net mobile app or at vw.com/carnet, owners can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month (taxes and fees may apply).
Car-Net Hotspot also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY22 VW owners with a factory-installed MIB3 infotainment system. With an active data plan, the Plus Nav package ($49/year) allows drivers to access online map updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. The Plus Speech package ($9/year) offers advance voice controls using natural language to enhance map destination entry for addresses and points of interest. The Plus Online Radio Package ($8/year) offers online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. Media streaming apps can also be accessed at no additional charge, including iHeartRadioTM and TIDALTM (both require existing accounts).
Powertrain
Except for the Jetta GLI, 2022 Jetta models benefit from an updated 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that currently powers the Taos compact SUV. Making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the new engine offers a number of high-tech features designed to help produce excellent fuel economy.
Despite the engine having a larger displacement and being more powerful than the EA211 that it replaces, the engine is more fuel efficient. It features Volkswagen's modified version of the Miller cycle, wherein the intake valves are closed early in the induction stroke to help with fuel economy. For a turbocharged engine, it has a very high compression ratio of up to 11.5 to 1.
Key features that help the Jetta achieve a combination of low-speed torque and competitive fuel economy include:
APS coated cylinder liners-whereby iron powder is plasma coated onto the cylinder block-that reduce friction between the cylinder liner and piston rings. This process has been localized in the North American Region.
A map-controlled cooling module that warms the engine more quickly than the existing EA211 for efficiency and can control water flow in different parts of the engine.
Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). This is one of the first volume-production turbochargers with this technology in the North American Region. This turbo is more efficient, provides higher boost pressure, and avoids wastegate mass flow.
A high-pressure injection system with up to 5,076 psi-up from 2,900 psi-which produces better atomization of the fuel/air mixture, a shorter injection time, optimized mixture formation, and lower particulate emissions than the previous injection system.
The new EA211 engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) shifting. Jetta models with the standard six-speed manual transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. S models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 31 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined. SE and SEL models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
The Jetta GLI is powered by a Volkswagen EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI(R) 4-cylinder engine, making 228 horsepower (achieved with premium fuel) and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine features variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, as well as variable exhaust valve lift.
The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger to help reduce full-load fuel consumption. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the engine also offers efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this helps reduce friction and decrease fuel consumption.
The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission available optionally. Models equipped with the optional seven-speed DSG(R) dual-clutch automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. All ratings are based on regular unleaded fuel.
All Jetta automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system designed to help improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a stop light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
Chassis
Both the 2022 Jetta and GLI are built upon Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform architecture. Both body and chassis boast a large percentage of ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel, which allows the use of thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength. From a structural standpoint, the MQB platform provides extremely high body rigidity, which has benefits for the vehicle's handling and ride.
Mounted in a lightweight, two-piece steel subframe, the strut-type front suspension on Jetta and GLI models has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs, telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. At the back, standard Jetta models feature a torsion beam rear setup with telescopic dampers, offering an optimal balance of ride comfort, handling, and weight. GLI models feature a multi-link rear suspension and a rear anti-roll bar, as well as sport-tuned gas-filled shock absorbers. With stiffer springs and a 0.6-inch lower stance than regular Jetta models, the sport suspension delivers a performance-focused ride without sacrificing comfort.
The new Jetta Sport trim and GLI models are equipped with the XDS Cross Differential System. The XDS system acts as an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.
On Jetta models, an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering assembly contributes to the fun-to-drive character of the Jetta. The system is speed sensitive, with a ratio of 13.56:1 and 2.76 turns lock-to-lock. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, while at parking speeds, assistance is increased. The turning circle is 36.7 feet.
The GLI features progressive variable-ratio electric power steering system. This is an elegant solution to help with a common problem with steering systems, which is that different speeds and maneuvers ideally require different steering rates. In this case, the teeth on the steering rack are spaced more tightly toward the center than on a normal rack. The lower steering ratio in the center means that the car can respond quickly when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at the ends of the rack can help reduce the amount of effort needed near full steering lock, such as when parking. The steering wheel goes from lock to lock in just 2.1 turns.
Finally, an impressive braking system rounds out the performance of the Jetta and GLI. At the front, there are 11.3-inch vented discs, with 10.7-inch discs at the rear. Further underlining its high-performance capabilities, the GLI features front brakes that are shared with the previous generation Golf R, using 13.4-inch diameter vented discs. The rear brakes, using 11.8-inch vented discs, are also larger than on standard Jetta models. Both vehicles feature a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to help optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Jetta models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Driving Mode Selection. The Driving Mode Selection feature in Jetta SEL and GLI offers four modes: "Comfort," "Eco," "Sport," and "Custom." Comfort and Sport have a different steering heft and throttle response, while Custom allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle to their preference. On cars with the automatic transmissions, the Sport mode gives more aggressive shifts. Eco mode optimizes shift points, throttle response and climate control settings for improved fuel economy compared to other drive modes. Throttle response and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) acceleration are also dampened. On Jetta GLI, which comes standard with DCC(R), the driver can adjust damping settings as well, and a fifth "Comfort" mode is available.
DCC. The Jetta GLI features the DCC adaptive damping system, which manages the suspension's rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics. The DCC adaptive damping system continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking account of various inputs including steering, braking, and acceleration. By means of the set driving profile mode, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four dampers within fractions of a second. This ensures that DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and ideal driving dynamics. For example, "Comfort" optimizes the dampers for a smooth highway ride, while "Sport" favors a firmer setting for better cornering performance.
VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential. The GLI also features the sophisticated VAQ electronically-controlled front limited-slip differential, shared with other Volkswagen performance models. The VAQ differential offers the benefits of a traditional limited-slip differential, but adds significantly to its effectiveness by monitoring the data from each wheel sensor at all times. Since this data includes both vehicle and wheel speed, as well as yaw and lateral g-force, the system can make precise adjustments to help maintain an optimum torque balance between the left and right front wheels.
Up to a full 100 percent of torque can be transferred to either side, as opposed to the fixed "best guess" percentage seen in traditional limited-slip differentials. The result of this proactive (rather than reactive) system is the reduction of understeer and torque steer.
Safety and Driver Assistance
To help protect occupants, Jetta and GLI models provide a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All Jetta and GLI models feature a standard rearview camera.
A standard feature on Jetta family models is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Jetta and GLI also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE(R) advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-autonomous capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE alerts you to obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer.
The IQ.DRIVE system is available on S and Sport trims with automatic transmission and standard on all other Jetta family models. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Travel Assist, available on S and Sport trims and standard on all other Jetta family models, enables semi-autonomous hands-on driving capability from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel, and uses the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist (Lane Keeping Assist) features to help to steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver's responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it.
Front Assist, standard on all Jetta and GLI trims, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Autonomous Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor is standard on all Jetta family models. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If Lane Assist is active, (available on S and Sport trims and standard on all other Jetta family models, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in its lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all Jetta family models, is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car with a range of 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), available on available on S and Sport trims and standard on all other Jetta family models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Models fitted with ACC can match speeds with a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front stops. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.
Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) is available on S and Sport trims and standard on all other Jetta family models. When driving above 40 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in its lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system will not intervene if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not intervene or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Emergency Assist, available on S and Sport trims with automatic transmission and standard on all other Jetta family models, can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated. Emergency Assist constantly monitors the driver's attentiveness by checking the input of their hands on the steering wheel. If the system does not detect driver input, a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts) will occur. If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane and activate hazard lights. Emergency Assist requires Lane Assist to be active for the system to intervene.
In addition to IQ.DRIVE, Jetta SEL and GLI models feature Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights), which automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 37 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 18 mph, the high beams automatically switch off.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2022 Jetta and GLI comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for two years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
Competitive Set
Jetta: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla
GLI: Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra Sport, Subaru WRX