2011 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Jetta sedan is fully redesigned, with a longer body and much more rear-seat room. The Jetta SportWagen remains on the previous wagon design and receives only lighter updates.
About the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
Sedan: 6th-generation Jetta, first year for the redesigned U.S.-market sedan. SportWagen: prior Golf-based wagon generation carried over alongside the new sedan for 2011.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a practical small car with a more solid, European feel than many mainstream rivals. In sedan form, the 2011 model leans hard into space and everyday usefulness, especially rear-seat room and trunk space. In SportWagen form, it adds a low-roof wagon body with real cargo flexibility and available diesel efficiency. Across the range, the core appeal is simple: everyday usability, a clean cabin layout, and a more substantial road feel than many compact alternatives.
The new sedan lineup ranges from the basic 2.0-liter Base and S to the stronger 2.5-liter SE and the better-equipped SEL with navigation and keyless starting. The TDI sedan pairs its diesel engine with a sunroof and touchscreen audio, while the SportWagen focuses on cargo space and comes in gas and diesel forms.
What changed, by category
2011 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 37 mpg | 29 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 31 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp | 115 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 125 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 66.9 cu-ft | 66.9 cu-ft | 66.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 35.5 in | 35.5 in | 35.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta fully redesigned?
Yes, the 2011 Jetta sedan is fully redesigned and begins its sixth generation. The Jetta SportWagen is not redesigned; it keeps the previous Golf-based wagon design with a newer-looking front end.
Is the 2011 Jetta roomier than the 2010 model?
Yes, the redesigned 2011 Jetta sedan has a longer body and substantially more back-seat space. Rear legroom rises from 35.4 to 38.1 inches.
What happened to the Jetta trim lineup for 2011?
The stripped-down Base sedan joins the lineup for 2011. The Limited Edition, TDI Cup Edition, and Wolfsburg Edition trims are dropped.
How did the 2011 Jetta S change from 2010?
The 2011 Jetta S moves to the redesigned sedan body and changes to a 115-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2010 S used a 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine.
Is the 2011 Jetta a worthwhile step up from the 2010 model?
The 2011 sedan is the stronger choice for shoppers who value a roomier back seat and a newer body design. The 2010 may suit shoppers who prefer the stronger engine and broader standard equipment previously found on the S and SE, while wagon shoppers will find fewer differences between the two years.