2012 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is the return of the GLI, a 200-hp turbocharged sport sedan with sharper suspension and stronger brakes. Otherwise, this is a light-update year following the 2011 redesign.
About the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
6th gen (A6/Mk6), second model year after the 2011 redesign.
Volkswagen positions the 2012 Jetta as a roomy, value-minded sedan that still delivers the brand’s “German engineering” feel. The core pitch is simple: more rear-seat space and trunk room than many compact rivals, a clean and functional cabin, and a lineup wide enough to cover basic commuting, stronger five-cylinder power, long-range diesel driving, and GLI performance. It is the practical VW sedan for buyers who want everyday usefulness with a slightly more European character than mainstream rivals.
The 2012 lineup ranges from the basic 2.0L commuter and long-distance TDI diesel to the sport-focused GLI. The SEL and SEL Premium emphasize comfort and technology with navigation, keyless start, a sunroof and Fender audio, while the GLI Autobahn pairs the turbo engine with heated sport seats and automatic climate control.
What changed, by category
2012 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 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, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 39 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 31 mpg | 32–33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 115 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp | 200 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 125 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is the return of the GLI sport sedan. It has a 200-hp turbocharged engine, a sharper suspension, stronger brakes, sport seats and distinct interior and exterior trim.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta a redesign?
No. The Jetta was redesigned for 2011, and the 2012 model is the second year of that generation. Most of the regular lineup carries over with light trim and equipment changes.
How is the 2012 Jetta GLI different from the regular Jetta?
The 2012 GLI is the performance-focused Jetta. Its 200-hp turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, rear multi-link suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and sport seats set it apart from the regular commuter and comfort-oriented trims.
Which 2012 Volkswagen Jetta trims have Fender audio?
Fender premium audio is fitted to the 2012 Jetta SEL, SEL Premium and GLI Autobahn. The system includes a subwoofer.
Did the Volkswagen Jetta trim names change for 2012?
Yes. The S became the 2.0L S, the SE became the 2.5L SE, the SEL became the 2.5L SEL and the TDI became the 2.0L TDI. The 2.0L entry trim, SEL Premium, GLI and GLI Autobahn also joined the lineup, while the Base trim was dropped.