2013 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is the arrival of the new Jetta Hybrid, which pairs a turbocharged gas engine with electric assistance. The rest of the lineup receives smaller trim-level cabin and technology updates rather than a redesign.
About the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
6th generation Jetta sedan (2011-2014 before the larger 2015 refresh), third model year; first year for the Jetta Hybrid.
Volkswagen positions the 2013 Jetta as a compact sedan with unusually generous back-seat room and trunk space, offered in a wide range of personalities. At its core, it is the everyday Jetta: a practical small sedan with a more substantial feel than many rivals. What sets this model apart in 2013 is how broad the lineup is, spanning basic gas models, a diesel long-range commuter, a turbocharged GLI sport sedan, and the new hybrid.
The 2013 Jetta ranges from basic, roomy commuter sedans to the diesel TDI and sporty turbocharged GLI. The new Hybrid branch brings a gas-electric powertrain, while upper versions add features such as navigation, Fender premium audio, upgraded headlights, and a rearview camera. The GLI Autobahn remains the performance-focused daily driver, with a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, heated synthetic-leather seats, and Fender audio.
What changed, by category
2013 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, PZEV, 1.4T | 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 | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, PZEV, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, PZEV, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, PZEV, 1.4T |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 7-Spd DSG 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 7-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 7-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 7-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 42 mpg | 24 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 42 mpg | 42 mpg | 24 mpg | 42 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 48 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 37 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 31–33 mpg | 48 mpg | 48 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 48 mpg |
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 115 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 140 hp | 200–210 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 200–210 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 125 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 11.3 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 | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| AM/FM Radio | |||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | |||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||||
| 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 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is the launch of the Jetta Hybrid. It adds a turbocharged 1.4-liter gas-electric powertrain and expands the lineup with Hybrid, Hybrid SE, Hybrid SEL, and Hybrid SEL Premium trims.
Was the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta redesigned?
No, the 2013 Jetta was not redesigned. It remains part of the sixth-generation sedan introduced for 2011, with the new Hybrid and smaller trim-level equipment updates accounting for the year's changes.
Which hybrid versions joined the 2013 Jetta lineup?
Four hybrid versions joined for 2013: Hybrid, Hybrid SE, Hybrid SEL, and Hybrid SEL Premium. Higher trims build on the gas-electric powertrain with equipment such as a touchscreen, navigation, heated seats, Fender audio, upgraded headlights, and a rearview camera.
What changed on the regular gas-powered 2013 Jetta trims?
The 2.5L SE gains several cabin and appearance upgrades, including power-recline front seats, metallic interior trim, leather-wrapped controls, and brighter chrome accents. The 2.5L SEL gets a softer dashboard, while its navigation system changes from standard to optional.
Is the 2013 Jetta meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
Yes, mainly if the hybrid powertrain or updated upper trims matter to you. The Hybrid range is entirely new for 2013, but most gas and diesel versions carry over with modest equipment and cabin changes rather than major mechanical revisions.