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2019 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is an all-new, seventh-generation model built on Volkswagen's MQB platform. The redesign brings a longer wheelbase, a roomier cabin, updated powertrain packaging, fresh technology, and a revised trim lineup.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
7th generation (A7, 2019-2024), first year of the redesigned model.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a compact sedan with a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals, but without giving up efficiency or everyday practicality. The brand leans on clean styling, a roomy interior, strong highway fuel economy, and easy-to-use tech. For most shoppers, the Jetta’s appeal is that it is a comfortable commuter and family sedan that feels a bit more polished inside than many small-car competitors.
The S is the value-focused version, with LED lighting and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE adds everyday comfort and safety equipment, while the SEL emphasizes digital gauges and driver aids; the new R-Line brings sportier styling, and the new SEL Premium tops the range with leather, navigation, and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Jetta moves to Volkswagen's MQB platform with a longer wheelbase, a redesigned body and cabin, and more interior space.
Powertrain
The redesigned lineup uses a 147-hp 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with a six-speed manual or new eight-speed automatic. Estimated fuel economy rises to 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with either transmission. The former 1.8T SEL continues as the 1.4T SEL, while the 2.0T GLI leaves the lineup for 2019.
Styling
The body and cabin are fully redesigned, and LED headlights and taillights become standard throughout the range. The new R-Line adds black exterior trim, 17-inch wheels, a sport rear bumper, fog lights, and special interior details.
Safety
The SE adds forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. The SEL and SEL Premium add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams.
Tech
A 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto becomes standard across the lineup. The SEL adds a 10.25-inch digital gauge display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and premium audio, while the new SEL Premium adds navigation and comfort upgrades. The new SEL Premium joins the range, and the Wolfsburg Edition is discontinued.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta a redesigned model?
Yes. The 2019 Jetta begins the seventh generation with Volkswagen's MQB platform, a longer wheelbase, a redesigned body and cabin, and more interior space.
What engine and transmissions does the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta have?
The 2019 Jetta uses a 147-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It is paired with a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic, and both are rated at an estimated 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Which Jetta trims changed for 2019?
The R-Line and SEL Premium join the Jetta range for 2019. The Wolfsburg Edition, SE Sport, and 2.0T GLI are dropped, while the former 1.8T SEL continues as the 1.4T SEL with the redesigned model's smaller turbo engine.
What technology became standard on the 2019 Jetta?
Every 2019 Jetta has LED headlights and taillights plus a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, premium audio, navigation, and more driver aids.
Is the 2019 Jetta meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
Yes. The 2019 Jetta is a full redesign rather than a small update, with a new platform, a longer wheelbase, a redesigned cabin and body, a new eight-speed automatic, improved fuel economy, and more standard lighting and phone-integration technology.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.0
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
(313 reviews)
“It's an amazing car. Drives well and it has enough power to get you out of sticky situations. And did I mention it's amazing in gas?!?!”
“The 2019 Jetta is a pleasure to own. Fun to drive with plenty of power from the turbocharged engine. Great gas mileage and great looking too. Incredible factory stereo with extreme bass.”