“Sporty drive with modern interior and safety. Very spacious interior for compact sedan.”
2020 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is Volkswagen’s newer Car-Net connected-services system with in-car Wi-Fi capability becoming standard across the lineup.
About the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
7th generation (A7), introduced for 2019; 2020 is the second model year.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a compact sedan that blends everyday efficiency with a more polished, upscale feel than many mainstream rivals. The core appeal is a roomy cabin, a large trunk, strong fuel economy from its turbo 1.4-liter engine, and available premium-style technology without moving up to a larger sedan. Compared with rivals, the Jetta leans toward clean design, comfort, and a more grown-up driving character instead of flashy styling.
The 1.4T S is the straightforward version, with LED headlights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the SE adds popular comfort and safety equipment. The R-Line pairs black exterior accents with a sport-tuned suspension, and the SEL focuses on cabin tech with an 8-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, and premium audio. The SEL Premium is the luxury-oriented version, with leather, ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory, and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Tech
Volkswagen’s newer Car-Net connected-services system and in-car Wi-Fi capability become standard on every trim. The SEL and SEL Premium gain standard wireless phone charging, while the SEL makes its former Cold Weather Package standard, including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and remote start.
Powertrain
The R-Line gains a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment.
Structural
The R-Line gains a sport-tuned suspension with a larger front stabilizer bar.
Styling
The SEL and SEL Premium move to standard 17-inch alloy wheels.
2020 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 | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| 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 2020 Volkswagen Jetta a redesign?
No. The 2020 Jetta is the second model year of the seventh-generation design introduced for 2019, so its updates are mainly connectivity and trim-equipment changes.
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is standard Car-Net connected services with in-car Wi-Fi capability across every 2020 Jetta trim.
What changed on the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line?
The 2020 Jetta R-Line gains a standard six-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension with a larger front stabilizer bar. It also receives the updated Car-Net system with in-car Wi-Fi capability.
What changed on the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL and SEL Premium?
Both upper trims gain wireless phone charging, updated Car-Net services, and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. The SEL also makes its former Cold Weather Package standard, including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and remote start.
Is a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta meaningfully different from a 2019 model?
Only in targeted ways. The 2020 adds standard connected services and in-car Wi-Fi across the lineup, gives the R-Line more driving-focused hardware, and adds convenience equipment to the SEL and SEL Premium, but it keeps the same basic generation introduced for 2019.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.2
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
(96 reviews)
“The 6-speed manual transmission has smoothness issues that I've documented prior and it fell on deaf ears.”
“The 2020 VW Jetta is practical, economical, reliable, and generally fun to drive (mine has a 6 speed manual transmission). Thank goodness I found the Jetta. Exactly what I needed, at a reasonable price, from a manufacturer with a solid reputation for building quality cars.”