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2021 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is the newer MIB3 touchscreen system on SEL and SEL Premium trims, bringing wireless smartphone integration. Otherwise, this is a light cabin update rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
7th gen (A7/Mk7 U.S. Jetta), introduced for 2019; 2021 is the third year and the last model year before the 2022 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a roomy, polished compact sedan for daily driving. Its main appeal is a clean design, strong fuel economy, a turbocharged gas engine, a comfortable back seat, and a large trunk, along with available comfort and tech upgrades as you move up the range. For most buyers, the Jetta is a commuter-friendly sedan that feels a little more upscale than many basic compact cars without turning into a luxury model.
The 2021 Jetta lineup ranges from the straightforward S to the comfort-focused SE, while the R-Line adds a sportier look with black exterior accents. The SEL emphasizes technology with digital gauges, premium audio, and added driver aids; the SEL Premium adds leather, ventilated front seats, memory settings, and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Tech
SEL and SEL Premium receive the newer 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL Premium also gets SiriusXM 360L, while SE and SEL gain a power-adjustable driver's seat.
Styling
R-Line, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium receive updated contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shifter.
2021 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 | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 41 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 41 mpg | 39 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 | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is the newer 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen system in the SEL and SEL Premium. It adds a newer interface and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which 2021 Jetta trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 2021 Jetta SEL and SEL Premium have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through their 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen systems. The S retains a 6.5-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
Did the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Jetta keeps the same basic 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine and front-wheel-drive layout. There is no major mechanical or chassis overhaul for this model year.
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta redesigned?
No, the 2021 Jetta was not redesigned. It is the third model year of the seventh-generation Jetta introduced for 2019, with modest cabin technology and equipment updates.
Is the 2021 Jetta meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
The difference is most noticeable in the upper trims. The 2021 SEL and SEL Premium get the newer MIB3 touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, while the SE gains a power-adjustable driver's seat; the basic engine and structure remain largely unchanged.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.1
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
(239 reviews)
“Clean styling, nice interior and materials used for interior takes car's styling to another level, transmission is like butter, torque makes driving a pleasure.”
“It's centered around the driver so the interior is very comfortable. I don't like the warning systems because they don't explain the issues, it just beeps at you. I wish the car had heated seats and a heated steering wheel as well as an automatic start function. The gas mileage is really good though.”