“The Jetta is quiet, roomy, has great safety features, if some come as optional while others are standard, and the gas mileage is phenomenal.”
2022 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta receives its biggest update since the current generation arrived for 2019. The headline change is a new 158-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine, joined by refreshed styling, updated cabin details, and more standard technology.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
7th generation Jetta (A7), introduced for 2019; 2022 is the mid-cycle refresh year.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a compact sedan with a more polished, grown-up feel than many entry small cars. VW’s 2022 messaging centered on space, value, drivability, and a youthful but clean design. In practical terms, the Jetta’s identity is a roomy, fuel-efficient commuter with a large trunk, straightforward tech, and a calmer highway character than many compact-sedan rivals, while still offering a manual gearbox on lower trims for buyers who want a little more driver involvement.
The S keeps things simple with LED headlights, digital gauges, smartphone integration, and automatic emergency braking. The Sport adds black exterior details and better traction in turns, while the comfort-focused SE brings heated seats and added driver assistance. At the top, the SEL has leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, navigation, premium audio, and a larger digital gauge display.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 158-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the previous 1.4-liter turbo throughout the regular Jetta lineup.
Styling
The front and rear styling is revised. Inside, the Jetta receives a new steering wheel, shifter, and trim details, while the new Sport pairs black exterior accents with a darker cabin theme.
Safety
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking become standard on the S. The SE gains standard adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance as part of its expanded driver-assistance package.
Tech
An 8-inch digital instrument cluster becomes standard on S, Sport, and SE, while SEL receives a larger 10.25-inch display.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 43 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 43 mpg |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 158 hp | 158 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| 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 2022 Volkswagen Jetta a major update over the 2021 model?
Yes. The 2022 Jetta is a mid-cycle update with a new 1.5-liter turbo engine, revised front and rear styling, refreshed cabin details, standard digital gauges, and a simplified trim lineup.
What engine does the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta have?
The regular 2022 Jetta uses a 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It replaces the 1.4-liter turbo used in the 2021 lineup.
Did the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line continue?
No. Volkswagen dropped the R-Line and added the Sport for 2022. The Sport combines black exterior accents, a black headliner, and an electronic front differential that improves traction in turns.
Which trims are in the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta lineup?
The regular 2022 Jetta lineup consists of S, Sport, SE, and SEL. The previous SEL Premium was dropped, leaving SEL as the most upscale regular Jetta trim.
Does every 2022 Volkswagen Jetta have digital gauges?
Yes. Digital gauges are standard throughout the regular 2022 Jetta lineup. S, Sport, and SE use an 8-inch display, while SEL has a 10.25-inch display.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.3
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
(40 reviews)
“My vehicle met my expectations for safety, easiness to drive, price, follow-up service and maintenance, infotainment, communication with family and friends, and overall conservative outer and interior design features”
“It's a great car good gas mileage. Only thing I don't like is no spare tire. Had a flat at 2000 miles and the fix flat didn't work. Had to leave my car sit in the middle of the road. Took the tire to go get fixed.”