“I prefer the older, more conservative styling of the Jetta. But I love the extra roominess of the new Jetta. I find the various menus on screen to be confusing and often cannot find the information I want. I also find VW navigation to be very NOT up to date.”
2023 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is that remote engine start becomes standard on the SE trim. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year with only minor cosmetic revisions and no major mechanical or technology updates.
About the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
7th generation, introduced for 2019; second model year after the 2022 mid-cycle refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a practical compact sedan with clean styling, a roomy five-passenger cabin, a large trunk, strong fuel economy, and a more European driving feel than many rivals. Its core appeal is everyday usability: a torque-rich turbo engine, simple controls, digital gauges across the range, and useful comfort and safety equipment without moving to a larger sedan. Sport adds light handling flavor, while SE and SEL emphasize comfort and technology.
The S is the practical entry point, with a 158-hp turbocharged engine, LED lighting, and an 8-inch digital gauge display. The Sport adds handling-focused hardware and sportier details without extra power, while the SE emphasizes comfort with heated synthetic-leather seats and highway driving aids. The SEL is the premium regular Jetta, with leather, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
Volkswagen made minor cosmetic revisions, but there was no major redesign of the body, lighting, or front end.
Tech
Remote engine start became standard equipment on the SE trim. There was no lineup-wide infotainment upgrade.
2023 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 | 42 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 42 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 | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is standard remote engine start on the SE trim. The rest of the lineup carries over with only minor cosmetic revisions.
Was the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta redesigned?
No, the 2023 Jetta was not redesigned. It is the second model year after the 2022 mid-cycle refresh and has only small cosmetic and equipment changes.
Did the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta get a new engine?
No, the 2023 Jetta keeps the same 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel-drive layout as the 2022 model.
Which 2023 Volkswagen Jetta trim has standard remote start?
The 2023 Jetta SE has factory remote engine start as standard equipment. This is the clearest trim-specific equipment addition for the model year.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta much different from the 2022 model?
No, the 2023 Jetta is not much different from the 2022 model. The main practical difference is standard remote start on the SE, along with minor cosmetic revisions across the lineup.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.2
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
(101 reviews)
“If you're looking for a car with a good amount of power and handling this make and model is for you. This car is a lot of fun to drive. The aesthetics of this vehicle are sharp and won't disappoint. The single touch controls on the steering wheel don't work well, as well as the no-touch touchscreen. Space in the back seat is small for adults. Overall I would rate this car 8.5/10”
“I really like the amount of pick up it has for the mileage. We went on a road trip and we went forever before having to fuel up. It's very comfortable”