2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta has long been one of the leading choices for the compact sedan segment, and with a pleasing redesign for the 2019 model-year, with a more sophisticated look, new technologies, and new premium features, it raises the bar even higher. In this 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 Volkswagen Jetta comparison, we highlight many of these changes.

The 2019 Jetta — which utilizes Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture — boasts a bold new look, with a prominent front grille, sharp lines, and a sloped roofline. The 2019 Jetta is larger, with a wheelbase of 105.7 inches, compared to 104.4 inches for the 2018 Jetta. This results in more interior space, with added headroom and legroom for each passenger. The 2019 Jetta comes standard with a wide array of premium features, including full LED lighting, App-Connect, and aluminum alloy wheels. Despite all of these upgrades and enhancements, the 2019 Jetta has a lower starting price than the 2018 Jetta ($18,545 vs $18,645 MSRP).

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Blue 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, VS Icon, and Blue 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Jetta VS 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,545 Base MSRP $18,645
Standard App-Connect Available
Available 10-Color Ambient Lighting No
105.7 inches Wheelbase 104.4 inches

Differences Between the 2019 VW Jetta and 2018 VW Jetta

An impressive new feature in the 2019 Jetta is the optional customizable wrap-around ambient lighting, which comes in 10 different color choices for creating the perfect atmosphere. Additional available features in the 2019 Jetta include the 400-watt BeatsAudio system, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

On the performance front, the both the 2019 and 2018 Jetta offer the same engine lineup, including the 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI base engine. However, the 2019 Jetta offers a newly-available eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2018 Jetta offers an available six-speed automatic transmission.

Both Jetta models deliver high-level safety, especially with the plethora of available driver assistance technologies, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, High Beam Control, and the Lane Keeping System. Additional peace of mind comes courtesy of the Volkswagen "People First Warranty," which is a very generous 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage.

Front View of Blue 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Rear View of Blue 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Steering Wheel, Gauges, and Touchscreen of 2019 VW Jetta
Headlight and Grille of Blue 2019 VW Jetta