DecodedCars2022 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Gli 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 158 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 43 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,976–3,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2022 compact car (28.2 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 158 hp, versus about 252 hp for similar 2022 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,976 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 43 highway), 24% better than the 2022 compact car average of 28.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2022
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Jetta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Jetta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,976 lb | 59/41 |
| Gli 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,225 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 41 / 35 | +24% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Jetta | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 43 / 34 | +21% | $1,950 | 259 |
| Jetta SE/SEL | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +17% | $2,050 | 268 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13% |
Similar 2022 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software · Jul 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V514000 · 43,091 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Not every 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →