2022 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport

The venerable VW bug may be gone, but you’ve still got a friend in the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

1.5T Sport.

For more than four decades Jetta has been a torchbearer for the VW brand, defining affordable

German engineering. This model year offers new technology and styling to elevate the value-

oriented, perennial best-seller.

My tester came equipped with the new 1.5-liter turbocharged, direct-inject engine found in the

recently launched Taos compact SUV.The engine was mated to a six-speed manual

transmission, generating 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The upshot is a combination

of low-speed torque and exceptional fuel economy.

My week behind the wheel produced a surprising efficient 46 miles per gallon fuel economy in

combined city and highway driving, making it an excellent commuter option with a base price

just over $20,000.

“As the best-selling VW for more than 30 years, Jetta has proven to be a compelling value,” said

Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy. With the introduction of

a new Sport trim, it is easier than ever for customers to get their hands on a vehicle with a

sporty appearance at a value oriented price point.”

The 2022 Jetta will be offered in four value-laden trim levels, while the GLI will be offered in one

fully-loaded trim. New for 2022 is the Jetta Sport trim, which features enthusiast-inspired content

at a value-oriented price point. The XDS electronic differential lock and dark graphite 17-inch

aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, along with a blacked-out grille, mirror caps and window

trim, a black headliner, and unique cloth sport seats. The Sport trim replaces the previous

model year’s R-Line trim.

On the outside, the Jetta Sport gets a style update with new front and rear bumpers, new colors

and new wheels. Ne came with an eye-catching “Rising Blue Metallic” coat of enamel. The

revised front end incorporates a new grille with two distinctive chrome bars flanking the VW

logo.

Inside, the Jetta Sport boasts upgraded technology and design updates throughout its cabin. A

digital cockpit instrument cluster now comes standard with an eight-inch display. Other goodies

include Wi-Fi capability, wireless phone charging, USB data ports, Bluetooth, wireless app-

connect for compatible devices, and rhombus cloths seats with contrast stitching.

Jetta Sport seats up to five adults and the 60/40 reach bench seat folds flat, expanding an

already large trunk, able to accommodate full-size golf bags without doing so. My adult son, who

stretches over a 6-foot 4-inch frame, was comfortable in the back seat, with head and leg room

to spare.

IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology is available on all Jetta trims.

Q.DRIVE includes front assist (forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking

with pedestrian monitoring), active blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane assist (lane keeping

system), adaptive cruise control with stop and go, travel assist (semi-automated driving

assistance), and emergency assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical

emergency).

That’s a safety suite common on luxury vehicles. Not so much with entry-level models starting

around $20k. VW’s refreshed Jetta ensures happiness for those loyal to the brand, and will no

doubt create new converts.

Base Price: $22,310

Price As Driven: $23,315

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List

price may vary at local dealerships.