Now in the seventh year of its sixth generation, the Volkswagen Jetta is approaching its 30th birthday as a little sedan that can.
For 2017, the Jetta receives a few upgrades, most in improved technology. New are a rearview camera on all trim levels and driver assistance features on lower trims. There’s also an updated infotainment system with a USB connection to replace the former cable connection.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the SEL trim with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 170 horsepower and a six-speed automatic.
- $27,815 as tested, from a $26,995 base price.
- 25 mpg city and 35 highway, 29 mpg combined.
- Four trims: S, SE, SEL and GLI, after the hybrid and diesel were discontinued for 2017.
- Handling: On narrow, abrupt ascents and descents on highways 152 and 156, the Jetta maneuvered like it knew the way.
- Interior: While not a trendsetter or a pillar of interior design, there’s something to be said for the Jetta’s minimalist interior.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
The Jetta hybrid and diesel have been discontinued for 2017, leaving four trims: S, SE, SEL and GLI. The SEL trim, my weekly driver, included many of the lengthy lists of the standard features on the lower trims and added or upgraded many areas.
A 1.8-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower is standard. It’s matched only with a six-speed automatic transmission. Upgrades included: chrome exterior accents, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power driver seat, a cooled glovebox, a navigation system and a six-speaker audio system. There’s also a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
About a half-dozen times per year and for more than a decade, I’ve driven my weekly drivers on the round-trip, 400-mile trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. Four years ago, I drove the 2014 Jetta SE. Recently, I drove the 2017 SEL trim.
With the exception of driving an SUV off-road or a high-end sports car on a winding country road with no one in sight, the trip to the Monterey Peninsula affords a varied array of driving circumstances.
I can’t think in recent memory of any car that handled the open road, the winding, oddly cambered roads near San Luis Reservoir and the around-town city treks better than the Jetta, with one exception. The new Volvo S60 handled the same route like a supercar.
But the Jetta for its price range is hard to beat. Its primary competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Mazda 3 and Hyundai Elantra. They’re all fine cars, but the Jetta holds its own.
On Interstate 5, where the flow of traffic often exceeds the speed limit, the Jetta fared well.
On narrow, abrupt ascents and descents on highways 152 and 156, the Jetta maneuvered like it knew the way.
On the downtown city streets of Monterey and Carmel, I parallel parked with ease, fit in tight driveways and accelerated smoothly after stop signs or traffic lights on inclines.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Verdict
While not a trendsetter or a pillar of interior design, there’s something to be said for the Jetta’s minimalist interior. Leather seating isn’t offered, but the leatherette is satisfactory. The adjustable armrest between the two front seats is versatile and the audio screen controls are simple and efficient.
Likes
Spacious interior and trunk. Smooth ride quality. Good gas mileage. Good maneuverability.
Dislikes
Interior design and materials need upgrading.
Facts & Figures: 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $26,995 |
| As-Tested Price | $27,815 |
| Engine | 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 170 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
