Bang for Your Buck: 2020 Volkswagen Jetta

When you want a car that gives you the most for the least, you should consider the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, which offers excellent value.

This is a great car to buy as a pre-owned model that shouldn’t have a lot of miles on the odometer. With the spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and impressive level of technology, you won’t feel like you’ve settled for anything when you take this VW out on the road. The Jetta is one of the most popular choices for drivers looking for something a bit European instead of the typical models we see every day.

What Does the Jetta Bring to Your Drive?

Looking at a model from a couple of years ago gives you a chance to spend less and get more for your drive. That’s what having the most bang for your buck is all about. You’ll love the smooth ride, the standard Wi-Fi hotspot, impressive fuel mileage, and some excellent features on higher trims. Find the Jetta that brings you everything you’re looking for, and you’ll have a small car with a lot to offer. This can be the car you love to drive every day for a long time.

Keeping it Real with some Pros and Cons

Every car has its ups and downs or pros and cons, including the Volkswagen Jetta. When you consider these factors, you have a clearer picture of what to expect from this vehicle. For the Jetta, you’ll find:

Pros

• A cabin that’s nearly as spacious as a midsize sedan
• Impressive driving manners giving you comfort and composure together
• Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Most models should still have some of the six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
• GLI performance models can be a lot of fun

Cons

• Both the Mazda3 and Honda Civic are attractive and typically more affordable
• Longer warranties offered for the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte

Let’s Talk More About that Cabin

The Volkswagen Jetta has a large enough cabin to be in a midsize sedan, even though the Jetta is a compact model. You’ll find room seating, impressive materials, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen on lower trims, and an 8-inch screen for higher trims. The trunk measures 14.1 cubic feet, which is generous for a vehicle in this class. The only oddity in the cabin is the rear shelf behind the rear seats, which slopes upward instead of lying flat.

Admire this Attractive Sedan

If you’ve seen the Jetta before, you know it brings a conservative and handsome style to the road, giving you an excellent way to enjoy the drive. You’ll be pleased to have the ride you want when you get behind the wheel and take this impressive model out for a spin. Different trims offer upgraded styling treatments, including the R-Line trim, which shows you the sporty side of the Jetta before you get to the GLI model. That GLI version sits slightly lower and adds a rear spoiler to the mix.

What Trims and Equipment Will You Find?

When you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, you pretty much have to live with whatever the previous owner added to the car. If you know what each trim includes, you can search by trim to find the Jetta that’s right for you. The various trims of this VW are:

S Trim (base model)

• • LED headlights/daytime running lights/taillights
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 6.5-inch infotainment screen
  • 4-speaker audio system
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Two USB-C ports

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

SE Trim

• Keyless entry
• Push-button starting
• Heated side mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate controls
• Forward-collision mitigation
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Simulated leather upholstery

R-Line Trim

• Fog lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

SEL Trim

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Remote engine starting
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Self-dimming rearview mirror
• Two USB-A ports
• Wireless Charging
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-keeping assistance

SEL Premium Trim

• 8-way power driver’s seat w/memory setting
• Navigation system

GLI S Trim

• variable-ratio steering
• Limited-slip differential
• Selectable drive modes
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Six-speaker audio system
• 6.5-inch touchscreen

GLI Autobahn

• Adaptive suspension
• Panoramic tilt/slide sunroof
• 8-way power driver’s seat w/memory settings
• Perforated leather upholstery
• Beats 8-speaker/400-watt audio system
• Satellite radio
• CD player
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Digital driver-information display

What are Some of the Favorite Features of the Volkswagen Jetta?

Depending on the trim level you’re looking at, you’ll find a version of the Audi Digital Cockpit in the VW Jetta. This is a boon to this little vehicle, making it more attractive and upscale than you might expect. This feature gives you a 10.25-inch digital information display, an optional item in some trims and standard on the top version. The Beats Audio system is also a nice feature of this car. If you’re looking for an excellent way to get the most bang for your buck, having clear, crisp music certainly aids in that endeavor. This is also a feature reserved for higher trims of the Jetta.

Power and Efficiency in Your Volkswagen

The Jetta uses a small engine, regardless of the trim level. This small car doesn’t need a lot of power to get it going. Both engines offer maximum torque at low RPMs, allowing for impressive acceleration off the line. All models not wearing the GLI badge use a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. This gives you 147 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. Of torque. For this powertrain, the fuel mileage maxes out at 30 city/40 hwy mpg.

GLI models have a 20-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine attached to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You’ll enjoy 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. Of torque in these versions. Fuel mileage for the GLI powertrain reaches 25 city/33 hwy mpg at its maximum level.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta the right small car to give you the most bang for your buck? Will you find the trim you want and start driving today? Take a test drive and find out how quick and fun this little sedan can be.