Updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sports $1,200 Price Bump
Refreshed for 2022, the Volkswagen Jetta sees minor exterior changes, but an updated engine and more standard safety technology. It also gains a new Sport trim level that replaces the outgoing R-Line and slots just above the base S trim. Value-minded shoppers will find a $1,200 bump in the compact sedan’s base price, which is now $21,190 (all prices include the destination charge) for the S with a manual transmission. The price of admission for the performance-oriented Jetta GLI, meanwhile, is more dramatic: As only the top-tier Autobahn remains, with no more S trim, the 2022 Jetta GLI’s performance variant now starts at $31,990.
Related: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI: Mild Updates Keep Compact Sedan Going
We reported in August that the 2022 Jetta would hit dealers in November, but today’s pricing announcement didn’t reiterate that timeline. When asked to clarify, VW spokesman Mark Gillies told Cars.com via email that the Jetta’s arrival “has been moved back — probably January.”
The 2022 Jetta will come in five trim levels: S, Sport, SE, SEL and the range-topping GLI Autobahn. All but the GLI have a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s shared with the new Taos SUV and is good for 158 horsepower (up 11 horses from the outgoing model). The performance-leaning Jetta GLI returns with the same 228-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the outgoing GLI. A six-speed manual is standard, with an eight-speed automatic available; the Jetta GLI’s automatic option is a seven-speed, dual-clutch unit.
New for 2022, all Jettas have standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, a blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. (Such features were previously part of a $500 options package on the Jetta S and included higher up.) VW’s IQ.Drive system, optional on the S and Sport trims and included higher up, adds adaptive cruise control and hands-on lane centering.
The 2022 Jetta’s competitors include the Honda Civic, which is completely redesigned for 2022 and starts at $22,915; the popular Toyota Corolla, which starts at $21,100; and the Hyundai Elantra, which gets a high-performance N Line treatment and comes with the most affordable starting price tag of the bunch, at $20,875.
Trims and Pricing
S: The base S returns with standard features like 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. For 2022, it gains standard forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. IQ.Drive can be added for $955.
- Manual transmission: $21,190
- Automatic transmission: $21,990
Sport: Replacing the outgoing R-Line, the Jetta Sport adds an electronic differential lock, 17-inch black alloy wheels and a black treatment to the grille, window trim, mirror caps and headliner. As on the S, the IQ.Drive package is optional here for $955.
- Manual transmission: $22,090
- Automatic transmission: $22,890
SE: The SE adds vinyl (leatherette) seating, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and push-button start. Other comfort and convenience upgrades include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard IQ.Drive. Both the SE and SEL come with an automatic transmission only.
- Automatic transmission: $24,790
SEL: The premium trim for the standard Jetta gains adaptive projector LED headlights, leather seats, a larger (8-inch) touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. It also sees additional tech features like voice control and navigation, wireless charging and a premium BeatsAudio sound system.
- Automatic transmission: $28,790
GLI Autobahn: Along with its more powerful engine, the Jetta GLI stands out from the standard Jetta models with an electronically controlled, torque-sensing limited-slip differential and adaptive shock absorbers. It also adds a drive-mode selector and sport exhaust. The GLI offers the creature comforts of the SEL plus upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels and unique interior elements like red contrast stitching, stainless-steel pedals, illuminated door sills and ambient lighting.
- Manual transmission: $31,990
- Automatic transmission: $32,790
More From Cars.com:
- Volkswagen Upgrades Tech, Safety Features for 2021
- Which Compact Sedan Has the Best Value?
- VW Announces Price Changes for Most of Its 2021 (and 2021.5) Lineup
- Research the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
- Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions?
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