VW Adds Another Chapter to its Legacy of High-Quality Affordable Sedans

Ever since the Volkswagen Jetta was first introduced to American audiences in 1979, it set the tone for VW as one of the leading makers of reliable sedans that prioritize cost of ownership. Fast-forward to the current day and it appears the German automaker is sticking to its winning formula.

Considering gas prices are still relatively high and there’s an ongoing inflation issue, releasing an affordable sedan that’s great on gas mileage could not have come at a better time. Let’s do a deep dive into the new Jetta, how it saves drivers money, and highlight some of our favorite bells and whistles that are included.

Once we’ve covered that, we will provide some info on how to find the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta the next time you’re shopping for new cars for sale in Houston.

Taking the Crown for Cost of Ownership

During a period where financial times are tight, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is coming through in the clutch. First, it has a starting MSRP of $20,655, which easily makes it one of the most competitively priced sedans in its class.

The other big win for the new Jetta is the fuel economy. With an estimated 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway, the Jetta knows how to stretch a buck at the pumps.

Finally, the Jetta continues to live up to its reputation of being a reliable car that requires minimal maintenance. Included in the Carefree Coverage warranty package is two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled carefree maintenance, which will help drivers keep their Jetta in optimal condition. On a related note, Repair Pal gave the Volkswagen Jetta a high reliability rating, and estimates the average annual repair cost at just $609.

VW Jetta Main Performance Specs and Features

Depending on the trim level you select, the 2023 VW Jetta can either be outfitted with a four-cylinder 1.5L Turbo 6-speed engine with manual transmission or a 1.5L Turbo 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic, which provides greater control during gear changes.

Regardless of engine choice, the VW Jetta yields 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In an independent speed test, the VW Jetta was able to go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Although the Jetta doesn’t pack as much zip as the VW Golf R or Golf GTI, it’s got enough muscle under the hood to keep up with most sedans in its class.

Where the Jetta really excels is with its feature package. Once again, VW stepped up their game in the technology and infotainment department, ensuring that this is the most advanced iteration of the Jetta yet. IQ.DRIVE is a suite of driver assistance features that serves as an extra set of eyes and ears when drivers are behind the wheel. It includes a variety of assist features, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitor, and more.

The new Jetta also includes Digital Cockpit Pro, which offers state-of-the-art navigation and a wide assortment of customizable options. Drivers will also have access to several remote and connected features, which includes the recently updated myVW app. It makes keeping up with maintenance easy, and any roadside assistance request can be done right through your smartphone.

Additional standout features include:

  • Heated washer nozzles
  • Front grill integrated light bar
  • LED headlights
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Heated seats
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Driving mode selection
  • 8-inch touch screen display
  • App-Connect with smartphone integration
  • Bluetooth technology
  • Keyless access with push button start
  • Wireless charging

The 2023 VW Jetta is available in four trims, each with their own feature package and cosmetic upgrades. The VW Jetta SEL has an MSRP of $28,385 and includes every bell and whistle that Volkswagen offers.

How to Test Drive the 2023 VW Jetta

Now that you know more about the brand-new Jetta, the best way to see how it performs is by scheduling an in-person test drive. You can do that by searching the phrase “VW dealership near me” or “2023 Volkswagen Jetta near me.” Either one of those phrases should bring up the nearest location of a Volkswagen dealer in your area.

Once you’re at the dealership, you will be able to take the new Jetta for a spin and get more familiar with the different features it offers. This is also the best way to see how the different trim levels compare.

Keeping that in mind, our final verdict is that this new iteration of the Jetta continues its legacy of offering reliable performance and the value that comes with a low cost of ownership. The sleek design and generous feature package make this sedan feel like a steal.