Volkswagen no longer sells the Passat in Canada, a victim of buyers’ preference for SUVs, and the Golf hatchback is now restricted to its performance GTI and Golf R versions, but the Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan soldiers on. It receives a refresh for 2022, with a new engine and updated styling.
The higher-horsepower Jetta GLI is also still around, but I drove the regular Jetta. For the 2021 model, it carried a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder making 147 horsepower. It now receives a 1.5L turbo-four, borrowed from the compact Taos SUV, making 158 horsepower along with 184 lb-ft of torque.
It’s mated to a six-speed manual in the base Trendline trim, starting at $22,895; and in the mid-level Comfortline at $25,895. Both can be optioned with an eight-speed automatic for $1,400. I was in the top Highline trim, which comes only with the autobox for $29,895, with all prices before a freight charge of $1,750, and then applicable taxes. My car was further topped up with a coat of King’s Red paint — perhaps a harbinger of things to come, as Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne when I drove it — for an additional $295.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
Despite the extra power, fuel consumption improves slightly over the 2021 model. The 1.4L with automatic was officially rated at 7.1 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving, while the 1.5L is rated at 6.8. I got slightly better in my week with it at 6.6 L/100 km, and it takes regular-grade gasoline.
The little engine generally handles the daily drive very well, although when you put your foot down for highway passing, there’s an annoying little split-second of lag before it takes off like a scared rabbit. There is a manual mode on the shifter for sequentially going up or down between the gears if you like, but no paddle shifters on the steering wheel. But then, this is intended as an everyday commuter, and those who want sportier can opt for the Jetta GLI and its 228-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine.
The steering is pleasantly light and the car responds well to it, and the Highline includes an electronic front differential lock — all Jetta trims are front-wheel drive — that helps keep it tucked into corners. It still doesn’t stick quite as well in the curves or handle as sharply as its sport-suspension GLI sibling does, which has a multi-link rear suspension to the Jetta’s torsion-bar back end, and also includes a rear anti-roll bar and larger brakes. But that’s the point behind having two versions, and the trade-off for the Jetta is refined on-road manners and a very smooth and pliable ride, even on rougher pavement, that makes it very comfortable as an everyday commuter.
Already a handsome car, the Jetta gets a tweak to its front and rear styling. I’ve heard some people call it dull, but I’ve always thought it’s timeless. It’s going to continue to look good as it ages, while cars with more aggressive styling are likely going to appear dated.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
The interior looks a bit odd in straight-on photos, as if Salvador Dali had designed its sloping dash as he did his famously melting clocks, but it’s because the centre stack is turned slightly toward the driver for easier access. The Golf was recently redesigned and burdened with distractingly difficult controls, but the Jetta retains the simplicity of buttons and dials for its climate functions; and while the infotainment system isn’t the ultimate market leader for ease of use, its touchscreen capability, volume and tuning dials, and quick taps to bring up menus get the job done.
Legroom is good for the car’s size, both in the front and back seats. As with most German brands, the seats are firmer than in most rivals, but they’re very supportive and stay comfortable on long drives. I went for a full day’s meandering in it and my back felt great after several hours on the road. Small-item storage up front is good, including the large door pockets; the trunk is large and the rear seats fold for carrying longer items.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Highline Photo by Jil McIntosh
The base trim isn’t quite as base as expected. The driver’s seat is manually-adjustable and the touchscreen is a 6.5-inch unit, but you still get heated cloth seats, heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB Type-C port, LED headlights, and emergency front braking. The midrange Comfortline adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, eight-inch touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, power seat, auto-dimming mirror, and “leatherette” upholstery.
At my top Highline trim, you also get leather-clad ventilated seats, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, configurable instrument cluster, premium stereo and navigation.
Even as automakers focus more on their SUVs, and the domestic automakers have gotten out of the compact sedan segment entirely, the Jetta still faces some serious competition from cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. They’re all solid choices, but with its comfortable seats and ride, the Jetta deserves a test-drive against them. Also have a look when you’re considering a small sport-utility, but a sedan might get the job done just as well.
Keyword: Car Review: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta