2018 Volkswagen Jetta SE: An Overview

TopSpeed

By Mark McNabb

Published Oct 13, 2017

Practicality meets a palatable price

This week finds a 2018 Volkswagen Jetta SE in my driveway. No, it’s not a ground-breaking new model or even some mid-cycle refresh. Rather, the Jetta lives on unchanged for years past. For the most part, however, that’s just fine. In fact, I’ve quickly grown to appreciate the Jetta for its no-nonsense approach and impressive practicality.

This compact sedan offers some surprising features for being an SE trim, or in VW Jetta terms, one trim level up from the base S. It boasts keyless entry and go, and a respectability sized touch screen with a user-friendly interface. The system even includes satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Simple yet efficient HVAC controls and three-way heated front seats keep comfort levels high, though it’s missing dual-zone temperature controls and rear air vents.

Under the hood lies a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder making 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission (yes, a five-speed) that powers the front wheels. Despite it missing a sixth gear, the EPA estimates the Jetta to get 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

As for price, the 2018 Jetta SE with the standard manual transmission starts around $21,000.

Feel free to leave comments about anything you’d like to see on the Jetta or questions I can answer.