The German brand's iconic mid-size sedan receives design, equipment, and safety improvements for the 2022 model year to help the Jetta stay relevant and fresh.

While global trends point to a shift in favor of crossovers and SUVs, sedans like the Jetta, still remain a popular choice for new car buyers. In fact, sedans contribute to over 29-percent of sales for Volkswagen. This is why VW has finally given the Jetta a nip and tuck three years after it first introduced this new generation. The car receives some cosmetic updates, as with any mid-cycle refresh, and some significant ones in terms of equipment and safety.

Let’s start with the styling, shall we? I’ll be honest here, I’ve never really been a fan of this particular generation of the Jetta. But, it has grown on me since and I think VW has made subtle improvements to the overall aesthetic. Both the front and rear ends of the Jetta and the Jetta GLI have been revised, which now get revamped bumpers and a significantly reworked, larger grille.

It now proudly wears VW’s updated logo. Lower down in the bumper, you’ll find wider air intakes and auxiliary lights that now use LEDs rather than conventional bulbs. VW has also taken full advantage of this mid-cycle update by offering some new wheels and body colors, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue. I particularly like what they’ve done with the GLI model. With its red accents, big 18-inch rims, and those purposeful tail chrome pipes, they really have nailed the design on the GLI.

While the revisions to the exterior are subtle at best, it’s on the interior where the Jetta really shows progress, especially in terms of new tech. Regardless of the trim you choose, all-new Jetta’s will now come with VW’s digital driver's display as standard, a feature that’s not so common at this end of the market. The base model gets an eight-inch Drivers Digital Cockpit, while models up the range will get a 10-inch unit that is found on the GLI. The MIB3 infotainment, which is standard on the GLI, also gets wireless charging and smartphone connectivity.

VW has also added a Volcano brown leather trim to the list of available options. As a distinguishing feature, the GLI will feature a fully redesigned sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, a feature that debuted on the MK.8 Golf. Dubbed the IQ.DRIVE assistance technology, there’s a host of safety features on offer with the new Jetta, like the adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian monitoring, lane keep assist, and auto emergency braking.

As far as engines go, the new 2022 Jetta introduces a new 1.5 turbo engine (EA211) instead of the outgoing 1.4 borrowed from the Taos. As on the crossover, this mill produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, a minor gain of 11 horsepower over the previous 1.4. You can have it with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Jetta GLI meanwhile retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (EA888) from last year. The engine's horsepower and torque figures also remain unchanged at 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, respectively.} You can get the same 6-speed manual or VW’s 7-speed DSG automatic, with this mill.

Also new for 2022, is a new Sport trim, that replaces the previous R Line. It will now cater to the enthusiast and will offer great value. It features an XDS differential along with styling bits borrowed from the top-spec GLI.

Pricing on the new Jetta is yet to be announced, however, expect VW to position it aggressively. The outgoing model started in the region of $20,000 and I see no reason why VW would change that, as one of Jetta’s strengths remains its value. Expect the new Jetta to hit showrooms by the end of 2021.