Volkswagen of America has announced that it’s updating the Jetta and the Jetta GLI for the 2022 model year. The updates, though mild, will add power to the base car and slightly improved styling throughout the range. Perhaps the biggest change for the 2022 model year is the updated EA211 1.5-liter engine. It makes 158 hp and 249 Nm of torque, which is 11 more horsepower and no extra torque over the outgoing engine.
The upgraded engine, first introduced in the new Taos compact crossover, has been modified to have a higher compression ratio, plasma coated cylinder walls to decrease friction, and variable turbine geometry for the turbo, all in pursuit of torque and efficiency. The updated engine will still be paired to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. According to VW execs, the car’s 0-60 times are expected to be in the “high 7s or low 8s”. The Jetta GLI keeps its 2.0-liter EA888 engine. It makes 228 hp and 349 Nm of torque and can be paired either to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
For 2022, the Jetta gets a mild visual update, too. New front and rear bumpers will join new color and wheel options for the model year. Along with the slightly reworked bumpers, VW has added twin chrome bars that stretch across the grille behind the VW logo. The GLI’s characteristic red stripe will sit between the lines. Its lower front fascia will also feature legacy honeycomb details. At the back, the GLI will also get a black honeycomb diffusor to go with the new bumper and wider dual-exit exhausts will make the car sound better, VW says. The base Jetta will be available in seven colors (including the new Kings Red Metallic, Oryx White Metallic, and Rising Blue Metallic), while the GLI will be offered in five colors. Wheels range from 16-inches for the lowest trim models all the way up to 18-inches for the GLI. Two optional black-wheel packages will be available.
New for 2022 is the Jetta Sport trim. Replacing the R-Line trim, the value-oriented package will get black brightwork along its windows like the GLI, instead of the chrome stuff the other models get. It also gets a blackout grille, black mirror caps, dark graphite 17-inch wheels, the XDS electronic differential, and the EA211 engine. The car is priced just above the base S trim in the lineup, making it a value proposition targeted directly at enthusiasts.
Volkswagen’s 8-inch digital instrument cluster now comes standard for the 2022 model year, while the GLI gets the 10-inch cluster. The regular Jetta‘s higher trims also get the company’s latest infotainment software, wireless charging, and App-connect for compatible devices. New cloth seats are standard with a rhombus pattern while the Sport trim gets its own sport cloth seats. Leatherette and leather are also available, with the latter being offered in a new two-tone black and brown configuration. The GLI gets red stitching throughout and a new leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with touch functions that light up in red. The Jetta now comes with optional front and rear heated seats, as well as ventilated seats for the front passengers.
Although it’s one of a dying breed, Volkswagen says it remains committed to sedans generally and the Jetta specifically. With year-to-date sales up 5% over last year, the Jetta is the American VW with the best name recognition and the second most loyal customers. The new version of the sedan is expected to reach dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021.
