2017 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta’s interior design is conservative, and much of it is decked out in low-rent, hard plastic relative to what you can get in competing cars. For reference, competitors like the Kia Forte and Honda Civic offer posh interiors with soft-touch surfaces. Seating is quite comfortable in the Jetta, and most should find the rear seats to have plenty of room for a compact car. Tech features are impressive, with great functionality and loads of optional equipment. The Jetta’s trunk is one of the largest in the class, rivaling those of midsize cars.

• "Most of today's compact sedans feature interiors with edgy shapes and accents, a fair level of quality materials, and plenty of tech features, all of which appeal to the young buyers who are drawn to these cars. By comparison, the cabin of the Jetta looks very traditional and feels a little cheap. For example, the lower trim levels are cursed with hard, shiny plastic, which has become a thing of the past from other brands except for the most price-conscious models. Rivals such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and even the Volkswagen Golf hatchback offer more attractive, higher-quality, soft-touch interiors." -- Edmunds
• "The interior has undergone a refit, as well, with new higher quality materials and switchgear that give a more upscale appearance." -- Left Lane News (2015)
• "Design-wise, the Jetta's interior could be called 'minimalist-chic.'" -- Kelley Blue Book (2016)

Seating

The 2017 Jetta seats five and comes standard with cloth upholstery. Heated leatherette seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are optional. For installing car seats, the Jetta’s standard LATCH system includes lower anchors on both outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all three rear seats.

There’s no question that the Jetta’s front seats are comfortable and roomy. The rear seats provide quite a bit more space than most other compact cars.

• "And when it comes to interior space, the Jetta shines. The backseat's expansive dimensions dwarf those of just about every other compact sedan and hatchback, including the VW Golf." -- Edmunds
• "For a compact car, the 5-passenger 2016 Jetta sedan by Volkswagen has good interior space, although rear-seat legroom lags behind the Hyundai Elantra and Chevy Cruze." -- Kelley Blue Book (2016)
• "Front and rear seats in all test cars were comfy, legroom generous for a small car." -- USA Today (2015)

Interior Features

Standard equipment includes a rearview camera and an infotainment system that features a 5-inch touch screen, four speakers, a USB port, and Bluetooth.

Optional amenities include a power sunroof, keyless entry, a 6.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system, rear cross traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, a cooled glove box, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and heated windshield washer nozzles with rain-sensing wipers.

The Jetta’s infotainment system features a user-friendly and intuitive layout. SE-and-above models get the upgraded infotainment system with the 6.3-inch touch screen, which features crisp graphics. It also uses Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Volkswagen’s own suite of apps, which will allow you to lock or unlock your Jetta and program navigation ahead of time, among other things. Sound quality with the Jetta GLI’s standard Fender stereo system is impressive.

See 2017 Volkswagen Jetta specs »

• "The 2017 Jetta does measure up well in technology. There are two available touchscreen sizes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and VW's own suite of connected conveniences and services. The interface is sharp, simple to use, and now offers a standard USB port for a wired smartphone connection. Audiophiles will appreciate the ability of the sound system to play FLAC-type music files." -- Edmunds
• "Advanced technology and a plethora of high-quality materials are laid out in a simple, easy-to-use format devoid of multiple buttons and overly complicated screens." -- Kelley Blue Book (2016)
• "The telematics system is easy to use and the Fender premium audio system blasts 400 watts." -- Motor Trend (2015)

Cargo

Rivaling the space of midsize cars, the Jetta’s trunk is huge by class standards. At 15.7 cubic feet, it’s larger than the trunks in both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Compared to other compact cars, only the Nissan Sentra comes close, with 15.1 cubic feet of space in its trunk. If you need even more room, collapse the 60/40 split-folding rear seats to accommodate longer objects like skis or hockey sticks.

• "… the trunk volume … rivals that of even midsize sedans." -- Edmunds
• "Especially notable is the amount of cargo space behind the rear seat. … the sedan's trunk is in a higher league, and when you need even more room the rear seats fold." -- Kelley Blue Book (2016)
• "The trunk is as roomy as cars a size larger." -- USA Today (2015)