2024 Jetta and Jetta GLI: Volkswagen's entry models continue to maximize value
11/02/2023
Volkswagen
The Jetta has defined affordable German engineering for more than four decades, spending more than three of them as Volkswagen's best-selling model. The torchbearer was refreshed for 2022, with new technology and styling elevating both the value-oriented Jetta and the sporty Jetta GLI.
New for 2024
The Jetta is available in four trims for model year 2024-S, Sport, SE, and SEL. The 2024 GLI is offered in two trims-40th Anniversary Edition and Autobahn. The Jetta and GLI now offer standard IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology on all models with automatic transmission (the full feature set outside of Emergency Assist is also standard on all models with manual transmission). In addition, S trims add an eco-leather trimmed steering wheel, gearshift knob in leather, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wiper function. Sport trims add heated front seats and a space-saving spare wheel. GLI Autobahn models add a heated steering wheel for model year 2024.
New for 2024 is a limited edition, value-oriented GLI model: the 40th Anniversary Edition. GLI Autobahn models add a heated steering wheel for model year 2024.
MSRP for the 2024 Jetta starts at $21,435 and GLI starts at $28,085; destination is $1,150 for all Jetta family models.
Exterior
Based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, the Jetta uses dynamic exterior lines and taut surfaces to produce an elegant and athletic coupe-like profile.
Both Jetta and GLI models feature a large front grille. On Jetta, two wide chrome bars sit at the top and bottom, while two slimmer chrome strips flank the VW logo. All four bars flow into the headlight housings, creating a wrap-around effect with the LED signature lights, which emphasizes the Jetta's wide stance. LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard from the S trim, while SEL trims feature projector LEDs. The Sport trim features a blacked-out grille.
On GLI models, the front end features the legacy black honeycomb detailing and characteristic red accent strip, which draws the connection to its sporty stablemate, GTI. The grille replaces the wide chrome frame with a gloss black one and trades the standard Jetta's black parallel lines between for honeycomb, which is repeated in the lower front fascia. A red strip layers between the slim chrome strips to either side of the logo on Autobahn models, and between black strips on the 40th Anniversary Edition. The GLI lettering sits above to the left, as on GTI. Projector LED headlights are standard.
The front end flows into the roofline, where a 'phase'-a narrow strip that runs parallel to the actual roofline and into the C-pillar-visually reduces the car's height, contributing to the Jetta's more coupe-like appearance. An acoustically optimized panoramic glass tilt/slide sunroof is optional on SE models and standard on the SEL and GLI Autobahn. The optional Black Package on GLI Autobahn models adds a black roof.
The distinctive side profile of the Jetta remains, with the bold character line featured in the previous model marrying the assertive front end to the solid rear wheelarches. Chrome window trim is standard along the side of S, SE, and SEL models, while the Sport trim and GLI models feature black window surrounds. The Sport trim also features black mirror caps, which are optional on GLI as part of the Black Package, and standard on the GLI 40th Anniversary Edition, along with black door handles. An arch-shaped trailing edge extends into the shoulder section and forms the aerodynamic termination of the trunk lid.
At the rear, sharply lined LED taillight clusters serve to emphasize the sedan's impressive width, and all Jetta models feature redesigned body-colored bumpers. SEL models feature a chrome accent on the rear, while GLI models add a black honeycomb diffuser and a wider dual exhaust. The optional Black Package on GLI adds a spoiler in black, which is standard on GLI 40th Anniversary Edition.
All Jetta models feature a remarkably low drag coefficient. Standard Jetta models have a Cd of just 0.28 for manual models and 0.27 for automatic models, while GLI models have a Cd of 0.30. To attain this figure, the Jetta features an active radiator shutter and air curtain intakes on each side, which allow air to flow smoothly past the front wheelarches. To further optimize airflow, the Jetta utilizes aerodynamic wheel designs and underbody panels.
Each trim receives differentiated wheels. The Jetta S comes standard with 16-inch two-tone machined aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in 205/60 R16 all-season tires. The Sport trim includes 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design. Jetta SE models feature 17-inch silver alloys with a 10-spoke design as standard, and offer the same wheel in dark graphite as an option. Jetta SEL models wear 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a five-spoke design. All three models with 17-inch wheels have 205/55 R17 all-season tires. The GLI 40th Anniversary Edition offers 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design. The GLI Autobahn comes with 18-inch machined alloy wheels standard, with 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels in the same design available in the Black Package. All GLI models feature 225/45 R18 all-season tires.
The 2024 Jetta will be available in seven exterior colors including Kings Red Metallic, Opal White Metallic, and Rising Blue Metallic, while the GLI is offered in two palettes-three colors for 40th Edition and six for Autobahn.
Interior
The interior of the Jetta is refined, with a spacious and comfortable cabin and ample cargo room. The Jetta is 186.5 inches long, 70.8 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 105.7 inches. GLI dimensions are only slightly different-186.9 inches long, 57.9 inches tall, with a width of 70.8 inches and a wheelbase of 105.6 inches. Both boast generous passenger space, 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, and standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
The cockpit is a driver-focused environment, with form following function. Both the instruments and the infotainment system are arranged in an easy-to-read horizontal orientation. The infotainment system and the climate-control interface are located on the center console, which is angled towards the driver.
Meanwhile, design elements from the exterior are repeated in the cabin for a touch of sportiness. The standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and MIB infotainment screens are surrounded by a trapezoidal trim piece with a piano black surface linking the two screens. To either side, decorative trim runs across the width of the dash and into the door panels. In Jetta S and Sport models, the trim pieces are silver accented with a herringbone pattern, while SE models feature a light grey crosshatch design, and SEL models sport a modern grey woodgrain design. GLI models play up the performance nature with gloss black trim accented with red hairlines.
Padded leatherette door inserts are standard across all models; Jetta SEL and GLI models sport contrast stitching for added visual interest-ceramic colored on Jetta and red on GLI. Contrast stitching is also found throughout the cockpit of all Jetta models, accenting the dash top, shifter housing, and both door and center armrests. S, SE and GLI 40th Edition models sport a leather wrapped steering wheel; SEL and GLI Autobahn models add heating capability.
GLI features a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with touch functions and a clip-"40" for 40th Anniversary Edition models and "GLI" for Autobahn models. DSG(R) models add paddle shifters. A leather-wrapped shift knob is standard on Jetta and GLI manual models; GLI models equipped with DSG sport an aluminum shift knob. GLI 40th Anniversary Edition features engraved cupholders with the GLI logo in one and 1984 in the other. Sport and GLI models feature a black headliner and stainless steel pedal caps; the GLI adds illuminated scuff plates reading "GLI 40" for 40th Anniversary Edition models and "GLI" for Autobahn models. A 10-color ambient lighting system is standard on Jetta SEL and GLI models, washing the interior with the selected hue.
Base Jetta models carry cloth seats, with leatherette and leather seating surfaces available on higher trims. S models feature a rhombus pattern cloth in Titan Black or Storm Grey, while Sport models carry Titan Black cloth seats with black cloth seats with a subtle striped pattern. SE models have leatherette seating surfaces in Titan Black or Storm Grey. SEL models offer perforated-leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching in a Volcano Brown and black two-tone leather palette or pure Titan Black. A six-way adjustable driver's seat is standard on all models, while SE models and above add power and lumbar adjustment; SEL and GLI Autobahn models offer a driver's seat memory feature. Front seats are heated on all but S models; SEL trims add heated outboard rear seats. SEL and GLI Autobahn models feature ventilated front seats as standard.
In GLI models, two seating surfaces are offered. Embossed molekular cloth seats with seat tags reading "GLI 40" come standard on 40th Anniversary Edition models. GLI Autobahn models sport perforated-leather seating surfaces in Titan Black with red stitching and underlay.
Jetta and GLI models carry an array of comfort and convenience features across the lineup. Automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing wipers are standard equipment starting in 2024. Climatronic(R) automatic climate control, KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start, and remote start are standard on Jetta SE, SEL, and GLI Autobahn models. SEL models add a heated windshield wiper park and washer nozzles.
The 2024 Jetta offers a seamlessly connected experience. Jetta S, Sport, and SE models are equipped with MIB2 Composition Color infotainment, which features a 6.5-inch display, standard App-Connect, two USB-C ports, SD Card multimedia interface, and Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices.
GLI and SEL models are equipped with MIB3 infotainment with 8-inch glass-covered displays-GLI with Composition Media and SEL with Discover Media with navigation. Connecting devices is easy with standard wireless App-Connect and wireless charging for compatible devices, and two USB-C ports in the center stack and one charge-only port in the storage console. All USB-C ports feature 45-watt fast charging. Both units feature Bluetooth technology for compatible devices, HD radio, and SiriusXM(R) with 360L (3-month Platinum Plan trial). With a paid Car-Net Hotspot subscription and Plus Nav Package, maps can be automatically updated with the most up-to-date traffic and construction information.
The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on all Jetta models, presents drivers with a fully digital instrument cluster. S, Sport and SE models feature an 8-inch display with two views and customizable widgets to show a variety of vehicle information. SEL and GLI models receive the 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with up to four views-including full-screen navigation-and numerous viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more. If the vehicle is equipped with navigation, when using the native system, drivers are able to display a full screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the center display.
There are three speaker configurations for Jetta-S and SE models include four speakers, while GLI 40th models include six. To appeal to music lovers, Jetta SEL and GLI Autobahn feature the BeatsAudio(R) system. This setup showcases a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier, digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a subwoofer.
SiriusXM with 360L. Jetta and GLI models offer the most advanced audio entertainment platform-SiriusXM with 360L. SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more choice and a more personalized listening experience. Available by subscription (three-month Platinum Plan trial subscription included), SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels, plus thousands of hours of recorded on demand content, plus personalized "For You" recommendations help listeners to discover more of what they love. An enhanced sports play-by-play offering makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorite channels.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. For model year 2024, Car-Net Services will be offered in three areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. For vehicles equipped with a MIB3 system and an active data plan, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment.
Car-Net Remote Access allows owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the myVW mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on estimated fuel level and mileage and door and window status.
VW Car-Net skills for Amazon AlexaTM are now available for most new Volkswagen vehicles. To set up, owners who have an active Amazon account should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account. This will allow them to use their voice on an Alexa-enabled device to ask Alexa to send remote commands to their vehicle from the comfort of their own home-for instance: "Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn."
For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. Powered by ParkopediaTM, the Parking Information feature can help make owners' lives easier by locating off-street parking information. Through the Navigate tab on the app, users can click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to Vehicle" button.
Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The myVW app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
Car-Net Safe & Secure is available at no additional cost for 5 years for model year 2024 vehicles. Upon activation, the 5-year plan includes Emergency Assistance, Information Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert (requires the myVW app), and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Volkswagen Response agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen. To activate the plan, accept the Car-Net(R) Terms of Service during myVW sign up and then enroll in Safe & Secure located in the Shop section of the myVW app.
A Car-Net Hotspot data plan subscription allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more- at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Volkswagen recently introduced Carrier of Choice, giving our customers the option to select a data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile(R). With just a few clicks in the myVW mobile app or at vw.com/carnet, owners can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month, taxes and fees may apply.
Car-Net Hotspot also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY24 VW owners with a factory-installed MIB3 infotainment system. With an active data plan, the Plus Nav package allows drivers to access online map updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. The Plus Speech package offers advanced voice controls using natural language to enhance map destination entry for addresses and points of interest. The Plus Online Radio Package offers online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. Media streaming apps can also be accessed at no additional charge, including iHeartRadioTM and TIDALTM (both require existing accounts).
Powertrain
Except for the Jetta GLI, Jetta models are powered by a 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the engine offers a number of high-tech features designed to help produce excellent fuel economy.
It features Volkswagen's modified version of the Miller cycle, wherein the intake valves are closed early in the induction stroke to help with fuel economy. For a turbocharged engine, it has a very high compression ratio of up to 11.5 to 1.
Key features that help the Jetta achieve a combination of low-speed torque and competitive fuel economy include:
APS coated cylinder liners-whereby iron powder is plasma coated onto the cylinder block-that reduce friction between the cylinder liner and piston rings. This process has been localized in the North American Region.
A map-controlled cooling module that warms the engine more quickly than the existing EA211 for efficiency and can control water flow in different parts of the engine.
Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). This is one of the first volume-production turbochargers with this technology in the North American Region. This turbo is more efficient, provides higher boost pressure, and avoids wastegate mass flow.
A high-pressure injection system with up to 5,076 psi-up from 2,900 psi-which produces better atomization of the fuel/air mixture, a shorter injection time, optimized mixture formation, and lower particulate emissions than the previous injection system.
The EA211 engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) shifting. Jetta models with the standard six-speed manual transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. S models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Sport, SE and SEL models equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
The Jetta GLI is powered by a Volkswagen EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI(R) four-cylinder engine, making 228 horsepower (achieved with premium fuel) and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine features variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, as well as variable exhaust valve lift.
The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger to help reduce full-load fuel consumption. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the engine also offers efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this helps reduce friction and decrease fuel consumption.
The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission available optionally. Jetta GLI models with the standard six-speed manual transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Models equipped with the optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. All ratings are based on regular unleaded fuel.
All Jetta automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system designed to help improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a stop light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
Chassis
Both the Jetta and GLI are built upon Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform architecture. Both body and chassis boast a large percentage of ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel, which allows the use of thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength. From a structural standpoint, the MQB platform provides extremely high body rigidity, which has benefits for the vehicle's handling and ride.
Mounted in a lightweight, two-piece steel subframe, the strut-type front suspension on Jetta and GLI models has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs, telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. At the back, standard Jetta models feature a torsion beam rear setup with telescopic dampers, offering an optimal balance of ride comfort, handling, and weight. GLI models feature a multi-link rear suspension and a rear anti-roll bar, as well as sport-tuned gas-filled shock absorbers. With stiffer springs and a 0.6-inch lower stance than regular Jetta models, the sport suspension delivers a performance-focused ride without sacrificing comfort.
The Jetta Sport trim and GLI models are equipped with the XDS(R) Cross Differential System. The XDS system acts as an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.
On Jetta models, an electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering assembly contributes to the fun-to-drive character of the Jetta. The system is speed sensitive, with a ratio of 13.56:1 and 2.76 turns lock-to-lock. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, while at parking speeds, assistance is increased. The turning circle is 36.7 feet.
The GLI features progressive variable-ratio electric power steering system. This is an elegant solution to help with a common problem with steering systems, which is that different speeds and maneuvers ideally require different steering rates. In this case, the teeth on the steering rack are spaced more tightly toward the center than on a normal rack. The lower steering ratio in the center means that the car can respond quickly when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at the ends of the rack can help reduce the amount of effort needed near full steering lock, such as when parking. The steering wheel goes from lock to lock in just 2.1 turns.
Finally, an impressive braking system rounds out the performance of the Jetta and GLI. At the front, there are 11.3-inch vented discs, with 10.7-inch discs at the rear. Further underlining its high-performance capabilities, the GLI features front brakes that are shared with the previous generation Golf R, using 13.4-inch diameter vented discs. The rear brakes, using 11.8-inch vented discs, are also larger than on standard Jetta models. Both vehicles feature a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to help optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Jetta models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Driving Mode Selection. The Driving Mode Selection feature in Jetta SEL and GLI offers four modes: "Comfort," "Eco," "Sport," and "Custom." Comfort and Sport have a different steering heft and throttle response, while Custom allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle to their preference. On cars with the automatic transmissions, the Sport mode gives more aggressive shifts. Eco mode optimizes shift points, throttle response and climate control settings for improved fuel economy compared to other drive modes. Throttle response and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) acceleration are also dampened. On Jetta GLI 40th Edition, which comes standard with DCC(R), the driver can adjust damping settings as well, and a fifth "Comfort" mode is available.
DCC. The Jetta GLI 40th Edition features the DCC adaptive damping system, which manages the suspension's rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics. The DCC adaptive damping system continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking account of various inputs including steering, braking, and acceleration. By means of the set driving profile mode, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four dampers within fractions of a second. This ensures that DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and ideal driving dynamics. For example, "Comfort" optimizes the dampers for a smooth highway ride, while "Sport" favors a firmer setting for better cornering performance.
VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential. All GLI models feature the sophisticated VAQ electronically-controlled front limited-slip differential, shared with other Volkswagen performance models. The VAQ differential offers the benefits of a traditional limited-slip differential, but adds significantly to its effectiveness by monitoring the data from each wheel sensor at all times. Since this data includes both vehicle and wheel speed, as well as yaw and lateral g-force, the system can make precise adjustments to help maintain an optimum torque balance between the left and right front wheels.
Up to a full 100 percent of torque can be transferred to either side, as opposed to the fixed "best guess" percentage seen in traditional limited-slip differentials. The result of this proactive (rather than reactive) system is the reduction of understeer and torque steer.
Safety and Driver Assistance
To help protect occupants, Jetta and GLI models provide a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All Jetta and GLI models feature a standard rearview camera.
A standard feature on Jetta family models is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Jetta and GLI also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE(R) advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to help make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE can alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer.
The IQ.DRIVE system is standard on all trims for model year 2024. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Travel Assist enables semi-automated hands-on driving capability from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel, and uses the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist (Lane Keeping Assist) features to help to steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver's responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it.
Front Assist is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking). The system can detect pedestrians traveling parallel to the vehicle and alert the driver.
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential imminent front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Autonomous Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure can be increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If Lane Assist is active, the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in its lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Models fitted with ACC can match speeds with a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front stops. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.
Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) uses cameras to recognize lane markings and help drivers stay within them. When driving above 35 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist will vibrate the steering wheel to warn the driver, and then actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in its lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system will not intervene if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not intervene or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Emergency Assist (not available on manual-transmission models) can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated. Emergency Assist constantly monitors the driver's attentiveness by checking the input of their hands on the steering wheel. If the system does not detect driver input, a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts) will occur. If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane and activate hazard lights. Emergency Assist requires Lane Assist or Travel Assist to be active for the system to intervene.
In addition to IQ.DRIVE, the Jetta SEL and GLI feature Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights), which automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 18 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 12 mph, the high beams automatically switch off.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2024 Jetta and GLI comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for two years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
Competitive Set
Jetta: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla
GLI: Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra Sport, Subaru WRX