2019 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

While compact cars such as the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic seem to get most of the attention, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta remains a solid option. For 2019, it has been completely redesigned. Not only does the new Jetta pack more in-vehicle technology, but it also provides a bit more space to stretch out. Improved city fuel economy also helps make the Jetta a more efficient commuter car. Although the latest Jetta still has a conservative exterior design, sharper body lines and a wider stance help give it a stronger road presence. Some of the upbeat paint colors include Habanero Orange Metallic, Tornado Red, and Silk Blue Metallic.

You can also take advantage of Volkswagen's outstanding People’s First bumper-to-bumper warranty. It covers the Jetta for a total of 72,000 miles. Furthermore, this warranty can be transferred to the next owner.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has a total of five trims in its lineup: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Let’s find out how these trims differ from each other.

Compare the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta S vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

With a starting price of less than $19,000, the base Jetta S is a great option for the drivers seeking value. Despite being the cheapest Jetta, it still comes loaded with a nice list of equipment. Standard LED headlights help promote good visibility at night. Featuring a 6.5-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, VW’s Car-Net infotainment system will likely become one of your favorite components. Some of the other standard features include Bluetooth streaming, a backup camera, and a UDB port.

To obtain more safety technologies, opt for the Driver Assist package. If you fail to take action when approaching a road hazard, VW’s forward collision system will activate your brakes. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert also comes with the package.

Like the rest of the Jetta lineup, the base S model is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s rated to develop 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While a six-speed manual transmission comes standard, an eight-speed automatic transmission is available for an extra $800.

Folks seeking a bit more luxury should check out the Jetta SE. It comes standard with the base Jetta’s optional Driver Assist package. Meanwhile, V-Tex simulated leather upholstery replaces the base S trim’s cloth upholstery. Push-button start eliminates the need to use a key. Some of the other upgrades found on the Jetta SE include a sunroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. While the Jetta SE may not look drastically different from the base Jetta S, it does feature a cooler set of 16-inch black alloy wheels.

Drivers who’ll be doing a lot of traveling in the cold should consider the Jetta SE’s Cold Weather package. It includes remote start, which enables you to warm up the interior before stepping outside. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel also come with the Cold Weather package. Remember, the base S model is the only trim that offers a manual gearbox.

Compare the 2019 Jetta SE vs R-Line Trims. What is the difference?

Volkswagen designed the R-Line trim for the drivers who want a sportier-looking car. A larger set of 17-inch alloy wheels give the Jetta R-Line a more powerful stance. Black grille accents and a rear sport valence also help the Jetta R-Line to attract more attention on the road.

While the Jetta R-Line has the same engine as the Jetta SE, it’s engineered to deliver crisper handling. When taking curves, VW’s XDS system helps the Jetta R-Line to feel more controlled. The same suspension setup is found on the Jetta R-Line, which means you won’t be sacrificing any ride quality.

Some special touches are found inside the Jetta R-Line. Contrast stitching on the steering wheel helps the interior to stand out. You’ll also notice the “R-Line” badges. While heated front seats come standard, the Cold Weather package remains an option. Volkswagen also equips the Jetta with blind-spot detection and automatic emergency braking.

Compare the Jetta R-Line vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

While the Jetta R-Line is the sportiest trim, expect the Jetta SEL to feel especially luxurious. It provides features that are unavailable on the lower trims. While an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system fills the cabin with high-quality sound, Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit display replaces the standard gauges. Some of the other goodies include a larger 8.0-inch touch screen, a 10-color ambient lightning system, and a Drive Mode Selector. The Cold Weather package remains optional on the SEL trim.

Aside from the previously mentioned Driver Assist package, the Jetta SEL also benefits from lane-keep assist and smart cruise control. When approaching traffic at night, automatic high-beam control dims your headlights. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic wipers are found on the Jetta SEL as well.

Compare the Jetta SEL vs SEL Premium Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the lineup sits the plush SEL Premium trim. Genuine leather upholstery lines the interior. You’ll also enjoy navigation and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. The Cold Weather package comes standard on the Jetta SEL Premium.

Final Thoughts

The base S model is attractively priced and comes standard with a good amount of equipment. You’ll especially like the Car-Net infotainment system. Furthermore, this is the only trim that offers a manual transmission. Because the optional Driver Assist package is such a great value, don’t hesitate to get it. While the SE trim does provide more creature comforts, it’s not a big upgrade over the base Jetta S.

When checking out the Jetta R-Line, you will clearly notice its sportier profile. Not only does the Jetta R-Line look more aggressive, but it also delivers more controlled handling on twisty roads. Fortunately, the Jetta R-Line isn’t much more expensive than the lower SE trim.

While the range-topping Jetta SEL Premium is nice, you can save money by choosing the Jetta SEL. You’ll find it to be almost as plush. Cool features, such as VW’s Digital Cockpit and the stronger BeatsAudio sound system, come standard. Extra safety technologies are also found on the SEL trim. You can probably go without the SEL Premium trim’s leather upholstery and navigation system.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Key Features

If you’re like a lot of car shoppers, you’ll be interested in how the Jetta’s infotainment system performs. Users applaud the Car-Net interface for its user-friendly design. The system’s simple touch screen and easy-to-see graphics make it rewarding to use. Straightforward smartphone integration also helps you to quickly link to your mobile apps. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink come standard. While a larger 8.0-inch display is found on the upper trims, the standard 6.5-inch display works just as well.

Volkswagen doesn’t give you an optional engine to choose from. Nevertheless, it feels responsive enough during real-world driving conditions. While the manual transmission is fun, you can only get it on the base S model. If you’re seeking a more fun driving experience, go for the Jetta R-Line. Its XDS differential promotes better stability around curves.

Featuring a total of only four speakers, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta’s standard four-speaker stereo system sounds somewhat distorted a higher volumes. There’s also not much bass. Listening to the new 400-watt BeatsAudio system will be far more enjoyable. It comes with eight speakers, including a bass-pounding subwoofer. Although there are better premium sound systems on the market, it’s far better than the standard stereo system.

Some models are available with Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit. This fully digital gauge cluster is certainly more exciting than a traditional instrument cluster. You can even customize what’s displayed on the screen. Estimated fuel economy, speed, and safety information will all be readily accessible. When traveling out of town, the high-resolution maps promise to take your driving experience to the next level.

Every trim can be equipped with advanced safety technologies. The decision to get the optional Driver Assist package on the base S model should be a no-brainer. It’ll only cost you an additional $400. When driving around on an everyday basis, you’ll grow to appreciate the forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring systems. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are only offered on the upper trims.

If you tend to experience frigid temperatures during the winter, consider getting the optional Cold Weather package. It’ll create a more comfortable atmosphere. While your family will appreciate the heated rear seats, you’ll enjoy the heated steering wheel and remote start. A heated wiper zone also helps melt away ice.

Only the SEL and SEL Premium trims offer a Drive Mode Selector. While this feature doesn’t improve performance, it does enable you to easily adjust the sedan’s driving dynamics. While the Eco mode helps you to get the best possible fuel economy, the Sport model gives the Jetta a more responsive feel on the road.