2022 Volkswagen Jetta SE 1.5L

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta SE represents a mid-cycle update for the seventh generation of the brand’s long-standing compact sedan. Built on the modular MQB platform, this model year introduced refined exterior styling, including updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille design, and standard LED headlights across the lineup. The Jetta remains a staple of the Volkswagen portfolio in North America, balancing German-engineered driving dynamics with the interior space and fuel efficiency required by the compact car segment.

Under the hood, the 2022 SE trim utilizes the EA211 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This power unit replaced the previous 1.4-liter engine, offering a modest increase in horsepower while maintaining a focus on high-efficiency highway cruising. Manufactured primarily at the Volkswagen de México facility in Puebla, the Jetta continues to target buyers seeking a more composed, mature driving experience compared to many of its Asian-market competitors. The SE trim sits in the middle of the hierarchy, providing a balance of comfort features and technology without the premium pricing of the GLI or the stripped-down nature of the base S trim.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Jetta SE
Model Year	2022
Generation	7th Generation (A7)
Trim	SE
Body Style	4-Door Sedan
Vehicle Segment	Compact
Vehicle Class	Compact Cars
Market	USA
Platform	MQB
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2021
Production End	2022
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$24,095
Destination Charge	$995
Total MSRP	$25,090
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	EA211
Engine Name	1.5L TSI
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	1.5 Liters
Bore x Stroke	74.5 mm x 85.9 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	4.2 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 508 00 / 0W-20
Horsepower	158 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Redline	6,000 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	29
EPA Highway MPG	40
EPA Combined MPG	33
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	13.2
Estimated Driving Range	435 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,450
CO₂ Emissions	268 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	7
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 seconds
0-60 mph	7.1 seconds
0-100 mph	19.5 seconds
Quarter Mile	15.5 seconds
Top Speed	127 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	124 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.84g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	18.5 lb/hp
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	186.5
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	70.8
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	81.5
Height (in)	57.4
Wheelbase (in)	105.7
Front Track (in)	60.6
Rear Track (in)	60.4
Ground Clearance (in)	5.4
Curb Weight (lbs)	2,926
GVWR (lbs)	4,012
Towing Capacity (lbs)	N/A
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,086
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	94.7
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	14.1
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	–
Turning Circle	36.4 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	4 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick+
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Good
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8.0-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	8.0-inch Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Wireless
Android Auto	Wireless
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	6-Speaker
Speaker Count	6
Wireless Charging	Standard
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available
OTA Updates	Limited
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	2 years / 20,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Silao, Mexico
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open with XDS
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2022 Jetta SE is widely regarded for its exceptional highway fuel economy and composed ride quality, making it a strong contender for commuters. Reliability is generally considered solid, though owners should monitor the 8-speed automatic transmission for occasional harsh shifting and ensure the direct-injection engine receives timely oil changes using the specific VW 508 00 specification to prevent carbon buildup. In the used market, the Jetta SE holds appeal due to its standard suite of safety features and the inclusion of the Digital Cockpit, which provides a more modern cabin experience than many rivals of the same model year. While it lacks the sharp handling of the GLI variant, its combination of low-end torque and high-speed stability makes it a practical, value-oriented choice for those prioritizing comfort and efficiency.