2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 VW Jetta near Charlotte

Vehicle Overview

While the Volkswagen Jetta hasn't earned a reputation for excitement, this compact car has served as a rather affordable entry way to get into a German-engineered vehicle. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is entering its seventh generation, and as such, its chassis and visuals have been completely redesigned. Read on to learn more about the 2019 model and how it compares to the 2018 VW Jetta, which is still available at Keffer Volkswagen serving Huntersville Charlotte Concord Gastonia.

Charlotte NC - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta's Overview

Exterior - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta

As far as styling is concerned, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 VW Jetta battle is a close one. Both models' styling could be regarded as conservative, but the 2019 model has a bit more panache than its predecessor. The 2019 Jetta has a more distinctive front end and a sculpted body that continues the subdued aesthetic without being boring.

The 2019 VW Jetta is also slightly bigger than the previous model. The 2018 version was between midsize and compact, and the 2019 model takes things further while remaining in compact sedan territory. This year's Jetta is a bit longer and slightly wider than last year's model, but its height remains the same.

Charlotte NC - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta's Exterior

Interior - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta near Charlotte

Like the outside, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's interior is conservatively styled with premium touches throughout. The center stack is driver-oriented, with a clean layout and easy-to-reach controls. We especially liked the available 10.3" digital gauge cluster that, if you choose, can replace the dashboard's analog gauges.

Despite its slightly increased size, the 2019 Jetta loses a little interior space. Headroom remains almost the same, while legroom has diminished slightly. The Jetta is still highly competitive in the class, and there's plenty of room in the back seat for two adults. The 2018 and 2019 Jetta models both seat five people, but like most other compact vehicles, things can get a bit cramped when all those seats are occupied. Stop by our Charlotte area dealership to compare them in person.

Charlotte NC - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta's Interior

Mechanical - Volkwagen Jetta specs near Charlotte NC

The Jetta received a different base engine in 2018. However, the previous model has two engine options you can't get this year. These engines are explained below.

The 2019 model comes with a 1.4L turbo inline four-cylinder that puts out 147hp and 184 lb. ft. of torque.
The 2018 Jetta came with an optional 1.8L turbo inline four that offers 170hp and 184 lb. ft. of torque.
The 2018 version also came with a 2.0L inline four with 210hp and 207 lb. ft.

As shown, the Jetta's focus isn't on performance. 2019's only engine choice isn't a bad one, but we'd like to see a bit more variety. All 2019 Jettas come with front-wheel drive and a manual or auto transmission. For this model year, the manual is a six-speed, and the automatic is an eight-speed.

Charlotte NC - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta's Mechanical

Tech - Volkwagen Jetta specs near Charlotte

Along with the cockpit we briefly mentioned, there's a ton of great tech in the 2019 Jetta. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment setup is intuitive and responsive; it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for those of us who can't put our smartphones down.

Safety - 2019 Volkwagen Jetta dealer

The 2018 VW Jetta has a long list of safety options and features that includes most of the automotive industry's greatest and most advanced technologies. It comes with a stout safety cage, an intelligent crash response system, post-collision braking, TPMS, rearview camera, stability control, rain-sensing wipers, ABS, a full complement of airbags, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, and many other features that will keep you safe on the road. The 2019 Jetta continues that tradition with its wide range of driver assistance technology, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Volkswagens have long had a reputation for safety, and the 2018 and 2019 Jettas are no exception. We invite you to our local dealership to see these safety features for yourself.

In Conclusion

For a practical compact sedan that's a bit different from more pedestrian offerings, the 2019 Jetta is a great alternative. It's quite stylish, with its well-appointed interior, efficient engine and transmission combo, and modern technology. While we would, of course, like to see some more powerful engine options, we probably will as the seventh-generation Jetta comes into its own. 2018 and 2019 models are still on display at Keffer Volkswagen, and we invite you to come and compare them head to head.

If you're still fighting the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 VW Jetta battle, they're both great choices. However, the 2019 model is the one we'd go with, simply for its upgraded styling and plush interior. If you're looking for a little excitement on your morning commute, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is the way to go. Visit our Charlotte area dealership serving Huntersville Charlotte Concord Gastonia to take a test drive, go to our website to browse our inventory online, or call us for more details on the latest Jetta models.