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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 31 / 41 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 256 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,888–$27,310 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.4/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. At 7.1/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $21,888–$27,310, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Jetta sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,888 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 21%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $23,241 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $23,241 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $22,565 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $21,888 | |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $21,211 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $20,534 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $19,857 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $19,180 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $18,503 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $17,788 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $17,130 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $16,472 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #494 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 62% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta starts at $21,888 and ranges up to $27,310 across trims (MSRP when new). At 32 MPG, expect roughly $1,641/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.