2019 Volkswagen Jetta S vs SE vs SEL

White 2019 Volkswagen Jetta sits parked by a brick building.

Making the choice to buy a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is easy; choosing which 2019 Volkswagen Jetta to buy can be quite a bit more difficult. To help, we’ve compiled a trim breakdown contrasting three of the most popular 2019 Volkswagen Jetta trims. Read on, and figure out with variation on this delectable compact is right for you.

Before we get started, note that all trims of the 2019 Jetta utilize a 147-horsepower turbo-four engine and front-wheel drive. All trims come with VW Car-Net App-Connect and Bluetooth on their infotainment. The 2019 Jetta isn’t too into optional features, so to add more you usually have to increase a full trim step.

Finally, you may realize that we don’t go into the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line trim on our graph. This trim is basically identical in features to the SE, but has some slick styling upgrades and comes with the XDS differential. It starts at an MSRP of $23,245.

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2019 Volkswagen Jetta S

2019 Volkswagen Jetta SE

2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
Six-speed manual transmission Eight-speed automatic transmission Eight-speed automatic transmission
6.5-inch touchscreen 6.5-inch touchscreen 8-inch touchscreen
Cloth Upholstery Leatherette Upholstery Leather Upholstery
$18,745 $22,395 $23,245

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Though the base S trim of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta comes with the six-speed manual transmission, buyers can opt to upgrade to the automatic transmission for $800. They can also add the Driver Assist package, which comes standard in all higher trims, for $450.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL trims offer the Cold Weather package for $495. This package includes remote start, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Other features on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta S include:

  • Rearview Camera
  • Four Speakers
  • USB port
  • VW Car-Net
  • App-Connect
  • Bluetooth

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SE keeps everything on the S, and adds features including:

  • Sunroof
  • Heated front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Push-button start
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear-cross traffic alert
  • Forward collision warning
  • Autonomous emergency braking

Highlight features added by the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL trim include:

  • Eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system
  • HD Radio Satellite radio
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane departure warning
  • Upgraded infotainment
  • Additional VW Car-Net services
  • Additional USB port