2021 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels and Configurations

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta lineup spans five trim levels—S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium—each building on the last with added technology, comfort features, or styling upgrades. All five share the same turbocharged engine and spacious cabin, so the real question becomes which combination of features fits your priorities and budget.

This guide breaks down what comes standard on each configuration, highlights the key differences between popular trims like the SE and SEL, and helps you identify which Jetta makes the most sense for your daily driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta comes in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Each configuration shares the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, and all five seat five passengers with up to 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space. The S and R-Line trims come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while an eight-speed automatic is available across the lineup and standard on the SE, SEL, and SEL Premium.

A trim level is simply a version of a vehicle with a specific set of features bundled together. As you move up through the Jetta lineup, each trim adds more technology, comfort features, or styling elements at a higher price point.

The Jetta S is the entry point to the lineup, but it still arrives with a solid set of equipment. This base configuration delivers the core Volkswagen driving experience without feeling stripped down.

A 6.5-inch touchscreen sits at the center of the dashboard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface responds quickly, and the layout keeps things simple rather than overwhelming you with menus.

Bluetooth connectivity handles hands-free calling and audio streaming. The speaker system is modest compared to higher trims, but sound quality stays clear for podcasts, calls, and everyday music.

Forward collision warning comes standard on the S trim, monitoring traffic ahead and alerting you with visual and audible warnings if it detects a potential impact. This system watches the road even when your attention drifts momentarily.

An optional Driver Assistance package adds blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert. Blind spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots, while rear traffic alert warns you of cross-traffic when you're backing out of a parking space.

Cloth seats keep the cabin comfortable and hold up well to daily use. The driver's seat includes height adjustment, and all front seat adjustments are manual at this trim level.

Trunk space measures 14.1 cubic feet, which handles groceries, luggage, and sports gear without issue. The rear seats fold down when you have longer items to transport.

The SE is the most popular Jetta configuration, and for good reason. It adds meaningful upgrades that make a noticeable difference in daily driving without jumping to the top of the price range.

An 8-inch touchscreen replaces the smaller base unit, making navigation and media controls easier to see at a glance. SiriusXM satellite radio capability also comes included.

Volkswagen's App-Connect technology mirrors compatible smartphone apps directly on the touchscreen. This integration keeps your phone in your pocket or bag rather than in your hand.

Heated front seats warm up quickly on cold mornings, and keyless entry with push-button start means you can leave the key fob in your pocket. A panoramic sunroof stretches over both rows of seats, letting in natural light and fresh air.

• Heated front seats: Warm up within minutes of starting the car
• Keyless entry: Unlock doors by touching the handle with the fob nearby
• Push-button start: No need to insert a key
• Panoramic sunroof: Glass panel extends over front and rear passengers

The SE makes the Driver Assistance package standard rather than optional. Blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control all come included.

Adaptive cruise control maintains your set speed while automatically adjusting to slower traffic ahead. When the road clears, the system accelerates back to your chosen speed without any input from you.

The R-Line focuses on visual distinction rather than mechanical upgrades. This trim sits between the SE and SEL in price and appeals to drivers who want their Jetta to look sportier than the standard models.

Unique front and rear bumpers give the R-Line a more aggressive stance compared to other Jetta trims. Side skirts run along the lower body panels, and a rear spoiler adds a finishing touch to the back end.

Exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells with a design you won't find on other configurations. The overall effect is subtle but noticeable, especially when parked next to a standard Jetta.

V-Tex leatherette replaces the cloth seating found in lower trims. This synthetic leather material cleans easily and looks more upscale than fabric, though it can get warm in direct sunlight.

A flat-bottom steering wheel borrows styling cues from Volkswagen's sportier models. Contrast stitching and unique interior trim pieces complete the sport-themed cabin.

The R-Line shares its engine and transmission with every other Jetta trim, so acceleration and fuel economy stay consistent. However, the suspension tuning is slightly firmer, which translates to a bit more feedback through the steering wheel during cornering.

This configuration works well if you like the Jetta's practicality but want something that looks a little more distinctive in a parking lot. You get the visual impact without the fuel economy penalties that often come with actual performance variants.

The SEL builds substantially on the SE, introducing Volkswagen's latest digital technology and more refined interior materials. This trim targets buyers who prioritize screens, sound systems, and connected features.

Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit replaces the traditional analog gauges with a configurable 10.25-inch digital display. This screen shows navigation directions, vehicle information, and media details directly in your line of sight rather than on the center touchscreen.

The Beats premium audio system delivers noticeably better sound through eight speakers and a subwoofer. Wireless charging eliminates cable clutter by powering compatible smartphones on a dedicated pad in the center console.

Leatherette seating surfaces throughout the cabin create a more upscale atmosphere than the cloth in base trims. Ambient lighting adds subtle illumination to door panels and footwells, which is particularly noticeable at night.

Contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard adds visual interest. Individually, these details seem minor, but together they make the SEL feel like a step up from the SE.

Park Distance Control uses sensors to detect obstacles when you're parking, providing audible warnings as you get closer to objects. High beam assist automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic.

The SEL includes all safety features from lower trims while adding parking and lighting aids. Together, the full suite reduces stress during challenging driving situations like parallel parking or nighttime highway driving.

The SEL Premium is the fully-loaded flagship of the Jetta lineup. Every available feature and technology option comes standard at this level, so there's nothing left to add.

Built-in navigation eliminates the need to rely on your smartphone for directions. The system integrates with the Digital Cockpit display, showing turn-by-turn guidance directly in front of you alongside your speed and other vehicle information.

Wireless App-Connect allows compatible smartphones to connect to the infotainment system without cables. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, keeping your phone charged in your pocket or on the wireless charging pad.

Ventilated front seats circulate air through perforations in the leather, which makes a real difference during summer months. A panoramic sunroof spans nearly the entire roof, and rain-sensing wipers activate automatically when moisture hits the windshield.

The driver's seat includes memory settings that recall your preferred position at the touch of a button. If multiple people drive the car, each person can save their own seat and mirror positions.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability handles highway traffic more effectively than the standard system found on the SE and SEL. This version can bring the car to a complete stop in traffic and resume automatically when vehicles ahead start moving again.

Lane keeping assist gently steers the car back toward the center of your lane if you begin to drift. Combined with adaptive cruise control, this feature reduces fatigue during long highway drives.

The SE and SEL are the two most commonly cross-shopped Jetta trims, and the decision often comes down to how much you value digital displays and premium audio.

Choose SE if: You want meaningful upgrades over the base model without a significant price jump. Heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control deliver strong everyday value.

Choose SEL if: Technology matters to you. The Digital Cockpit, Beats audio, and wireless charging create a more modern driving experience that justifies the roughly $2,800 price difference.

Selecting the right trim depends on which features matter most to your daily routine. The price differences between configurations reflect genuine equipment upgrades rather than arbitrary markups.

• Budget-focused buyers: The Jetta S delivers Volkswagen's build quality and driving dynamics at the lowest entry point. You give up some convenience features but keep the core experience.
• Technology enthusiasts: The SE or SEL configurations offer the connected features that modern drivers expect. Smartphone integration, larger screens, and driver assistance systems make both trims feel current.
• Style-conscious drivers: The R-Line provides visual distinction at a mid-range price. You get the sporty appearance without paying for the highest trim level.
• Buyers who want everything: The SEL Premium leaves nothing on the table. If you plan to keep your Jetta for several years, starting with full equipment means you won't wish you had opted for more features down the road.

The Jetta has earned a solid reputation for reliability, particularly in recent model years. Volkswagen's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine has proven durable across various applications in the VW lineup.

Warranty coverage adds peace of mind: six years or 72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection comes standard. This coverage exceeds what many competitors offer.

Regular maintenance plays a significant role in any vehicle's long-term reliability. Following the recommended service schedule for oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections helps keep a Jetta running well for years.

Platinum Volkswagen carries new and pre-owned Jetta models across multiple configurations. Our team can walk you through the differences between trim levels and help identify which features align with your priorities.

Explore our current Jetta inventory to see available configurations, colors, and pricing. We offer financing support and trade-in assistance for Long Island shoppers looking to simplify the buying process.

Our certified service department supports Jetta owners throughout the ownership journey. Volkswagen-trained technicians and genuine OEM parts help maintain performance and reliability over time.

The SEL Premium adds ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, built-in navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and driver's seat memory settings that the standard SEL does not include.

All standard Jetta trims use a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Jetta comes exclusively with front-wheel drive across all trim levels. Shoppers who want all-wheel drive might consider the Volkswagen Tiguan or Atlas, both of which offer AWD configurations.