Comparing 2017 Volkswagen Jetta Trims: Your Complete Buyer's Guide

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta lineup spans four distinct trims, each targeting a different type of buyer—from the efficiency-minded commuter to the weekend canyon carver. The gap between the base S and the performance-tuned GLI is wider than you might expect from a single model line.

This guide breaks down what separates each trim level, compares the engines and feature sets side by side, and helps you identify which Jetta actually fits your driving life and budget.

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels, each built around a different balance of efficiency, comfort, and performance. The S and SE trims run on a fuel-sipping 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that prioritizes economy, while the SEL upgrades to a 1.8-liter turbo for drivers who want a bit more punch. Then there's the GLI, which is essentially a different animal altogether—a 2.0-liter turbo with sport suspension and performance brakes for people who genuinely enjoy driving.

Here's how each trim fits into the lineup:

• Jetta S: The entry point, focused on value and fuel efficiency with all the essentials covered
• Jetta SE: The middle ground, adding heated seats, smartphone integration, and blind-spot monitoring
• Jetta SEL: The refined option, with leather seating, a stronger engine, and available advanced safety tech
• Jetta GLI: The performance variant, built for enthusiasts who want sport sedan dynamics in a practical package

The base Jetta S includes more standard equipment than you might expect from an entry-level compact sedan. Volkswagen didn't strip this trim down to hit a price point—it's a complete car that works well for everyday driving.

The S trim wears 16-inch steel wheels with covers, which sounds basic until you notice the LED daytime running lights and clean body lines that give it a more polished look than the wheel choice suggests. Volkswagen's design philosophy leans European and understated, so the Jetta avoids the aggressive styling that dates quickly on other compact sedans.

Inside, you'll find cloth seating for five and a 5.0-inch touchscreen running Volkswagen's MIB II infotainment system. Bluetooth comes standard, and so does a rearview camera, which wasn't a given on base trims back in 2017. The cabin materials feel solid when you tap on them and close doors with a satisfying thunk—small details that hint at Volkswagen's focus on build quality even at lower price points.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers enough power for highway merging and passing without feeling strained. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharger eliminates that sluggish, underpowered feeling that plagued small engines in earlier generations, so the S feels genuinely adequate rather than compromised.

Stepping up to the SE represents the biggest value jump in the Jetta lineup. The price difference brings a long list of comfort and technology additions that change how the car feels day-to-day.

The SE swaps steel wheels for 16-inch alloys and adds fog lights for better visibility in rain or snow. The visual difference is subtle but noticeable, giving the exterior a more finished appearance that matches the interior upgrades.

Heated front seats arrive on the SE, which Long Island drivers tend to appreciate from November through March. The seating surfaces upgrade to V-Tex leatherette, a synthetic material that cleans up easier than cloth and feels more premium to the touch.

Keyless access with push-button start means no more digging through pockets or bags for keys. A sunroof also joins the feature list, adding an open-air option that makes the cabin feel larger and more inviting.

The touchscreen grows to 6.3 inches on the SE and gains Car-Net App-Connect, which brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the mix. This smartphone integration matters more than it might seem at first—your phone's navigation and apps stay current even as the car ages, essentially future-proofing the technology.

Blind-spot monitoring also becomes standard on the SE, adding small warning lights in the side mirrors when another vehicle sits in your blind spot during lane changes.

The SEL targets buyers who want a more upscale experience without crossing into luxury brand pricing. Beyond the additional features, the SEL also receives a more powerful engine that changes the car's personality.

Larger 17-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells more completely, and available LED headlights provide noticeably better illumination at night. The overall stance looks more premium, making the SEL easy to distinguish from lower trims at a glance.

Genuine leather replaces the SE's leatherette seating, and the driver's seat gains power adjustment for easier positioning. The materials throughout the cabin feel richer, with finishes that compete with entry-level luxury sedans priced considerably higher.

A Fender premium audio system delivers significantly better sound quality for music lovers. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions without relying on your phone's data connection, which proves useful in areas with spotty cell coverage.

Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking become available on the SEL, representing Volkswagen's more advanced active safety technology. These systems can detect an impending collision and apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesn't respond in time.

The GLI sits apart from other Jetta trims as a genuine performance sedan. Volkswagen didn't simply drop a bigger engine into the standard car—engineers developed the GLI as a complete performance package with unique suspension, brakes, and chassis tuning.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, a substantial jump from the standard engines. Buyers can pair this engine with either a six-speed manual transmission for maximum involvement or Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch automatic, which shifts faster than most drivers can manage with a traditional manual.

An independent rear suspension replaces the torsion beam found on standard Jettas. This change dramatically improves how the car handles corners, providing more precise feedback through the steering wheel and better grip when pushing harder.

The ride height drops slightly compared to standard trims, larger brakes provide stronger stopping power, and the overall chassis tuning prioritizes driver engagement over isolation from the road. You feel more of what the car is doing, which is exactly what performance-oriented drivers want.

Red accent striping, unique bumper designs, and GLI badging distinguish this model visually. Inside, sport seats with enhanced side bolstering hold you in place during spirited driving, while a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedal covers reinforce the performance intent every time you get behind the wheel.

The powertrain differences between Jetta trims create distinctly different driving experiences and ownership costs. Choosing between them often comes down to how you balance power against fuel economy.

The 1.4-liter turbo shared across the S and SE trims feels surprisingly responsive despite its small displacement. For commuters covering significant daily miles, the fuel economy numbers translate to fewer gas station stops and lower operating costs over time.

The GLI's 2.0-liter turbo shares engineering DNA with engines found in sportier Volkswagen and Audi products. Power delivery feels immediate and linear, with strong mid-range torque that makes highway passing effortless. The engine responds eagerly to throttle inputs in a way the smaller engines simply cannot match.

The efficiency gap between the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter engines amounts to roughly 4-7 MPG depending on driving conditions. For someone covering 15,000 miles annually, this difference works out to approximately $200-400 in additional fuel costs per year with the GLI, assuming average gas prices.

Volkswagen builds every Jetta on a strong structural foundation, though the available safety technology varies significantly depending on which trim you choose.

Every 2017 Jetta includes front and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The rearview camera also comes standard across the entire lineup, which wasn't universal among compact sedans in 2017.

Blind-spot monitoring arrives on the SE trim, adding awareness during lane changes. Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking become available on the SEL, along with adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning for buyers who prioritize active safety technology.

This comparison represents the most common decision point for Jetta shoppers. Both trims offer solid value, though they target slightly different priorities.

The SE makes sense for buyers who find the 1.4-liter engine adequately powerful and want to maximize fuel economy. The SEL appeals to those wanting more responsive acceleration, genuine leather, and the most advanced safety features available in the standard Jetta lineup.

Matching the right trim to your actual driving life prevents both overspending on features you won't use and regretting missing amenities later.

The Jetta S or SE serves commuters well, with the 1.4-liter engine's fuel efficiency keeping operating costs low over high-mileage years. The SE's heated seats and smartphone integration make longer commutes more comfortable without dramatically increasing the purchase price.

Families typically gravitate toward the SE or SEL, since features like heated seats, smartphone integration, and available safety technology address practical daily needs. The SEL's leather seating also proves easier to wipe clean after inevitable backseat spills and messes.

The GLI stands alone for buyers who want genuine performance from their compact sedan. The combination of increased power, sport suspension, larger brakes, and available manual transmission creates a driving experience that rivals dedicated sport compacts while maintaining everyday practicality.

Choosing the right Jetta trim becomes easier when you can experience each variant in person. At Platinum Volkswagen in Hicksville, our team helps Long Island buyers navigate trim differences with straightforward pricing and honest guidance.

Our Volkswagen-certified service department and genuine OEM parts inventory support your Jetta throughout ownership, not just at the point of sale. Whether the efficient S, the well-equipped SE, or the performance-focused GLI fits your driving life best, we're here to help you find the right match.

Browse our current Jetta inventory or schedule a test drive to experience the trim differences firsthand.

The GLI takes that title with its 210-horsepower turbocharged engine and sport-tuned drivetrain. The performance gap between the GLI and standard trims is substantial enough that they feel like entirely different vehicles when you drive them back-to-back.

Yes, Volkswagen's factory warranty applies equally regardless of trim level. The coverage protects your purchase whether you choose the entry-level S or the performance-oriented GLI.

Certain accessories can be added through genuine Volkswagen parts, though factory-installed options typically cost less and integrate more seamlessly into the vehicle. Our parts department at Platinum Volkswagen can help identify which upgrades make sense for your specific situation and budget.

The GLI represents a comprehensive performance package rather than simply a Jetta with a bigger engine. Volkswagen engineers developed unique suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, an independent rear suspension, and sport-specific interior appointments that create a cohesive driving experience distinct from standard Jetta models. The GLI shares more engineering with the Golf GTI than with the regular Jetta in many ways.