2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen needs you…and a lot of other Americans…to reach their goal of 5% U.S. market share. It’s about 2% today. Their new atlas and Tiguan SUVs will certainly help, but they need more. So, enter an all-new Jetta compact sedan. Now, VW says that more than ever, it was designed with Amercian buyers in mind. But in doing so, VW risks ruining what made Jetta popular in the first place. So let’s see how well VW walks that tight rope.
With over 17½ million sold since 1979, the Volkswagen Jetta is a well-recognized, global nameplate. When the last Jetta sedan debuted right around the beginning of this decade, it was part of Volkswagen’s new strategy to not only build cars in North America, but to tailor them specifically for American drivers.
What that meant was less emphasis on ride-and-handling, making space and price the priorities. That “bigger and cheaper is better” approach yielded exactly the desired results, record sales.
For 2019, the 7th gen. Volkswagen Jetta not only doubles down on that strategy, but attempts to bring more driving excitement back into the mix.
While it still bears a resemblance to the conservative Passat, it’s certainly the most dynamic Jetta we’ve ever seen, and if you were expecting to hear the words “coupe-like profile”; well, they’re here.
The other usual descriptors apply as well, longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, wider track; and cliché as it all may be, it’s hard to argue with the very handsome results.
A slicker shape is only part of what VW has done to get back some of the fuel economy lost without diesel or hybrid models. Active grille shutters up front, and while technically the same engine, the 1.4-liter turbo behind that grille is now tuned for more efficiency.
3-horsepower was lost in that transformation, now at 147; but torque remains the same at 184 lb-ft.
Furthering the theme, base cars get an extra gear for a 6-speed manual, and the optional automatic is now an 8-speed.
The results are improved Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 30-City, 40-Highway, and 34-Combined; the same regardless of transmission.
While far from flashy inside, the exaggerated tilt of the center stack, sets a more driver-oriented tone to the space; and there’s much less hard plastic to be found, leaving nothing much to complain about.
And impressive features like the digital dash won’t be found anywhere else in this segment.
Top SEL Premium trim will also get you leather seats, both heated and ventilated; a new 8-inch Discover Media infotainment with navigation; selectable drive modes, and a 10-color LED ambient lighting system.
There is indeed plenty of space inside to get comfortable, no matter whether you’re the driver or just along for the ride. And cargo space is plentiful as well, at 14.1 cubic-ft.; 60/40 split-folding seatbacks are standard.
Our early drive time came around Raleigh, North Carolina; and we’ll jump right in with talk of the suspension. Yes, a torsion beam is back at the rear on all trims. And while it’s easy to complain; for American Jetta buyers, it’s likely the ideal blend of capability with great everyday comfort.
And, it keeps costs down. Helping offset that is the fact that that torsion beam is now bolted to VW’s MQB architecture. Does it provide A4-like sport sedan agility? Not quite. Is it a sensibly entertaining everyday compact sedan? We’d say yes and then some. Certainly more lively than segment leaders Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
The new 8-speed automatic stays very busy managing power delivery from the little 1.4-liter; but it does so without undo effort. Sporty R-Line trim has no any added power, but it does get an XDS electronic differential, unique wheels, black trim, and dual exhaust tips.
VW is certainly attempting to attract your bucks by delivering as much bang as possible; very well equipped base S trim starts at $19,395, down 100 bucks from last year; top trim SEL Premium goes for $27,795. Plus, VW’s new People First warranty includes bumper-to-bumper protection for 6 years or 72,000 miles.
It would be foolish to expect the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta alone to put the brand’s sale’s goal within reach. But, it is another correct step in that direction. VW has walked the tight rope well. So, if you’re thinking about a compact sedan, with Corolla and Civic on your list, we think you should add the very entertaining VW Jetta at the top.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.4 liter
- Horsepower: 147
- Torque: 184 lb-ft.
- EPA: 30 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
2025 Toyota Camry
Camry Goes All Hybrid, But It’s No Prius Sedan
Whether you call it Camry or Cam-ray, you have to call this Toyota the best-selling sedan in the U.S. for 2023. Not bad for a car in the last year of its lifecycle. That’s right, the Camry is all-new for model year 2025. So, let’s find out if this ninth-generation Camry can stay truly competitive in this world of SUVs and crossovers.
There have been many variations of the Toyota Camry over the last 40 years; some more exciting than others, but all have been incredibly comfortable, efficient, and practical. That theme carries over for the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry.
Though it feels like they purposely avoided any type of “wow” factor inside. Sure, there are the expected big screens for multimedia and gauge display, but they kept them separated, keeping the overall vibe traditional and classy rather than flashy. They’ve also retained lots of physical controls, added some unique materials, and attempted to open up the space a bit, knowing that they’re going up against EVs these days too, not just usual family sedan nameplates.
The new Camry follows Toyota protocol of basic LE series and more sport-oriented SE series; adding an X in front of either adds a bit more content. For our XSE tester that mostly means a flashier exterior that includes black trim and rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and 19-inch wheels, but it also gets a sport-tuned suspension.
Following the pattern of many recent Toyotas, Camry now has an all-hybrid lineup. Toyota’s newest, fifth-generation hybrid system mates to a 2.5-liter I4 engine for the first time. It works with two electric motors for a 225-horsepower output, 17 more than the outgoing Camry hybrid. And it delivers up to 51 mpg Combined. All-wheel-drive versions add an additional electric motor in back for powering the rear wheels for an increased total output of 232 horsepower; and AWD is available for all trims.
This is easily the best handling Camry we’ve driven.
Our all-wheel-drive tester did feel quite peppy on the street, with a competent suspension that soaked up bumps easily without feeling soft or floaty. At the test track, there was great grip off the line, and a substantial punch of power to get us to 60 in 6.9 seconds. There was a nice little engine growl at takeoff too, but it quickly turned into a consistent droning noise due to the electronically controlled CVT trans. There are some simulated gears you can play with, but they don’t really add much to the performance; our best quarter-mile time was 15.2 seconds at 94 mph.
This is one case where “sport-tuned suspension” seems to really mean something, as this is easily the best handling Camry we’ve driven. Minimal body roll, great road feel, and steering that was both tight and responsive. All-wheel-drive grip was great through the cones, but most people will find it much more beneficial when driving on slippery roads.
The hybrid’s regen braking is not the most natural feeling, but in panic stops the brakes clamp down quickly, causing some aggressive nosedive, but ultimately resulting in very short, 110-foot stops from 60.
As mentioned earlier, Government Fuel Economy Ratings are as high as 51 Combined, but all-wheel-drive XSEs come in at 44 City, 43 Highway, and 44 Combined, though our lead foot test loop saw just, but still noteworthy, 42.6 mpg of Regular.
Pricing starts with the base LE at $29,535; all-wheel drive is another $1,525 if you want it. XSE tops out the range at $35,735.
While the midsize four-door sedan is not the suburban staple that it once was, the Camry absolutely remains a staple of the Toyota lineup, and even kept its status as America’s best-selling car last year. So, it looks like there’s no stopping the Camry, as the more efficient 2025 Toyota Camry is better-looking, has better performance, and is a better all-around family car than ever.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.5-liter I4
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Horsepower: 232
- EPA: 44 City | 43 Highway | 44 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 15.2 seconds at 94 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg): 110 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 42.6 mpg (Regular)