The 2018 Jetta debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, on 14 January 2018, after Volkswagen released an exterior design sketch in December 2017.

The seventh-generation Jetta is larger than its predecessor, offers more interior room and has the latest generation of Volkswagen's infotainment systems, including integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Its ten-color customizable ambient interior lighting includes lighting across the dashboard and instrument panel, front and rear doors, foot wells, and the gauge "rings" of a newly available fully digital instrument cluster display, marketed as the "Digital Cockpit".

On higher trim levels, the Jetta also offers seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and Volkswagen Driving Mode Selection.

[5] As with its predecessors, production of the all-new 2019 Jetta will continue at Volkswagen's Puebla assembly plant in Mexico.

In September 2020, the Mexican model introduced a budget trim level for the Jetta named Startline, which slots below the Trendline trim and is equipped with the 1.6-liter MSI engine used by the Virtus sedan, significantly reducing its price, only offered in the Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission option, and few units will be sold.

The GLI lineup is simplified into a single "base" model, and includes all of the standard equipment from the previous top-tier Autobahn trim, along with a lower price.

For the standard Jetta lineup, the base S model retains its six-speed manual transmission, which is also available on the new Sport trim.

[9][10] Changes include an updated front fascia design with a new grille and new headlights, there is the option of a full-width light bar on the grille for the Sport trim and above, the rear receives a new full-width light bar, new exterior colors, and new alloy wheel designs.

In addition to the drivetrain upgrades, a multi-link rear suspension and a VAQ electronically controlled limited-slip differential are included.

[14] The GLI features a few exterior upgrades from the standard Jetta, including larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a small rear spoiler, different bumpers, and a black grille with a red stripe.