2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Due for a redesign any year now, the 2013 Jetta Sportwagen continues on the Jetta's previous platform for its second year beyond the...
Due for a redesign any year now, the 2013 Jetta Sportwagen continues on the Jetta's previous platform for its second year beyond the Jetta's redesign, carrying over for 2013 with only one paint color difference. Not that drivers are complaining—the few complaints about the Sportwagen have to do with power in the TDI turbodiesel. Namely, this beastly engine tends to jerk people around when it's cold, and though that's not news to folks familiar with the V-dub's turbo, drivers just entering the Sportwagen and expecting the same Americanized ride as the latest Jetta tend to find that a bit of a nasty surprise.
Known overseas as the Golf Wagon, the Jetta Sportwagen is a front-wheel-drive midsize (but roomy) 5-passenger wagon that drives like a compact and packs like a minivan. Offering on-par zip-to-60 times around 9 seconds, highway mpg into the 40s and nearly 33 cubic feet for cargo before you fold down the back seats, those that need this level of utility are absolutely in love with this Volkswagen and see no equal on the market today. Indeed, no vehicle of its class offers 67 total cubic feet for cargo, and anything offering that much space doesn't drive with as much pep and agility.
The same S, SE and TDI trims carry into 2013 featuring comforts like full power accessories, roof rails, keyless entry, heated mirrors, heated windshield-washer nozzles, cruise control, heated front seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and an 8-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary jack all standard at the baseline. The SE and TDI trade the 16-inch steels for alloys and cloth for leatherette vinyl upholstery, then add upgraded gauges, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, and 2 more speakers for the sound system with a touchscreen interface, satellite and HD radio capabilities, 6-CD changer, iPod interface and steering-wheel-mounted controls. The SE can opt for 17-inch alloys and a panoramic sunroof, whereas the TDI's package adds a navigation system and keyless ignition on top of the new rims and roof.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder good for 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The SE is powered by a 6-speed automatic that is also available to the S, but otherwise the S defaults to a 6-speed manual fetching the best economy of the non-diesel engines for 24 mpg city/33 highway. The automatic is good for 24/31 with this engine, which is still very respectable for its class. Springing the extra few grand for the TDI gets a 140-hp and 236-lb-ft of torque 2 liter inline 4-cylinder good for 30/42 with the manual transmission or 29/39 with the automated manual. The TDI is also the peppiest of the bunch, hitting 60 mph in just under 9 seconds.
The Jetta Sportwagen is definitely a car that is better in person than it is on paper. Don't be fooled by the "leatherette" or sub-200 figures for horsepower—give it a try. We're pretty sure the top-notch interior and refined performance will wow you, too, just don't expect a pedigreed sports car. It is, after all, a wagon.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers enjoyed the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen for its comfortable ride, spacious cargo area, great fuel economy, and fun performance. Many appreciated the smoothness of the DSG transmission and the sporty feel of the car. However, some noted issues like blind spots, DSG maintenance costs, and concerns about prior problems related to the emissions scandal, which affected their experience."
This is a fantastic car. I wish I had not sold it. I had the TDI model (diesel) and it got great gas mileage. It is a very heavy, study safe vehicle with good towing capacity. Very roomy, comfortable, excellent cargo room and fun to drive.
April 12, 2025The car drives very smooth, it sits comfortably, and the trunk space is amazing!
July 17, 2024Enjoyable car to drive and very usable cargo space. Seemed like a near-ideal balance between cargo and overall size. (Note: I sold this car back to VW as part of Dieselgate.) The TDI engine seemed great until the emissions scandal exposed that it wasnt meeting the emissions standards. The 6-speed manual shifter is excellent, and the clutch take-up is OK — marred by a line restrictor that doesnt reward quick shifts. The electric steering rack makes steering feel numb, though its accurate and adequately quick. With 17 wheels theres plenty of grip for enthusiastic driving, though understeer dampens the fun beyond 7/10ths. Ride quality is quite good. Interior quality is good, though it falls a little short of my previous Jetta. I miss this car!
February 8, 2021What owners say
This is a fantastic car. I wish I had not sold it. I had the TDI model (diesel) and it got great gas mileage. It is a very heavy, study safe vehicle with good towing capacity. Very roomy, comfortable, excellent cargo room and fun to drive.
April 12, 2025The car drives very smooth, it sits comfortably, and the trunk space is amazing!
July 17, 2024Enjoyable car to drive and very usable cargo space. Seemed like a near-ideal balance between cargo and overall size. (Note: I sold this car back to VW as part of Dieselgate.) The TDI engine seemed great until the emissions scandal exposed that it wasnt meeting the emissions standards. The 6-speed manual shifter is excellent, and the clutch take-up is OK — marred by a line restrictor that doesnt reward quick shifts. The electric steering rack makes steering feel numb, though its accurate and adequately quick. With 17 wheels theres plenty of grip for enthusiastic driving, though understeer dampens the fun beyond 7/10ths. Ride quality is quite good. Interior quality is good, though it falls a little short of my previous Jetta. I miss this car!
February 8, 2021This is a great roomy car, great has mileage, dsg transmission is smooth and has extremely fast shifting. Bad blind spots, small center console, and similar models are about $5,000 more than what the car should actually be worth.
May 23, 2022We have this car for 2 yrs and we love it. They improve the heating so on cold days the car gets warmer fast. Cargo space is good. Gas consumption average 7.7 this last cold winter on mostly city driving. We have the model with panoramic sunroof (as if the driver looks at the stars when driving) and you can hear high the noise from the roof box(if mounted). I find annoying the maintenance schedule for DSG transmission, every 60k and is not cheap, so go with the manual transmission. We have 2 kids and we can carry lots of things :). Handling is great and controls are nicely organized. Good acceleration when required and even at high speed the engine is responsive.
March 11, 2015It’s ten times better than any Prius could be. It’s manual and way more torque and horsepower. It’s actuallly fun to drive.
January 28, 2024Its a great car. It has great features like heated seats, sunroof and Bluetooth. It is comfortable, roomy, reliable, and it saves on gas! Very much recommend.
June 21, 2022Great shape. Nice service records. Attentive maintenance. Thanks!
February 24, 2022Dealer tried to sell us a car with severe TDI recall issues that had been fixed three times previously telling me that that issue was never going away on that car. check engine light showed up literally the very first day we owned it before we even drove it anywhere. Thankfully the people knew we were on to their shady games and gave us a full return immediately.
March 14, 2024I think its a great car, good on gas, very comfortable and sporty even, great driving experience and roomy in the wagon version! Average maintenance costs.
September 7, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,595 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,395 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,195 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,795 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 35 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,595 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 34 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,395 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 32.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 35 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$20,595 - $28,395
Current avg. market price
$7,721
Trending down by 2.2% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
