2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Returns as Fuel-Efficient Alternative to Minivan

jetta sportswagen

Families in the market for plenty of interior cargo space will find much to like about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. While the Jetta variant offers similar cabin space as a compact SUV, its fuel figures are dramatically better. As such, if you're looking for a fuel-efficient family car, then the new VW Jetta Sportwagen may be for you.

Styling: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

The design of the VW wagon doesn't change much over last year. While this means it looks pretty much the same as the 2011 SportWagen, it also means it look quite different from the 2012 Jetta sedan. This is because the sedan model has been redesigned considerably to make it a bit less upscale and, therefore, a bit more accessible to the average driver.

As such, the older body style may come as good news to you if you prefer the more refined Jetta styling from not so long ago. Inside, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta wagon offers good front passenger comfort. The rear seat, however, is meant largely to be a kid-friendly zone (meaning full-grown adults may feel a bit cramped). Maximum cargo room is listed at 66.9 cubic feet (32.8 cubic feet with rear seat in use). As a comparison, the Honda CR-V compact SUV offers a maximum of 70.9 cubic feet of storage.

Performance: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

The standard Jetta SportWagen receives a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque. At its best, this engine outputs an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway (26 mpg combined). Currently, the most fuel-efficient minivan for the 2012 year (Honda Odyssey) earns 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

For car shoppers who really want to save on gas, VW offers the SportWagen TDI. This diesel model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that earns an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway (34 mpg combined).

View full 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen specifications

Safety: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

As a family car, shoppers can expect the Jetta wagon to come complete with a wide variety of standard safety features. These features include antilock brakes, six airbags, stability control and traction control. Crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) resulted in a best-possible rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Pricing and Features: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

Initial asking price for the 2012 VW SportWagen is listed at $19,995. For that price, you'll get keyless entry, roof rails, heated mirrors, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, heated front seat, heated mirrors, 60/40 rear folding seat, Bluetooth, eight-speaker stereo, CD player and auxiliary input.

Upgrade to the SE ($24,010) or TDI ($25,260), and you'll also get upgraded alloy wheels, vinyl upholstery, enhanced gauges, steering-wheel controls, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, 10-speaker stereo, touchscreen controls, HD radio, satellite radio, six-CD changer and iPod interface. Available optional equipment includes a sunroof, 17-inch wheels, keyless ignition and a navigation system.

Find a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen dealer near you