The Volkswagen Jetta 2021, a compact sedan known for its fuel efficiency and stylish design, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant safety. This article provides a detailed overview of the safety ratings and crash test performance of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, consolidating data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This analysis is crucial for prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts interested in understanding the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver side, impacts a barrier. This test is particularly challenging as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the car.
Rating: Good
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest rating possible.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver Restraints & Kinematics | G |
Technical measurements from the test (Test ID: VTN1812) reveal the structural integrity and occupant protection provided by the Jetta 2021.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 9 |
| Footrest | 7 |
| Left Toepan | 3 |
| Brake Pedal | 4 |
| Parking Brake | 0 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 0 |
| Steering Column | 2 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 6 |
| Upper Dash | 7 |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 7 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 242 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.6 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 16 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.26 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.7 |
| Right | 0.1 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | |
| Left | 0.56 |
| Right | 0.37 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.5 |
| Right | 1.9 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 57 |
| Right | 73 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses the protection offered to the front passenger.
Rating: Good
Similar to the driver-side, the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 also earned a “Good” rating for passenger-side small overlap protection.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | A |
| Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Passenger Restraints & Kinematics | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/Thigh | G |
| Lower Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver Restraints & Kinematics | G |
Technical measurements for the passenger-side test (Test ID: VTP1828) are detailed below:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 11 |
| Footrest | 9 |
| Right Toepan | 5 |
| Center Toepan | 3 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 1 |
| Center Dash | 3 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 6 |
| Upper Dash | 8 |
| Right Lower Dash | 10 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 147 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.5 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 2 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | |
| Left | 0.41 |
| Right | 0.46 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.6 |
| Right | 1.7 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 55 |
| Right | 30 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side Test)
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 145 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 8 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest | |
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 31 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.1 |
| Right | 0.1 |
| Knee Displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 1 |
| Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index | |
| Left | 0.37 |
| Right | 0.27 |
| Tibia Axial Force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.7 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 34 |
| Right | 43 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front crash test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width colliding with a deformable barrier. This test is designed to evaluate how well the vehicle protects occupants in a more common type of frontal collision.
Rating: Good
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 received a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/Foot, Left | G |
| Leg/Foot, Right | G |
| Driver Restraints & Kinematics | G |
Image: Action shot taken during the moderate overlap frontal crash test of the Volkswagen Jetta 2021, demonstrating vehicle deformation.
Image: Dummy position post-crash in the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 moderate overlap test, showing good survival space maintenance.
Image: Greasepaint on the side curtain airbag indicating head contact during rebound in the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 moderate overlap test.
Image: Minimal intrusion into the driver’s space after the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 moderate overlap test, indicating effective occupant compartment protection.
Technical measurements from both the Institute’s test (CEF1803) and Volkswagen’s test (VTF1824) are presented below:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | CEF1803 (cm) | VTF1824 (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion | ||
| Footrest | 4 | 7 |
| Left | 6 | 10 |
| Center | 5 | 6 |
| Right | 1 | 4 |
| Brake Pedal | 3 | 3 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | ||
| Left | 0 | -2 |
| Right | 0 | -1 |
| Steering Column Movement | ||
| Upward | -3 | -1 |
| Rearward | -6 | -6 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 0 | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Measurement | CEF1803 | VTF1824 |
|---|---|---|
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 252 | 215 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 7 | 7 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 | 0.25 |
| Chest | ||
| Maximum Compression (mm) | 25 | 30 |
| Legs | ||
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.2 | 1.6 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 0.1 | 1.6 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | 0 | 0 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | 1 | 0 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.26 | 0.30 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.79 | 0.52 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| Foot Acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | 61 | 71 |
| Right | 86 | 130 |
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The original side crash test evaluates vehicle safety in side-impact collisions, simulating a vehicle being struck by another vehicle.
Rating: Good
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 achieved a “Good” rating in the original side crash test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
Technical measurements for the original side crash test (Test ID: VTS1822) are as follows:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -21.0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 192 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 7.76 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.88 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac Force (kN) | 2.3 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 4.4 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M Force (kN) | 1.5 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 21 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 195 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 241 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 4.24 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.41 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac Force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Acetabulum Force (kN) | 2.1 |
| Combined Force (kN) | 2.2 |
| Left Femur | |
| L-M Force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M Moment (Nm) | 99 |
| A-P Moment (Nm) | 56 |
Side Crash Test: Updated Test
The updated side crash test is more stringent, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to better reflect real-world side-impact scenarios, particularly involving larger vehicles.
Rating: Acceptable
In the updated side crash test, the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 received an “Acceptable” overall rating. While structure and driver head protection remained “Good,” torso and pelvis protection for both driver and rear passenger were rated lower.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | A |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | A |
| Pelvis | M |
| Driver Head Protection | G |
| Rear Passenger Injury Measures | |
| Head/Neck | G |
| Torso | M |
| Pelvis | A |
| Rear Passenger Head Protection | G |
Image: Post-crash view of the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 after the updated side crash test, showing vehicle integrity.
Image: Side airbags deployed and occupant compartment damage in the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 after the updated side crash test.
Image: Greasepaint indicating driver dummy head protection by side airbags in the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 updated side crash test.
Image: Greasepaint showing rear passenger dummy head protection by side airbag in the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 updated side crash test.
Technical measurements for the updated side crash test (Test ID: CES2219) are provided below:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -18.0 |
Driver Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 226 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 47 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 5.51 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 1.00 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined Force (kN) | 5.3 |
Passenger Injury Measures
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 274 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral Deflection (mm) | 50 |
| Lateral Force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum Deflection (mm) | 43 |
| Average Deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) | 4.35 |
| Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) | 0.82 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined Force (kN) | 4.7 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover accident, crucial for occupant protection in such events.
Rating: Good
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, indicating robust protection in rollover scenarios.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Curb Weight | 2,942 lbs |
| Peak Force | 17,181 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 5.84 |
Head Restraints & Seats
This evaluation focuses on the effectiveness of head restraints and seat design in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Rating: Good
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats, indicating effective whiplash protection.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Dynamic Rating | G |
| Seat/Head Restraint Geometry | G |
Technical measurements for head restraints and seats using manual cloth seats:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 40 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 14 |
| Seat Design Parameters | |
| Pass/Fail | Pass |
| Max T1 Acceleration (g) | 12.4 |
| Head Contact Time (ms) | 68 |
| Force Rating | 1 |
| Neck Forces | |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 46 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 411 |
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime driving safety. IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 has two headlight variations, assessed separately.
SEL & SEL Premium Trim Headlights
Rating: Marginal
These trims feature LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams with high-beam assist.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | M |
| Low-beam Headlight Type | LED projector |
| High-beam Headlight Type | LED reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | Yes |
S, SE, & R-Line Trim Headlights
Rating: Poor
These trims are equipped with LED reflector low and high beams without curve-adaptive features or high-beam assist.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | P |
| Low-beam Headlight Type | LED reflector |
| High-beam Headlight Type | LED reflector |
| Curve-Adaptive? | No |
| High-Beam Assist? | No |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are evaluated for their ability to avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles. The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 offers an optional Front Assist system.
Rating: Superior (with optional Front Assist)
With the optional Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking) package, the Volkswagen Jetta 2021 earns a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
- Collision Avoidance: Yes (at 12 mph and 25 mph)
- Forward Collision Warning: Does not meet requirements
Seat Belt Reminders
Seat belt reminders are assessed for their effectiveness in prompting seat belt use, particularly for front-row occupants.
Rating: Poor
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 receives a “Poor” rating for seat belt reminders, primarily due to the negligible duration of the audible alert.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | P |
| Front Row | |
| Unbelted Occupant Alert | |
| Initiation Time | |
| Duration | Negligible (under 8 seconds) |
| Volume | |
| Audio Frequency | |
| Second Row | |
| Startup Status Alert | None |
Technical measurements for seat belt reminders:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Background cabin sound pressure @ 24 km/h | 52 dB |
| Audible signal sound pressure @ 24 km/h | 54 dB |
| Difference between background and signal | 1.8 dB |
| Background cabin sound pressure @ 40 km/h | 55 dB |
| Audible signal sound pressure @ 40 km/h | 58 dB |
| Difference between background and signal | 2.6 dB |
| Dominant audio frequency | 600 Hz |
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are evaluated for their ease of use and accessibility, crucial for secure child seat installation.
Rating: Acceptable
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 is rated “Acceptable” for child seat anchors (LATCH). It features 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and 1 additional position with a tether anchor.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | A |
| Vehicle Trim | S |
| Seat Type | Cloth |
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Tether Anchor | Lower Anchors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Easy-to-find, no confusion | Not too deep, not too much force, difficult to maneuver around |
| 2 | Easy-to-find, no confusion | None available |
| 3 | Easy-to-find, no confusion | Not too deep, not too much force, difficult to maneuver around |
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Jetta 2021 demonstrates strong safety performance in various crash tests, achieving “Good” ratings in key areas like small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side crash, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. However, it received an “Acceptable” rating in the more demanding updated side crash test and “Poor” ratings for headlights on lower trims and seat belt reminders. These detailed safety ratings provide valuable information for consumers to make informed decisions regarding vehicle safety.
