The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Sel marked a significant redesign for the popular sedan, bringing with it updated styling, technology, and most importantly, enhanced safety features. For those considering a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, understanding its safety performance is paramount. This article delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings for the 2019-2025 Volkswagen Jetta models, providing a comprehensive overview of how this vehicle protects its occupants in various collision scenarios.
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Driver’s Side
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or pole. In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL achieved a “Good” rating, the highest possible.
This “Good” rating extends across all critical evaluation criteria:
- Overall Evaluation: Good (G)
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good (G)
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Chest: Good (G)
- Hip/Thigh: Good (G)
- Lower Leg/Foot: Good (G)
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good (G)
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL driver-side small overlap crash test result. Good rating indicated by minimal vehicle deformation and effective airbag protection.
Technical measurements from the test (Test ID: VTN1812) further illustrate the vehicle’s robust performance. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal, with the maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar measured at 9 cm. Key measurements include:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
- Lower Hinge Pillar Max: 9 cm
- Footrest: 7 cm
- Left Toepan: 3 cm
- Brake Pedal: 4 cm
- Parking Brake: 0 cm
- Rocker Panel Lateral Average: 0 cm
- Steering Column: 2 cm
- Upper Hinge Pillar Max: 6 cm
- Upper Dash: 7 cm
- Lower Instrument Panel: 7 cm
Driver Injury Measures:
- Head: HIC-15: 242, No head contact with hard surfaces
- Neck: Tension: 1.6 kN, Extension Bending Moment: 16 Nm, Maximum Nij: 0.26
- Chest: Maximum Compression: 26 mm
- Femur (Left/Right): 0.7 kN / 0.1 kN
- Knee Displacement (Left/Right): 1 mm / 0 mm
- Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (Left/Right): 0% / 0%
- Maximum Tibia Index (Left/Right): 0.56 / 0.37
- Tibia Axial Force (Left/Right): 2.5 kN / 1.9 kN
- Foot Acceleration (Left/Right): 57 g / 73 g
These measurements confirm the “Good” ratings, demonstrating low risk of injury to the driver in a small overlap frontal crash for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL.
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Passenger Side
Similar to the driver-side test, the passenger-side small overlap test evaluates protection for the front passenger. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL also earned a “Good” overall rating in this assessment.
The ratings breakdown for the passenger side are as follows:
- Overall Evaluation: Good (G)
- Structure and Safety Cage: Acceptable (A)
- Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Chest: Good (G)
- Hip/Thigh: Good (G)
- Lower Leg/Foot: Good (G)
- Passenger Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good (G)
- Driver Injury Measures: (Evaluated in passenger-side test)
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Chest: Good (G)
- Hip/Thigh: Good (G)
- Lower Leg/Foot: Good (G)
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good (G)
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL passenger-side small overlap crash test. Good occupant protection demonstrated, structure rated as Acceptable.
While the structural rating is “Acceptable,” injury measures for both the passenger and driver dummies remain in the “Good” range. Key technical data from test VTP1828 includes:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side):
- Lower Hinge Pillar Max: 11 cm
- Footrest: 9 cm
- Right Toepan: 5 cm
- Center Toepan: 3 cm
- Rocker Panel Lateral Average: 1 cm
- Center Dash: 3 cm
- Upper Hinge Pillar Max: 6 cm
- Upper Dash: 8 cm
- Right Lower Dash: 10 cm
Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head: HIC-15: 147, No head contact with hard surfaces
- Neck: Tension: 0.9 kN, Extension Bending Moment: 11 Nm, Maximum Nij: 0.19
- Chest: Maximum Compression: 26 mm
- Femur (Left/Right): 0.2 kN / 0.5 kN
- Knee Displacement (Left/Right): 2 mm / 3 mm
- Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (Left/Right): 0% / 0%
- Maximum Tibia Index (Left/Right): 0.41 / 0.46
- Tibia Axial Force (Left/Right): 1.6 kN / 1.7 kN
- Foot Acceleration (Left/Right): 55 g / 30 g
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side Test):
- Head: HIC-15: 145, No head contact with hard surfaces
- Neck: Tension: 1.0 kN, Extension Bending Moment: 8 Nm, Maximum Nij: 0.21
- Chest: Maximum Compression: 31 mm
- Femur (Left/Right): 0.1 kN / 0.1 kN
- Knee Displacement (Left/Right): 0 mm / 1 mm
- Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk (Left/Right): 0% / 0%
- Maximum Tibia Index (Left/Right): 0.37 / 0.27
- Tibia Axial Force (Left/Right): 0.2 kN / 0.7 kN
- Foot Acceleration (Left/Right): 34 g / 43 g
These results indicate that the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL provides solid protection for occupants on both sides in a small overlap frontal crash scenario.
Moderate Overlap Frontal Crash Test
The moderate overlap frontal test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end hitting a deformable barrier. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL received a “Good” rating in the original moderate overlap front test, based on tests conducted by both the IIHS and Volkswagen.
Key ratings are:
- Overall Evaluation: Good (G)
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good (G)
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Chest: Good (G)
- Leg/Foot, Left: Good (G)
- Leg/Foot, Right: Good (G)
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good (G)
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL moderate overlap frontal crash. Dummy position shows good survival space and effective restraint system.
Alt text: Side curtain airbag deployment in 2019 Jetta SEL moderate overlap test. Greasepaint shows head contact with airbag, indicating proper head protection.
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL moderate overlap crash damage. Minimal intrusion into driver space, showing effective structural integrity.
Technical measurements from tests CEF1803 and VTF1824 show minimal occupant compartment intrusion and low injury measures:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Test ID: CEF1803 | Test ID: VTF1824 |
|---|---|---|
| Footrest (cm) | 4 | 7 |
| Left Footwell (cm) | 6 | 10 |
| Center Footwell (cm) | 5 | 6 |
| Right Footwell (cm) | 1 | 4 |
| Brake Pedal (cm) | 3 | 3 |
| Instrument Panel (Left) (cm) | 0 | -2 |
| Instrument Panel (Right) (cm) | 0 | -1 |
| Steering Column Upward (cm) | -3 | -1 |
| Steering Column Rearward (cm) | -6 | -6 |
| A-Pillar Rearward (cm) | 0 | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures:
| Measurement | Test ID: CEF1803 | Test ID: VTF1824 |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 252 | 215 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.3 | 1.4 |
| Neck Extension Bending (Nm) | 7 | 7 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 | 0.25 |
| Chest Max Compression (mm) | 25 | 30 |
| 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 |
| Max Tibia Index – Left | 0.26 | 0.30 |
| Max 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 (Left) (g) | 61 | 71 |
| Foot Acceleration (Right) (g) | 86 | 130 |
The consistent “Good” ratings and low injury measurements across both tests in moderate overlap scenarios underscore the robust frontal crash protection of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL.
Side Impact Crash Tests: Original and Updated
The side impact tests evaluate occupant protection in side collisions. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL was subjected to both the original and updated IIHS side crash tests.
In the original side crash test, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL achieved a “Good” overall rating, with “Good” ratings across all subcategories for both driver and rear passenger protection.
- Overall Evaluation (Original Test): Good (G)
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good (G)
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Torso: Good (G)
- Pelvis/Leg: Good (G)
- Driver Head Protection: Good (G)
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Torso: Good (G)
- Pelvis/Leg: Good (G)
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Good (G)
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL original side crash test. Good rating achieved with effective side impact protection systems.
However, in the more stringent updated side crash test, which uses a heavier barrier and higher impact speed, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL‘s overall rating was “Acceptable”.
- Overall Evaluation (Updated Test): Acceptable (A)
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good (G)
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Torso: Acceptable (A)
- Pelvis: Marginal (M)
- Driver Head Protection: Good (G)
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good (G)
- Torso: Marginal (M)
- Pelvis: Acceptable (A)
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Good (G)
Alt text: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL updated side crash test. Acceptable overall rating in tougher side impact scenario, structure remains Good.
Alt text: 2019 Jetta SEL updated side crash. Side airbag deployment protects driver’s head from impact, as indicated by greasepaint.
Alt text: 2019 Jetta SEL updated side crash. Rear passenger head protection by side airbag, demonstrated by greasepaint marks.
While the structure remained “Good” in the updated test, torso and pelvis injury measures for both front and rear occupants were less favorable, leading to the “Acceptable” overall rating. This indicates that while the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL offers strong structural protection in side impacts, there is room for improvement in mitigating torso and pelvis injuries in more severe side collision scenarios.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL achieved a “Good” rating in this test.
- Overall Evaluation (Roof Strength): Good (G)
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 5.84
- Peak Force: 17,181 lbs
- Curb Weight: 2,942 lbs
This “Good” rating signifies that the roof of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is structurally sound and provides good protection in rollover situations.
Head Restraints and Seats
Whiplash protection is crucial in rear-end collisions. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL with manual cloth seats received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats.
- Overall Evaluation (Head Restraints & Seats): Good (G)
- Dynamic Rating: Good (G)
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: Good (G)
This “Good” rating indicates effective head restraint and seat design in minimizing whiplash injuries in rear-impact collisions for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL.
Headlight Ratings
Headlight performance is a critical aspect of nighttime safety. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL has two different headlight variations, and their ratings differ.
For the SEL and SEL Premium trim levels, equipped with LED projector low beams and LED reflector high beams with high-beam assist, the overall headlight rating is “Marginal” (M).
- Overall Rating (SEL/SEL Premium Headlights): Marginal (M)
- Low-beam headlight type: LED projector
- High-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- Curve-adaptive?: No
- High-beam assist?: Yes
In contrast, the headlights on the S, SE, and R-Line trims, featuring LED reflector low and high beams without high-beam assist, received a “Poor” (P) rating.
- Overall Rating (S/SE/R-Line Headlights): Poor (P)
- Low-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- High-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- Curve-adaptive?: No
- High-beam assist?: No
The “Marginal” rating for the SEL/SEL Premium headlights suggests acceptable but not optimal performance, while the “Poor” rating for the other trims indicates significant shortcomings in headlight effectiveness for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or prevent frontal collisions. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, when equipped with the optional Front Assist system (part of the Driver Assistance Package), earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
- Overall Evaluation (Front Crash Prevention): Superior
- System Details: Optional Front Assist (with Autonomous Emergency Braking)
- Package Name: Optional Driver Assistance Package
The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crashes for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL models equipped with this optional feature.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Ease of use of child seat anchors is important for child passenger safety. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL received an “Acceptable” (A) rating for its LATCH system.
- Overall Evaluation (LATCH): Acceptable (A)
The Jetta has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with only a tether anchor. While rated “Acceptable,” the system has some noted difficulties in maneuvering around the lower anchors in certain seating positions.
Conclusion
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL demonstrates a strong safety profile based on IIHS crash testing. It achieves “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness evaluations, including small overlap front (driver and passenger side), moderate overlap front, original side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The updated side impact test resulted in an “Acceptable” overall rating, highlighting an area for potential improvement. Headlight ratings vary by trim, with the SEL and SEL Premium trims achieving a “Marginal” rating, and lower trims receiving a “Poor” rating. Optional front crash prevention is rated “Superior,” and child seat anchor ease of use is “Acceptable.”
Overall, the IIHS safety ratings suggest that the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is a safe vehicle choice within its class, particularly excelling in frontal and side crash protection, and offering superior front crash prevention technology as an option. Prospective buyers should consider the headlight ratings and the updated side impact results when making their purchasing decision, and for optimal safety, consider models equipped with the Driver Assistance Package for front crash prevention.
