The Volkswagen Jetta’s most prominent design feature is its distinctive chrome grille, whose 'V' shape echoes those already seen on the Golf GTI and New Passat. The rear end also reflects current Volkswagen design themes, and features fast-acting LED lights.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a larger vehicle than the Bora that it will replace, for greater presence and improved interior space. At 4.56 m long, it has grown by 18.2 cm, while width has increased by 2.5 cm to 1.76 m. The height has also increased by 1.5 cm to 1.46 m, while the wheelbase is 6.5 cm longer than before, at 2.58 m.