The Sportwagen was packed: four adults and all the trimmings for a picnic (four folding canvas chairs, gas grille, two large coolers, baseball gloves, baseball bat, and two brown bags stuffed with plates, cups and assorted snacks). This wagon easily accommodated riders and cargo with nearly 33 cubic feet of space behind the upright rear seat. (Cargo space balloons to nearly 67 cubic feet with rear seat folded.) The ride is comfortable as the four-wheel independent suspension with telescopic shocks, coil springs, and stabilizer bar in the rear soaks up potholes and bumps. Changes for the 2010 model year include a new front-end, different wheel designs as well as cosmetic alterations to the instrument cluster, steering wheel and seat material.

Jetta Sportwagen S and SE get power from a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of peak torque. (The Sportwagen TDI model is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine.) A five-speed manual gearbox—standard transmission on the S and SE versions—demands precision with regard to shifting and engaging the hydraulic clutch. The front wheel drive wagon is fitted with power-assisted vented front disc brakes and solid disc rear brakes. With a 5-speed manual transmission, 16-inch steel wheels and all-season tires, the Jetta SportWagen S collects estimated mpg of 22 city/30 highway and carries a MSRP of $19,265.