2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Starting MSRP
$33,745
About the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI enters the segment anchored by its potent 2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Priced uniformly across its known trims at $33,745, the GLI prioritizes driver engagement, notably offering a standard 6-speed manual transmission for the base configuration. Fuel economy is highly competitive for a performance sedan, achieving an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined (26 city/36 highway), though this requires the recommended premium unleaded fuel. With a 105.6-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 186.9 inches, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI balances interior space, offering 37.4 inches of rear legroom, while retaining 14.1 cubic feet of dedicated cargo capacity.
Key Highlights
Standard Power Output
The 2.0L Turbo engine delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, establishing a strong power-to-weight baseline for the front-wheel-drive sedan.
Manual Transmission Focus
The standard 6-speed manual transmission in the Autobahn trim emphasizes mechanical driver connection, positioning the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI uniquely against competitors.
Efficiency Balance
Achieving 30 MPG combined (26/36 city/highway) on premium unleaded positions the 2026 Jetta GLI favorably for efficiency in the entry-level performance sedan category.
Dimensional Footprint
Measuring 186.9 inches long and 70.8 inches wide, the dimensions support 41.1 inches of front legroom for the driver and front passenger.
Best For
Enthusiast Commuters
- Buyers prioritizing driver control will value the standard 6-speed manual transmission while benefiting from the 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
Value-Conscious Performance Seekers
- With a reported price point of $33,745 for both available trims, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers a fixed entry cost for 228 horsepower.
Sedan Traditionalists
- Those requiring practical sedan utility will find 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 37.4 inches of rear legroom adequate for routine passenger duties.
Available Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Drivetrain | Horsepower | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | $33,745 | front wheel drive | 228 hp | 30 mpg |
| Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) | $33,745 | front wheel drive | 228 hp | 29 mpg |
Specifications comparison table for 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.
Specifications Comparison
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Features Comparison
Feature
Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
| Feature | Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety (32 features) | ||
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ||
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Blind Spot Monitor | ||
| Brake Assist | ||
| Brake Drying | ||
| Daytime Running Lights | ||
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ||
| Electronic Stability Control | ||
| Engine Immobilizer | ||
| Front Head Airbags | ||
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ||
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ||
| Headlight Delay-Off | ||
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ||
| LATCH System | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ||
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ||
| Post-Collision Safety System | ||
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ||
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ||
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ||
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ||
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ||
| Rear Head Airbags | ||
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ||
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ||
| Traction Control System | ||
| Engine (9 features) | ||
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel Injection Type | ||
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Drive Train (3 features) | ||
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Fuel (5 features) | ||
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/475.2 mi. | 330.0/462.0 mi. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 25/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 29 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Warranty (5 features) | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Comfort & Convenience (22 features) | ||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ||
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ||
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ||
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ||
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ||
| Electric Power Steering | ||
| Front Cupholders | ||
| Front Door Pockets | ||
| Front Seatback Storage | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Interior Air Filtration | ||
| Leather Steering Wheel | ||
| Overhead Console with Storage | ||
| Push Button Start | ||
| Rear Cupholders | ||
| Rear Door Pockets | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ||
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ||
| Wireless Charging Pad | ||
| In Car Entertainment (9 features) | ||
| AM/FM Stereo | ||
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ||
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ||
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | 8 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| USB Port | ||
| Power Feature (4 features) | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Keyless Entry | ||
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Frontseats (16 features) | ||
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ||
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ||
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ||
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ||
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ||
| Seat Material: Leather | ||
| Rearseats (6 features) | ||
| Folding Center Armrest | ||
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.4 in. | 51.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ||
| Tires and Wheels (7 features) | ||
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ||
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ||
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Tire Size | 225/45R H | 225/45R H |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Suspension (3 features) | ||
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ||
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ||
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ||
| Instrumentation (5 features) | ||
| Clock | ||
| Compass | ||
| External Temperature Display | ||
| Tachometer | ||
| Trip Computer | ||
| Measurements (15 features) | ||
| Angle of Approach | 14.5 degrees | 14.5 degrees |
| Angle of Departure | 16.3 degrees | 16.3 degrees |
| Cargo Capacity (Seats Up) | 14.1 cu.ft. | 14.1 cu.ft. |
| Country of Final Assembly | Mexico | Mexico |
| Curb Weight | 3247 lbs. | 3318 lbs. |
| EPA Interior Volume | 108.8 cu.ft. | 108.8 cu.ft. |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4299 lbs. | 4365 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | 5.2 in. | 5.2 in. |
| Height | 57.3 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Length | 186.9 in. | 186.9 in. |
| Maximum Payload | 937 lbs. | 937 lbs. |
| Turning Circle | 35.8 ft. | 35.8 ft. |
| Wheelbase | 105.6 in. | 105.6 in. |
| Width (With Mirrors) | 80.2 in. | 80.2 in. |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 70.8 in. | 70.8 in. |
| Telematics (5 features) | ||
| Airbag Deployment Notification | ||
| Emergency Service | ||
| Roadside Assistance | ||
| Stolen Vehicle Tracking | ||
| Vehicle Alarm Notification | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official combined fuel economy for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is rated for 30 MPG combined. The breakdown is 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, requiring premium unleaded fuel.
Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offer an automatic transmission option?
Yes, one of the two available trims for the 2026 Jetta GLI features a 7-speed automatic (7AM), contrasting with the standard 6-speed manual.
How much passenger volume does the 2026 Jetta GLI provide?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers substantial front room with 41.1 inches of legroom, complemented by 37.4 inches of rear legroom across the five-passenger cabin.
What is the fixed price point for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI trims?
Both the 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic variants of the 2026 Jetta GLI are listed at the exact same price of $33,745.
What level of torque does the 2.0L engine produce in the 2026 Jetta GLI?
The turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI generates 258 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.
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