2026 Volkswagen Jetta

Sedan 5 seats 4 trims Budget Sedans Under $30,000

Starting MSRP

$23,995

to $29,995

About the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is shaping up to be a seriously sensible choice for everyday driving. Volkswagen has nailed the balance between economy and a bit of pep, starting at a very attractive price point of $23,995. You get a dependable 1.5L turbocharged engine producing 158 horsepower and solid 184 lb-ft of torque, which should make merging onto the highway pretty painless. What really stands out is the fuel efficiency; hitting 40 MPG on the highway means fewer trips to the pump, making those long commutes much easier on your wallet. With a wheelbase of 105.7 inches, it offers decent passenger comfort, especially for the driver needing 41.1 inches of front legroom, all wrapped up in a compact sedan footprint that’s just 186.5 inches long.

Key Highlights

Excellent Highway MPG

The 2026 Jetta achieves 40 MPG on the highway, which translates directly into lower fuel costs over the year.

Solid Torque Output

Boasting 184 lb-ft of torque, the 1.5L turbo engine offers better pull at lower speeds than many base competitors.

Smooth Shifting

It comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, aiming for smooth power delivery in city and highway situations.

Affordable Entry Price

With a starting MSRP of just $23,995 across its four trims, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta remains accessible.

Best For

Budget-conscious commuters - The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta delivers 40 highway MPG and runs on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operational costs low.
City drivers needing space - Its 186.5-inch length provides maneuverability while offering 41.1 inches of front legroom for comfortable city navigating.
First-time new car buyers - With a starting price below $24,000, the 2026 Jetta provides reliability and modern features without demanding a premium.

Available Trims

Trim MSRP Drivetrain Horsepower MPG
S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
$23,995 front wheel drive 158 hp 34 mpg
SE 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
$26,985 front wheel drive 158 hp 33 mpg
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
$29,995 front wheel drive 158 hp 33 mpg
Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
$25,305 front wheel drive 158 hp 33 mpg
Specifications comparison table for 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. 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
S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
FeatureS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)SE 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Safety (32 features)
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)4-Wheel4-Wheel4-Wheel4-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 Headrests2222
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 Headrests3333
Rear Solid Disc Brakes
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Traction Control System
Engine (9 features)
Base Engine Displacement1.5 L1.5 L1.5 L1.5 L
Base Engine Typegasgasgasgas
Camshaft TypeDouble overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Fuel Injection Type
Horsepower158 hp @ 5500 rpm158 hp @ 5500 rpm158 hp @ 5500 rpm158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Number of Cylindersinline 4inline 4inline 4inline 4
Number of Valves16161616
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Variable Valve TimingVariableVariableVariableVariable
Drive Train (2 features)
Drivetrain Typefront wheel drivefront wheel drivefront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Transmission Type8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel (5 features)
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)382.8/528.0 mi.382.8/528.0 mi.382.8/528.0 mi.382.8/528.0 mi.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)29/40 MPG29/40 MPG29/40 MPG29/40 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)34 MPG33 MPG33 MPG33 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity13.2 gal.13.2 gal.13.2 gal.13.2 gal.
Fuel Typeregular unleadedregular unleadedregular unleadedregular unleaded
Warranty (5 features)
Basic Warranty4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance2 yr./ 20000 mi.2 yr./ 20000 mi.2 yr./ 20000 mi.2 yr./ 20000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty7 yr./ 100000 mi.7 yr./ 100000 mi.7 yr./ 100000 mi.7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance3 yr./ 36000 mi.3 yr./ 36000 mi.3 yr./ 36000 mi.3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Comfort & Convenience (21 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
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors
Wireless Charging Pad
In Car Entertainment (11 features)
AM/FM Stereo
Android Auto (Wired)
Android Auto (Wireless)
Apple CarPlay (Wired)
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)
Infotainment Display8.0 in8.0 in8.0 in8.0 in
Satellite Radio
Satellite Radio Trial Period3 months3 months
Speaker System4684
Subwoofer Count1
USB Port
Power Feature (5 features)
Heated Mirrors
Keyless Entry
Moonroof Type1st Row Power Glass Extended1st Row Power Glass Extended
One-Touch Power Windows4444
Remote Keyless Entry
Frontseats (19 features)
Driver Seat HeatingMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-level
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Driver Seat Lumbar SupportPowerPower
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments6-way6-way
Driver Seat Memory Settings3
Driver Seat Power Adjustments6-way8-way
Driver Seat Ventilation
Front Head Room38.5 in.38.5 in.38.5 in.38.5 in.
Front Hip Room53.0 in.53.0 in.53.0 in.53.0 in.
Front Leg Room41.1 in.41.1 in.41.1 in.41.1 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket
Front Shoulder Room55.9 in.55.9 in.55.9 in.55.9 in.
Passenger Seat HeatingMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments6-way6-way6-way6-way
Passenger Seat Ventilation
Seat Material: Cloth
Seat Material: Leather
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth
Rearseats (7 features)
Folding Center Armrest
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)
Rear Head Room37.2 in.37.2 in.37.2 in.37.2 in.
Rear Hip Room51.4 in.51.4 in.51.4 in.51.4 in.
Rear Leg Room37.4 in.37.4 in.37.4 in.37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room54.0 in.54.0 in.54.0 in.54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Tires and Wheels (7 features)
Painted Alloy Wheels
Polished Alloy Wheels
Spare Tire LocationInside MountedInside MountedInside Mounted
Spare Tire TypeTemporaryTemporaryTemporary
Tire Size205/60R H205/55R H225/45R H205/55R H
Tire TypeAll SeasonAll SeasonAll SeasonAll Season
Wheel Size16 x 6.5 in17 x 7.0 in18 x 7.5 in17 x 7.0 in
Suspension (2 features)
Front Suspension TypeIndependentIndependentIndependentIndependent
Stabilizer Bar
Instrumentation (5 features)
Clock
Compass
External Temperature Display
Tachometer
Trip Computer
Measurements (15 features)
Angle of Approach15.1 degrees15.1 degrees15.1 degrees15.1 degrees
Angle of Departure18.0 degrees18.0 degrees18.0 degrees18.0 degrees
Cargo Capacity (Seats Up)14.1 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.14.1 cu.ft.
Country of Final AssemblyMexicoMexicoMexicoMexico
Curb Weight2998 lbs.3058 lbs.3058 lbs.3058 lbs.
EPA Interior Volume108.8 cu.ft.108.8 cu.ft.108.8 cu.ft.108.8 cu.ft.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)4167 lbs.4167 lbs.4167 lbs.4167 lbs.
Ground Clearance5.5 in.5.5 in.5.5 in.5.5 in.
Height57.7 in.57.7 in.57.7 in.57.7 in.
Length186.5 in.186.5 in.186.5 in.186.5 in.
Maximum Payload915 lbs.915 lbs.915 lbs.915 lbs.
Turning Circle35.8 ft.35.8 ft.35.8 ft.35.8 ft.
Wheelbase105.7 in.105.7 in.105.7 in.105.7 in.
Width (With Mirrors)80.2 in.80.2 in.80.2 in.80.2 in.
Width (Without Mirrors)70.8 in.70.8 in.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

How fuel efficient is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta in combined driving?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta has a combined fuel economy rating of 34 MPG. This breaks down further into 29 MPG in the city and a very impressive 40 MPG on the highway.

What kind of engine and transmission comes standard on all 2026 Jetta trims?

Every 2026 Volkswagen Jetta utilizes a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged gas engine that produces 158 horsepower. This is paired exclusively with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is the trunk space adequate in the 2026 Jetta for errands and trips?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta sedan offers 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. While not massive, this is generally enough space for weekly groceries or standard luggage for two travelers.

How much horsepower and torque does the standard engine provide?

The standard turbocharged engine in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.

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