Archived model-year dossier
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta gets only minor changes after its 2025 refresh: rear-seat pretensioners and wireless App-Connect become standard, with a 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo and an 8-inch touchscreen on every trim. It starts at $25,270. NHTSA lists one recall, for a transmission ground wire, and 6 complaints. EPA rates it 33 to 34 mpg combined.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency33–34 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers12
What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the Jetta gets only minor packaging tweaks for 2026 after a substantial refresh last year, and CarGurus (opens in a new tab) lists rear-seat pretensioners and wireless App-Connect as newly standard on all trims, plus an 8-inch touchscreen on every 2026 Jetta. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) lists a standard 1.5-liter turbo four with 158 hp and 184 lb-ft.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists a starting sticker price of $25,270 for the 1.5T S, a Fair Purchase Price of $24,300 and $31,270 for the top 1.5T SEL, and quotes 29 city, 40 highway and 33 combined mpg.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2026 Jetta. 26V138000, from March 2026, covers certain 2025 and 2026 Jettas whose transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open circuit, and dealers inspect and repair the wire.
Owners have filed 6 complaints: electrical system with 3, forward collision avoidance and unknown or other with 2 each, and engine, steering and exterior lighting with 1 each. CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) lists them, CleanVins (opens in a new tab) summarizes the categories, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) expects the 2026 Jetta to be less reliable than the average new car.
2026 Jetta against the Civic, Corolla, Elantra and Sentra
EPA rates the 2026 Jetta at 33 to 34 mpg combined and $1,850 to $1,900 a year in fuel. The Nissan Sentra lists 32 to 33 at $1,900 to $1,950, while the Honda Civic spans 24 to 49 at $1,250 to $3,250, the Toyota Corolla 22 to 50 at $1,250 to $3,500, and the Hyundai Elantra 23 to 54 at $1,150 to $3,350. The wide ranges come from hybrids and performance versions; against plain gas versions, the Jetta is near the front.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta: 4 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5T S | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 158 | 184 | 29 / 40 / 34 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 1.5T Sport | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 158 | 184 | 29 / 40 / 33 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 1.5T SE | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 158 | 184 | 29 / 40 / 33 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 1.5T SEL | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 158 | 184 | 29 / 40 / 33 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5T S | 2,998 lb | 186.5 in | 57.7 in | 105.7 in | 5.5 in | 35.8 ft | 38.5 in | 41.1 in | 1,156 lb | P205/60HR16 |
| 1.5T Sport | 3,058 lb | 186.5 in | 57.7 in | 105.7 in | 5.5 in | 35.8 ft | 38.5 in | 41.1 in | P205/55HR17 | |
| 1.5T SE | 3,058 lb | 186.5 in | 57.7 in | 105.7 in | 5.5 in | 35.8 ft | 38.5 in | 41.1 in | 1,072 lb | P205/55HR17 |
| 1.5T SEL | 3,058 lb | 186.5 in | 57.7 in | 105.7 in | 5.5 in | 35.8 ft | 38.5 in | 41.1 in | 1,072 lb | P225/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Volkswagen Jetta trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 1.5T S | 1.5T Sport | 1.5T SE | 1.5T SEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Anti-theft alarm | – | – | – | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | – | – | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | – | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | – | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | – | – |
| Remote engine start | – | – | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | – | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49269Jetta | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 40 | 34 | N/A |
| 49270Jetta Sport/SE/SEL | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 40 | 33 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
12 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta versus the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta?
Model year
Against the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta: Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 33.0 to 33.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 2 for the 2025 to 1 for the 2026.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How quickly does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL recorded 7.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Source: Car and Driver, read 2026-09-25.
Q03What is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta's top speed?
Performance
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL recorded a top speed of 126 mph. Source: Car and Driver, read 2026-09-25.
Q04How far does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta take to stop from 70 mph?
Performance
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 170 feet. Source: Car and Driver, read 2026-09-25.
Q05What kind of brakes does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both list the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta with four-wheel disc brakes. Source: MotorTrend and Car and Driver, read 2026-09-25.
Q06What suspension does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta use?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both describe the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a torsion-beam design. Source: MotorTrend and Car and Driver, read 2026-09-25.
Q07How did the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta: Good in the small overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2019-26 and 2021-26 models, based on a test of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4-door. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q08How big is the fuel tank on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S Auto?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists a 13.2-gallon fuel tank for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S Auto.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q09What warranty does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S Auto come with?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S Auto with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 84 months or 100,000 miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q10What does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta run from $25,270 for the 1.5T S to $31,270 for the 1.5T SEL, across 4 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q11What size wheels does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the 1.5T S, 17 inches on the 1.5T Sport and 1.5T SE and 18 inches on the 1.5T SEL. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q12How do the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 4 trims share the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 158 hp. The 1.5T Sport has heated front seats as standard equipment over the 1.5T S. The 1.5T SE has built-in internet access, a power driver's seat, push-button start and 3 more as standard equipment over the 1.5T Sport. The 1.5T SEL has an anti-theft alarm, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and 3 more as standard equipment over the 1.5T SE. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Volkswagen Jetta.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Volkswagen Jetta across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
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