2026 Volkswagen
Jetta GLI

The 2026 Jetta GLI creates a sport-infused sweet spot with turbocharged performance, a refined ride, and the upscale feel that separates it from most compact sedans. After receiving a substantial refresh for 2025, which included sharper exterior styling, a reworked cabin layout, and updated technology, the GLI is the enthusiast’s choice over the regular Jetta. Its turbocharged engine and available manual gearbox keep it engaging to drive, while the car’s everyday comfort and roomy interior make it easy to live with. That mix of power, control, and overall value makes the GLI appealing to drivers who want more involvement without giving up everyday practicality.

Safety also remains a strong point. The 2026 Jetta GLI earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Volkswagen also backs it with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and its Carefree Coverage program, which includes two years of standard scheduled maintenance, three years of 24/7 roadside assistance, and five years of remote-access services.

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Trims and Powertrain

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is offered only in the Autobahn trim package. Its power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The manual setup achieves an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the automatic version is rated at 26 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road. The Jetta GLI has 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space.

Standard Features

The Jetta GLI Autobahn comes with an impressive roster of standard features. Beyond its relatively robust powerplant, the car’s performance upgrades center on adaptive chassis control, a multi-link rear axle, a limited-slip front differential lock, dynamic steering, and dual exhaust outlets. Its upscale highlights include a power panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front sport comfort seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power driver’s seat with memory. Convenience touches like proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are standard. The GLI also gets heated power-adjustable side mirrors, LED exterior lighting with automatic headlamps and a front grille lightbar, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a 10-color ambient interior lighting system, four USB ports (two per row), wireless device charging, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite equips the ’26 Jetta GLI with a comprehensive range of safety and driver-assist technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, plus the semi-autonomous Travel Assist and Emergency Assist technologies. Additional protection comes from a standard array of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8-inch floating touchscreen anchors the Jetta GLI’s infotainment system. The included components are App-Connect smartphone integration (wireless and USB), SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, myVW connected services, and an premium sound system with eight well-placed speakers.

MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of the vehicle. Dealer sets final price. Sales tax, title, and registration fees are not included in vehicle prices or manufacturer offers that appear on this site and must be paid by the purchaser. $420 doc & title prep fees apply to all vehicle sales, including manufacturer offers that may appear on this website (with the exception of vehicle sales under $10,000 which incur only a $20 title preparation fee). Actual odometer reading may vary due to test drives and other miles driven since vehicle was listed. MPG ratings are EPA estimates. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here.

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