The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta keeps the momentum from last year’s refresh, adding some noteworthy upgrades while maintaining the compact sedan’s strongest traits. Every trim now includes wireless smartphone connectivity. The SE adds a power panoramic sunroof, and the top-of-the-line SEL has been given an upgraded sound system. Aside from those improvements, the Jetta’s winning formula continues with an engaging yet efficient turbocharged powerplant, a roomy interior for five, and a level of refinement uncommon in this category.
Volkswagen reinforces the Jetta’s value with a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the Carefree Coverage program. This complimentary benefit provides two years of standard scheduled maintenance, three years of 24/7 roadside assistance, and five years of myVW+ services. Note that we cover the sporty Jetta GLI on a separate page.
There are four versions of the 2026 Jetta: the S, Sport, SE, and SEL. Each of them has a front-wheel drivetrain and a 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base-level S is EPA-rated to return 29 mpg in city driving and 39 mpg on the highway. The higher trims achieve the same fuel economy around town, but their highway rating ticks up to 40 mpg.
VW outfits the entry-level S with fabric upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED exterior lighting with automatic headlamps, an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument display, heated power side-view mirrors, rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, two USB ports, and all-season tires on 16-inch alloy wheels. The Sport adds an upgraded front differential (to enhance cornering), heated first-row comfort seats, an integrated grille lightbar, a rear center armrest with trunk pass-through, stainless-steel pedal caps, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The SE drops the Sport’s front differential and lightbar for but adds remote start, a power panoramic sunroof, CloudTex perforated leatherette upholstery, and an eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar controls. It also has proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, rear USB charging, and wireless device charging. The SEL approaches luxury territory with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and a driver's memory system. It also moves up to a configurable 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display, selectable drive modes, a grille lightbar, heated windshield washer nozzles, ambient interior lighting, and 18-inch wheels.
Every 2026 Jetta includes the Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE suite consisting of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system also has Travel Assist (which helps maintain lane positioning and acceleration when adaptive cruise control is active) and Emergency Assist (the vehicle will stop if the driver becomes unresponsive). Automatic high beams are included on the SEL. The Jetta also protects occupants with multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor.
Infotainment in the 2026 Jetta happens through an 8-inch touchscreen. The system features App-Connect for wireless smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and access to myVW+ connected services. The Jetta SE and SEL also get SiriusXM satellite radio, with navigation added to the SEL. The standard multi-speaker audio system is upgraded to an eight-speaker premium arrangement in the SEL.
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.
