DecodedCars2026 Volkswagen GLI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Overview
The 2026 Volkswagen GLI is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway), 1% worse than the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 GLI — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 GLI →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | -1% | $2,300 | 307 |
| GLI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | -1% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Volkswagen GLI.
Similar 2026 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Volkswagen GLI (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Volkswagen GLI.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Volkswagen GLI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Volkswagen GLI in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other GLI years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →