DecodedCars2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Gli 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 158–228 hp
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 29 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,976–3,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2026 compact car (29.2 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,976 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (29 city / 40 highway), 16% better than the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Jetta — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Jetta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Puebla
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2026 Jetta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,976 lb | 59/41 |
| Gli 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,225 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 34 | +16% | $1,950 | 265 |
| Jetta Sport/SE/SEL | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +13% | $2,050 | 271 |
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 Jetta.
Similar 2026 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Toyota Camry | 51 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Wiring · Mar 11, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V138000 · 48,165 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Jetta vehicles. The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.
- Risk
- An open circuit may draw a higher current and increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97TC. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
Not every 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 550 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →