2026 Volkswagen Jetta: What’s New in the Compact Sedan?
The VW Jetta has long been a popular choice for drivers thanks to its practicality, reliability, comfort, and safety features. Now, VW has released the 2026 VW Jetta to the market, and there are some very interesting specs and features that continue to keep it at the forefront of sedans. In this 2026 VW Jetta review, we’ll look at what’s stayed the same, what’s changed, and why the Jetta should be your next choice for a new vehicle.
2026 VW Jetta Specs
Like the previous year, the 2026 VW Jetta uses the same engine: a turbo 1.5L four-cylinder engine. With this under the hood, you’ll have control over 158 horsepower and a comfortable-but-fun 184 pound-feet of torque. That said, VW has retuned the engine to deliver better fuel efficiency for the owner’s benefit. This proves that as years roll by, components become more efficient thanks to the manufacturer.
Unless you opt for the 2026 VW Jetta GLI (which has a six-speed manual transmission), you’ll work with an eight-speed automatic transmission when you drive the 2026 Jetta. Regardless of your chosen 2026 Jetta trim, you’ll operate a front-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive is, unfortunately, unavailable. However, this vehicle was made for Kansas City and suburban streets, so it won’t be missed.
2026 VW Jetta MPG
Here’s where things get a little more interesting:
- The 2025 VW Jetta is rated for 29 MPG city and 40 MPG highway.
- The 2026 VW Jetta, thanks to special tuning, gets 31 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway.
While it may seem like a minor improvement, the superior numbers of the 2026 Jetta will save drivers near KC, Belton, Grandview, and beyond a fortune in fuel costs.
2025 VW Jetta Interior
There aren’t many updates to the interior vs the 2025 VW Jetta: both fit up to five passengers with 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. The cargo space also stays the same at 14.1 cubic feet in the trunk. That said, it comes with ample legroom to ensure that riders won't feel cramped, whether they’re in the front or back seats. Cloth seats come standard, though leather is available for upgrade and standard on upper-level trims. The higher-level trims also feature ventilated front seats and ambient lighting with customizable color options for an added touch of luxury.
2026 VW Jetta Technology Updates
For the 2026 VW Jetta’s technology updates, the lower trims get a standard 8” infotainment system, while the higher trims get an updated and larger 10.3” model, though Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard across all trims (wireless connectivity being reserved for the highest-level trims). USB ports for charging come standard, and wireless charging is included in the upper trims. Higher trims also get keyless entry and push-button start, as well as native navigation, and a sunroof is available.
Test Drive the 2026 VW Jetta in Kansas City
Head down to Molle Volkswagen today to explore our lineup of the 2026 VW Jetta or any of our other new VW vehicles. Contact us today to get started and to schedule a test drive.