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The Jetta has been VW’s flagship car for nearly five decades, offering a stellar mix of economy and comfort at an excellent price. It got a significant update last model year, complete with a facelift and some desirable new features that prove Volkswagen isn’t content to simply rest on their laurels, and now, it’s rolled into the current year better than ever. If you’re in the market for one of the best family cars of 2026 but you’re not sure which trim is right for you, read on to find out their key specs and features. 2026 VW Jetta Trims For 2026, the Jetta is available in four different trims, plus an additional Jetta GLI model. All come modestly priced and absolutely packed with technology and amenities. S Starting price: $23,995 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Key features: 16-inch machined alloy wheels Cloth seating surfaces Climatronic® Touch dual-zone climate control 8-inch VW Digital Cockpit 8-inch Infotainment display App-Connect® (Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™) Bluetooth® Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) IQ.DRIVE Connected vehicle services from myVW+ Sport Starting price: $25,305 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Key features: Most S trim features 17-inch machined alloy wheels XDS Cross Differential System Integrated light bar in front grille Black exterior accents Sport comfort front seats Heated front seats SE Starting price: $26,985 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Key features: Most Sport trim features Remote engine start LED exterior lighting Panoramic sunroof CloudTex seating surfaces Wireless App-Connect® Wireless device charging SiriusXM® SEL Starting price: $29,995 Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Key features: Most SE trim features 18-inch machined alloy wheels Driving Mode Selection Ambient interior lighting Leather seating surfaces Heated and ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Heated steering wheel 10.25-inch VW digital Cockpit Pro Navigation VW Premium Audio GLI Autobahn Starting price: $33,745 Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder Key features: Most SEL features 6-speed manual transmission Multimode DCC® and Adaptive Chassis Control Front differential lock Multi-link rear axle GLI front grille with light bar Red brake calipers Chrome tipped dual exhaust 2026 VW Jetta Performance The core Jetta trims are all powered by a 1.5-liter engine that cranks out 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, giving it plenty of oomph to get up to highway speeds in no time. The motor is linked to a standard front-wheel drive system and 8-speed automatic transmission, and this system grants impressive gas mileage of up to 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The SEL trim also comes with Driving Mode Selection with modes for Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Custom. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI comes with a beefed-up 2.0-liter engine that creates 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It also comes standard with front-wheel drive, but swaps out the automatic gearbox for a 6-speed manual, and it gets a variety of performance upgrades to make for an uber-fun sports car experience without breaking the bank. 2026 VW Jetta Interior Despite its compact size, the Jetta boasts plenty of space for five to ride comfortably and ample legroom in both rows, as well as a spacious trunk with 14.1 cubic feet of storage, making it the perfect cruiser to log some miles on your next road trip. All models come with a crisp 8-inch center touch screen display, along with Bluetooth and App-Connect® for easy smartphone integration, multiple USB ports, and available upgrades like SiriusXM®, wireless device charging, and VW Premium Sound for an enhanced listening experience. Top-level trims also get the VW Digital Cockpit Pro, as well as comfort features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and elegant leather upholstery. Every trim also has access to myVW+ Connected Services, including in-car Wi-Fi. 2026 VW Jetta Safety Features No matter which Jetta trim you buy, they all come standard with the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance systems. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System), Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency), Active Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Frequently Asked Questions What are the available colors for the 2026 Jetta? There are eight available colors for 2026, including Deep Black Pearl, Opal White Pearl, Monterey Blue Pearl, Kings Red Metallic, Platinum Grey Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Monument Gray, and Pure White. Does the 2026 Jetta have AWD? No, the Jetta is only available as a front-wheel drive model. How much leg room does the 2026 Jetta have? The Jetta has 41.1 inches of leg room in the front row and 37.4 inches in the rear. Find the 2026 VW Jetta for Sale in Kansas City Whether you choose the affordable Jetta or the zippy Jetta GLI, you’ll be riding in style thanks to Volkswagen’s forward-thinking design and efficient powertrains. At Molle Volkswagen of Kansas City, we have a top-notch selection of new models to browse, plus exclusive special offers, including VW lease deals and low APR financing. If you’re ready to take a test drive, call us at 816-941-9500 or contact us online today.

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.