2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Priced from $23,995 to $29,995 across 4 trims, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a Sedan that we have evaluated using data from six independent sources: EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, RepairPal, AAA, and the manufacturer. What follows is every verifiable data point we could find.
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta carries a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, a fuel cost grade of A among budget Sedans, and a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class. The main caution is that reliability is middle-of-pack.
- fuel cost
- safety
- ownership cost
Strongest published signals
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,300. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- AAA estimates $9,956/yr in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Limits and cautions
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $23,995 - $29,995
- EPA Combined MPG
- 33-34 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,300 - $1,350/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,250 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Brand Origin
- Germany
How Safe Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta earned the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Among Sedans, 99% have earned this top score. Ratings are based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests on production vehicles. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 13.0%
NHTSA and IIHS test vehicles independently using different crash scenarios. Together, they provide the most complete picture of a vehicle's crashworthiness.
How Did the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | M Marginal |
| Seat Belt Reminders | P Poor |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize cars
Beyond crash test performance, the recall record shows whether the manufacturer has identified and addressed any safety-related defects after the vehicle went on sale.
Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. For context, the average Sedan has 1.2 recall campaigns. Recalls can be issued at any time as new issues are identified. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. This is below the average of 4 complaints for 2026 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-01-15
Most-reported problem areas
- Steering1
- Electrical1
- Visibility1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
With the safety picture established, the next question is cost. Fuel is typically the largest variable expense for most drivers.
What Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta achieves up to 34 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,300. This is close to the $1,227 average for budget Sedans. Actual costs depend on driving habits and fuel prices. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 33 to 34 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,300/yr |
| Sport | 33 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,350/yr |
| SE | 33 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,350/yr |
| SEL | 33 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,350/yr |
Fuel is only one part of the ownership cost equation. AAA estimates the full picture: insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing.
What Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $64,595 to $86,525 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Small Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,462/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $613/yr |
| Financing | $854/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.56/mi |
Total cost varies significantly by trim. The table below breaks down each trim so you can see exactly where your money goes.
How Do the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Trims Compare?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is available in 4 trims, with base prices ranging from $23,995 to $29,995. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
S
| Base MSRP | $23,995 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,300/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $64,595 |
Sport
| Base MSRP | $25,305 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $81,835 |
SE
| Base MSRP | $26,985 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $83,515 |
SEL
| Base MSRP | $29,995 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350/yr |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $86,525 |
The Volkswagen Jetta lineup has contracted from 6 trims in 2024 to 4 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,560 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- S (added 2025)
- Sport (added 2025)
- SE (added 2025)
- SEL (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- S Sedan MT (last available 2024)
- S Sedan AT (last available 2024)
- Sport Sedan MT (last available 2024)
- Sport Sedan AT (last available 2024)
- SE FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- SEL FWD GAS (last available 2024)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Sedan MT | $21,435 34 MPG | — | — |
| S Sedan AT | $22,235 34 MPG | — | — |
| Sport Sedan MT | $22,585 34 MPG | — | — |
| Sport Sedan AT | $23,385 33 MPG | — | — |
| SE FWD GAS | $24,875 33 MPG | — | — |
| SEL FWD GAS | $28,825 33 MPG | — | — |
| S | — | $22,995 33 MPG | $23,995 34 MPG |
| Sport | — | $24,275 33 MPG | $25,305 33 MPG |
| SE | — | $25,775 33 MPG | $26,985 33 MPG |
| SEL | — | $29,500 33 MPG | $29,995 33 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Choosing a trim is also about long-term dependability. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating available for this model.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for budget Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
The manufacturer's warranty provides a baseline of coverage. Here is what Volkswagen includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Come With?
Volkswagen provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Jetta. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2yr/20k |
What Are the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Length | 186.5 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.8 in |
| Height | 57.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,998 - 3,058 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
This page reflects the most recently published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. When source agencies release updates, this page regenerates automatically. Our methodology page explains how data is collected, verified, and presented.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
How does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Which 2026 Volkswagen Jetta trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the S has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $64,595, starting at $23,995 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $86,525. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Volkswagen Jetta insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Small Sedan class at $1,572 per year, or about $131 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Volkswagen Jetta maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Small Sedan class at $1,786 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,572/yr) and depreciation ($3,462/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $9,956 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta depreciate?
AAA estimates the Small Sedan class depreciates about $3,462 per year, or roughly $17,310 over five years. On a base MSRP of $23,995, that represents about 72% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most efficient 2026 Volkswagen Jetta trim costs an estimated $1,300 per year in fuel, or about $108 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta include 2026 Honda Civic, 2026 Hyundai Elantra, and 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 4 new trims were added, 6 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,560 for the Volkswagen Jetta lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $108 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $938 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta safe for families?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.