2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI scores well across safety and fuel cost compared to 29 other value Sedans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $33,745
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,500 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $250 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $955 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- Germany
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a Sedan priced at $33,745 with 2 trims. For a daily driver, fuel cost and reliability matter most. Both are covered below.
- Fuel cost $345 per year below value Sedans average
- Zero recalls on file (Sedan average: 1)
- Base price $530 more than 2025 model
2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 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 estimated five-year cost runs high.
- fuel cost
- safety
- ownership cost
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,500. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $1,858 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a 5-star overall rating, the highest available. This places it among the 99% of Sedans that earned top marks in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 13.0%
Star ratings are useful for quick comparisons. The IIHS results below add detail on specific crash types and rate the vehicle's ability to avoid collisions altogether.
How Did the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI was evaluated by IIHS but fell short of Top Safety Pick criteria. The individual crash test results below show where it scored well and where it did not. 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
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The average for Sedans is 1 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle driven daily, fuel cost compounds fast. The difference between 30 and 40 MPG is roughly $400 per year at average gas prices and 15,000 miles.
What Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Fuel Economy?
At up to 29 combined MPG, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's most efficient trim costs an estimated $1,500 per year in fuel, $345 less than the $1,845 average for value Sedans. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autobahn Sedan AT | 29 MPG | 26 | 35 | $1,500 per year |
| Autobahn Sedan MT | 29 MPG | 26 | 35 | $1,500 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $7,500 based on EPA data.
For a daily driver, fuel is the cost you see. Insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are the costs you feel at tax time. AAA estimates all of them for the Small Sedan class.
What Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI ranges from $75,345 to $75,345 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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.56 per mile |
For a daily commute, the most fuel-efficient trim often delivers the best long-term value. The comparison below shows fuel economy, price, and estimated cost for all 2 options.
How Do the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Trims Compare?
With 2 trims priced at $33,745, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
Autobahn Sedan AT
| Base MSRP | $33,745 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,500 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $75,345 |
Autobahn Sedan MT
| Base MSRP | $33,745 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,500 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $75,345 |
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI lineup has contracted from 4 trims in 2024 to 2 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $5,660 since 2024.
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
- 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Price changes since 2024
- Autobahn Sedan MT $31,785 (2024) → $33,745 (2026) +$1,960
- Autobahn Sedan AT $32,585 (2024) → $33,745 (2026) +$1,160
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) | $28,085 33 MPG | — | — |
| 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) | $28,885 33 MPG | — | — |
| Autobahn Sedan MT | $31,785 33 MPG | $33,215 29 MPG | $33,745 29 MPG |
| Autobahn Sedan AT | $32,585 33 MPG | $33,215 29 MPG | $33,745 29 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Volkswagen will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Come With?
Here is what Volkswagen covers at no cost for the 2026 Jetta GLI. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| 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 GLI Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. These figures are published by Volkswagen and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 140.4 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $148 |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual, 6-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 383 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 186.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.8 in |
| Height | 57.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,247 - 3,318 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. For a daily commuter, fuel cost and reliability are usually the deciding factors, and both are covered above. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI FAQ
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
In the sedan segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI are 2026 Subaru WRX (starting at $32,495, 5-star NHTSA, 21 MPG); and 2026 Toyota Camry (starting at $29,100, 5-star NHTSA, 50-51 MPG); and 2026 Honda Accord (starting at $28,395, 5-star NHTSA, 32-48 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 trims were dropped and the entry price increased by $5,660 for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $125 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $955 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Volkswagen based?
Volkswagen is headquartered in Germany. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Volkswagen vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Volkswagen models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Volkswagen vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Volkswagen lineup on our Volkswagen models page.
What does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI costs approximately 55.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.