2026 Volkswagen Jetta: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 28 budget Sedans, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta scores well across safety and fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $23,995 - $29,995
- EPA Combined MPG
- 34 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,750 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $2,000 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $976 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- Germany
Priced from $23,995 to $29,995, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is one of 28 budget Sedans. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- Base price $1,000 more than 2025 model
2026 Volkswagen Jetta at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,750. 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
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Similar vehicles to compare
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 tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.
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. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. 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
Strong crash test scores are reassuring, but they do not cover every component. The recall section below shows whether NHTSA or Volkswagen has identified any issues worth correcting on vehicles already sold.
Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, affecting ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. This is typical for Sedans, which average 1 recall campaign. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Most recent: March 2026
What Do 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. This is below the average of 6 complaints for 2026 Sedans. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
most recent filed 2026-01-15
Most-reported problem areas
- Steering1
- Electrical1
- Visibility1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, broken down by trim.
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 $1,750. This is close to the $1,723 average for budget Sedans. Actual costs depend on driving habits and fuel prices. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,750 per year |
| Sport | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,750 per year |
| SE | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,750 per year |
| SEL | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1,750 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $8,750 based on EPA data.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
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 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 |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 4 options side by side.
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 | $1,750 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $64,595 |
Sport
| Base MSRP | $25,305 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $81,835 |
SE
| Base MSRP | $26,985 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $83,515 |
SEL
| Base MSRP | $29,995 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 per year |
| 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
added 2025
- S
- Sport
- SE
- SEL
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- S Sedan MT
- S Sedan AT
- Sport Sedan MT
- Sport Sedan AT
- SE FWD GAS
- SEL FWD GAS
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 34 MPG | — | — |
| SE FWD GAS | $24,875 34 MPG | — | — |
| SEL FWD GAS | $28,825 34 MPG | — | — |
| S | — | $22,995 33 MPG | $23,995 34 MPG |
| Sport | — | $24,275 33 MPG | $25,305 34 MPG |
| SE | — | $25,775 33 MPG | $26,985 34 MPG |
| SEL | — | $29,500 33 MPG | $29,995 34 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
You have seen what each trim costs. Now, how often does it break? RepairPal aggregates repair data from thousands of shops to answer that question.
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.
Reliability ratings come from repair shops. Warranty terms come from Volkswagen. Together, they give you both the historical track record and the manufacturer's commitment.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Volkswagen's published coverage for the 2026 Jetta. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| 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?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 1.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 158 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 105.4 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $152 - $190 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 449 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta in price and segment include 2026 Honda Civic, 2026 Hyundai Elantra, and 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The Honda Civic is the closest in price (starting at $24,695, 5-star NHTSA, 34-49 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. 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 $146 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $976 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 a Germany-based automaker. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta may be assembled in a different country than where Volkswagen is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Volkswagen models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Volkswagen model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Volkswagen models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta 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.