2026 VW Jetta SE: The Brand’s Affordable Compact Sedan

 

Highlight: This is one of the few vehicles that starts under $30,000. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $28,715 (Base MSRP): $25,720

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; hill descent control; a tire pressure monitoring system; a spare tire

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 17-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; remote engine starter; a push button ignition starter; an automatic climate control system; heated exterior mirrors; power panoramic roof; leather-like seats; heated front seats; a power driver’s seat; a leather trimmed shifter; 60/40 split rear seats; auto dimming rearview mirror; keyless entry system; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a radar activated cruise control system; and an in-vehicle wireless charger

Options: Opal white pearl exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

S

SEL

Sport

GLI

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a AM/FM/HD audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder/xxx-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 29-city/40-hwy (test model)

What’s New: After receiving a mid-cycle refresh in 2025, this year’s Jetta is essentially a carryover.

Why:

One of a few vehicles available under $30k

A stylish design

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Roomy

Variety of trims

One of the few vehicles available with a manual

Panoramic open roof available with sliding cover

An automatic ventilation system available

16, 17 or 18-inch wheels

A radar activated cruise control system available

A high-quality audio system was outfitted in our test model

Power driver’s seat available on select trims

Heated seat standard on all but the base S trim

Memory driver’s seat available on select trims

A performance version of the Jetta Sedan is available, known as the GLI

A high-level of standard safety driving aids

But:

No hybrid powertrain

While I know its a compact, the front seats are somewhat uncomfortable

Built in navigation system only available on higher level trims

Verdict: As inflation impacts the affordability of purchasing a new vehicle, the Jetta continues to be a value package.

At a starting price under $26,000, the Jetta, with its traditional styling cues, is one of a few vehicles on the market today available with either a manual or an automatic transmission depending upon the trim.

The compact sedan competes with several of the Japanese and Korean makes being that the ‘Detroit Three’ no longer plays in the price sensitive segment.

Overall, depending upon the trim, the stylish supersized Jetta can be configured with such features as a power driver seat, leather-like seats, a radar activate cruise system with travel assist.

Competition: Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Kia K4; Nissan Sentra; and Subaru Impreza