Name: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

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Road Test

The Jetta wins our praise for its impressive fuel economy, effortless acceleration, and mostly straightforward controls.

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This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Jetta

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envista

Chevrolet Trax

Honda Civic

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Honda Civic Hybrid

Hyundai Elantra

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2023

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Basic

3 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test

Poor or Marginal ratings in IIHS front crash prevention: pedestrian test
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Not tested in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

$23,995 - $29,995

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Envista

$24,700 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Chevrolet Trax

$21,700 - $25,400

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda Civic

$24,695 - $46,895

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda Civic Hybrid

$29,395 - $33,595

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Elantra

$22,625 - $36,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$25,450 - $29,800

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2026 Hyundai Venue

$20,550 - $22,825

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2026 Kia K4

$22,290 - $28,890

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$27,390 - $35,790

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2025 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

$34,490 - $40,790

33 miles

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2025 Kia Soul

$20,490 - $24,790

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$24,550 - $37,890

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In Test

2026 Nissan Sentra

$22,600 - $27,990

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2025 Nissan Versa

$17,390 - $21,390

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2026 Subaru Impreza

$26,595 - $29,495

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2026 Toyota Corolla

$22,925 - $29,140

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$24,380 - $27,375

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$22,925 - $29,140

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2026 Toyota Prius

$28,550 - $36,965

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2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

$33,775 - $40,470

39 miles

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.5-liter 4 turbo (158 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (228 hp)

7-speed sequential
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 3 years/36,000 miles
Maintenance 2 years/20,000 miles

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.