2026 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels Compared: S, Sport, SE, SEL & GLI Autobahn
2026 Volkswagen Jetta & GLI Trim Levels Compared
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta comes in five trims — S, Sport, SE, SEL, and the performance GLI Autobahn. The first four share a 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and an 8-speed automatic; the GLI Autobahn steps up to a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo with a manual or DSG. Every trim includes Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance suite. Here's exactly what each trim adds, what it costs, and how to choose.
For most buyers, the SE is the value sweet spot — it adds a standard sunroof, power driver's seat, keyless access with push-button and remote start, wireless charging, and CloudTex upholstery. Go Sport for blacked-out styling and a limited-slip differential at a lower price, step up to the SEL for leather, ventilated seats, navigation, and the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, or choose the GLI Autobahn for 228 horsepower and a true sport-sedan chassis.
Lease and finance offers on the 2026 Jetta change every month and vary by trim. See what's currently available before you shop a single dealer.
View Current Jetta SpecialsWhat's New for the 2026 Jetta
The Jetta carries over the 2025 redesign — refreshed styling, a restyled dashboard, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen — with a few targeted upgrades for 2026. Rear-seat pretensioners and wireless App-Connect are now standard across the lineup, the mid-level SE now comes standard with a sunroof, and the SEL and GLI Autobahn switch to a new eight-speaker VW premium audio system. The climate controls also move to a touch-based interface across the range.
2026 Jetta Trim Ladder at a Glance
Here's how the five trims stack up on the details that change between them:
| Trim | Engine / Power | Transmission | Wheels | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.5L TSI / 158 hp | 8-speed auto | 16" alloy | Cloth |
| Sport | 1.5L TSI / 158 hp | 8-speed auto | 17" alloy | Molekular cloth, heated |
| SE | 1.5L TSI / 158 hp | 8-speed auto | 17" 5-spoke | CloudTex, heated |
| SEL | 1.5L TSI / 158 hp | 8-speed auto | 18" alloy | Leather, heated + ventilated |
| GLI Autobahn | 2.0L Turbo / 228 hp | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG | 18" alloy | Leather, heated + ventilated |
2026 Jetta Pricing & Fuel Economy
Starting prices below are MSRP and exclude destination (about $1,275), taxes, and dealer charges. Your actual price — and any lease or finance incentive — depends on current offers, so confirm the live numbers before you buy.
| Trim | Approx. Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Jetta S | ~$23,995 |
| Jetta Sport | ~$25,305 |
| Jetta SE | ~$26,985 |
| Jetta SEL | ~$29,995 |
| Jetta GLI Autobahn | ~$33,745 |
On fuel economy, the 1.5-liter Jetta is EPA-estimated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined — strong numbers for a non-hybrid compact. The GLI Autobahn, with its 2.0-liter turbo, is rated around 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Every Jetta seats five and offers a generous 14.1-cubic-foot trunk.
Want the real monthly payment for the trim you're eyeing? Our current Volkswagen specials show live lease and APR offers you can lock in.
See This Month's OffersStandard on Every 2026 Jetta
No matter which trim you choose, every Jetta includes a solid base of comfort, technology, and safety equipment:
- 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and 2-year/20,000-mile Carefree Maintenance
- 8-inch touchscreen with wireless App-Connect (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto)
- Climatronic Touch automatic climate control
- LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and LED taillights
- Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Heated, power-folding side mirrors
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Rearview camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance suite is also standard across the board, including Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go on automatic trims), Lane Assist, Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Emergency Assist.
Jetta S
From ~$23,995The base S is the most affordable European sedan you can buy, and it's far from stripped-out. Beyond the standard features above, it includes:
- 1.5L TSI engine (158 hp / 184 lb-ft) with 8-speed automatic
- 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Standard cloth seating with manual-adjust front seats
- Brushed silver interior decor
- 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument display
- 8-inch Composition Color radio with a 4-speaker sound system
- Two front 45W USB-C ports
Jetta Sport
From ~$25,305The Sport adds attitude and a bit of mechanical fun over the S. On top of the base trim, it brings:
- XDS Cross Differential System for sharper cornering
- 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Illuminated light bar in the front grille and "Sport" B-pillar badging
- Black lower bumper trim and black mirror housings
- Heated front seats
- "Molekular" cloth seating and a black headliner
- Stainless steel pedal cluster
- 60/40 split rear seat with center armrest
Jetta SE
From ~$26,985The SE is the trim most reviewers recommend, and the one that adds the conveniences buyers actually use day to day. Note that the SE swaps the Sport's blacked-out look for body-color trim and does not include the XDS differential. It adds:
- Standard power tilting/sliding sunroof with retractable shade
- 17-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels
- Perforated CloudTex seating surfaces
- Power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support
- Keyless Access (KESSY) with push-button and remote start
- Qi wireless charging plus a third 45W USB-C port
- 8-inch Composition Media radio with voice control and a 6-speaker system
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability and SiriusXM with 360L
- Illuminated vanity mirrors and overhead storage
Available: Black Wheel Package with 18-inch black alloy wheels.
Jetta SEL
From ~$29,995The SEL is the most upscale non-performance Jetta, delivering features usually reserved for pricier sedans. Over the SE, it adds:
- Driving profile selection (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom)
- 18-inch alloy wheels and an illuminated front grille light bar
- Leather seating surfaces with contrast-stitched trim
- Ventilated front seats plus heated front and rear outboard seats
- Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls
- 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro
- 8-inch Discover Media radio with navigation
- VW Premium Sound with 8 speakers
- 10-color adjustable ambient lighting
- Light Assist high-beam control and anti-theft alarm
- Driver's seat position memory
Jetta GLI Autobahn
From ~$33,745The GLI Autobahn is the enthusiast's Jetta — a genuine sport sedan with the GTI's powertrain DNA. It builds on the SEL's luxury features but trades navigation and ventilated/heated rear seats for serious performance hardware:
- 2.0L EA888 turbo engine (228 hp / 258 lb-ft)
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic
- VAQ limited-slip differential, XDS, and DCC adaptive damping
- Progressive steering and driving profile selection
- Disc brakes with Tornado Red calipers
- GLI grille, badging, and red-accented front bumper
- Dual exhaust tailpipes
- Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG)
- Magnum Matte decor, black headliner, and stainless pedals
- Front and rear floor mats with illuminated scuff plates
- VW Premium Sound with 8 speakers and 10-color ambient lighting
Available: GLI Black Edition adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, Black Edition badging, black mirror caps, and a black roof.
Which 2026 Jetta Trim Should You Buy?
Choose the S if you want the lowest price on a turbocharged, well-equipped compact with the full IQ.DRIVE safety suite standard.
Choose the Sport if you like blacked-out styling and want heated seats plus the XDS differential without stepping up to the SE's price.
Choose the SE if you want the best all-around value — the standard sunroof, power seat, keyless/remote start, and wireless charging make it feel a class above for a modest step up.
Choose the SEL if you want near-luxury comfort: leather, ventilated seats, navigation, the larger digital cockpit, and premium audio.
Choose the GLI Autobahn if you want real performance — 228 horsepower, a sport-tuned chassis, and the choice of a manual transmission in a refined daily driver.
2026 Jetta Trim Levels: FAQ
How many trim levels does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Five: S, Sport, SE, SEL, and the performance-focused GLI Autobahn. The first four use the same 158-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine; the GLI Autobahn uses a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo.
What's the difference between the Jetta SE and SEL?
The SE adds a standard sunroof, power driver's seat, keyless access, and wireless charging. The SEL steps up to leather seating, ventilated front and heated rear seats, navigation, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, premium 8-speaker audio, and ambient lighting.
Which 2026 Jetta trim is the best value?
The SE is widely considered the value sweet spot. It adds the conveniences most owners actually want — sunroof, power seat, remote start, and wireless charging — for a reasonable step up from the S and Sport.
What's the difference between the Jetta SEL and the GLI?
The SEL is the comfort-focused flagship with a 158-hp engine. The GLI Autobahn is a performance model with a 228-hp 2.0-liter turbo, sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, an available manual transmission, and GLI-specific styling.
Does the 2026 Jetta come with all-wheel drive?
No. Every 2026 Jetta, including the GLI Autobahn, is front-wheel drive. There is no all-wheel-drive option in the lineup.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Jetta have?
The S, Sport, SE, and SEL make 158 horsepower from a 1.5-liter turbo. The GLI Autobahn makes 228 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbo.
What is the 2026 Jetta's fuel economy?
The 1.5-liter Jetta is EPA-estimated at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The GLI Autobahn is rated around 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Does the 2026 Jetta GLI come with a manual transmission?
Yes. The GLI Autobahn offers a standard 6-speed manual or an available 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
How much does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta cost?
The 2026 Jetta starts around $23,995 for the S and rises to about $33,745 for the GLI Autobahn, before destination and any current incentives. Check current lease and finance specials for your real out-the-door number.
Find Your Jetta Deal
Once you've zeroed in on a trim, the next step is the price. Lease and finance offers on the 2026 Jetta and GLI change monthly and vary by trim — and the right incentive can make a better-equipped trim more affordable than you'd expect.
See every current 2026 Volkswagen Jetta special in one place, then reach out to lock in your offer.
Pricing, specifications, and equipment are based on manufacturer information and third-party listings believed accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. Starting MSRP figures are approximate and exclude destination, taxes, title, and dealer charges. Confirm current pricing, availability, and incentives before purchase.
