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 what each trim adds, based on Volkswagen's published 2026 information, 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 the XDS Cross Differential System, 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.
What'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.
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" alloy | CloudTex leatherette, heated |
| SEL | 1.5L TSI / 158 hp | 8-speed auto | 18" alloy | Vienna leather, heated + ventilated |
| GLI Autobahn | 2.0L Turbo / 228 hp | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG | 18" alloy | Leather, heated + ventilated |
2026 Jetta Fuel Economy
Volkswagen lists EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined for the Jetta S, and 29/40/33 for the Sport, SE and SEL. Volkswagen's 2026 press kit does not list GLI fuel economy; see fueleconomy.gov for official GLI ratings. Every Jetta has 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space.
Standard 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)
- Dual-zone Climatronic Touch automatic climate control
- Full LED exterior lighting, including LED headlights and taillights
- 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
- 60/40 split-folding rear seat
- Heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Rear-seat safety-belt pretensioners
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance suite is also standard across the board, including Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Emergency Assist.
Jetta S
The base S is 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
- Cloth seats and a six-way adjustable driver's seat
- Brushed Silver interior decor
- 8-inch Composition Color infotainment with a four-speaker sound system
- Two front 45-watt USB-C ports
Jetta Sport
The 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 machined alloy wheels
- Black window surrounds
- Black mirror caps (later availability)
- Heated front seats
- "Molekular" cloth seating and a black headliner
- Stainless-steel pedal caps
Jetta SE
The SE adds the conveniences many buyers 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 panoramic glass tilt/slide sunroof
- 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels
- Perforated two-tone CloudTex leatherette seating surfaces
- Power driver's seat adjustment with lumbar adjustment
- Keyless Access (KESSY) with push-button and remote start
- Wireless charging
- 8-inch Composition Media infotainment with voice control and a six-speaker system
- SiriusXM with 360L (three-month Platinum Plan trial)
Available: Black Wheels Package with 18-inch black alloy wheels.
Jetta SEL
The SEL is the most upscale non-performance Jetta. Over the SE, it adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces
- Ventilated front seats plus heated front and rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro
- Navigation
- Volkswagen Premium Audio with eight speakers
- 10-color adjustable ambient lighting
- Light Assist high-beam control
- Driver's seat position memory
Jetta GLI Autobahn
The GLI Autobahn is the enthusiast's Jetta — a genuine sport sedan with the GTI's powertrain DNA. It adds performance hardware and GLI-specific equipment:
- 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
- 18-inch machined alloy wheels and black window surrounds
- Black honeycomb rear diffuser and a wider dual exhaust
- Heated sport steering wheel with touch functions (paddle shifters with DSG)
- Vienna leather seating with red contrast stitching, Magnum matte decor, black headliner, and stainless-steel pedal caps
- Illuminated scuff plates, ventilated front seats, and driver's seat memory
- Volkswagen Premium Audio with eight speakers and 10-color ambient lighting
Available: Black Package with 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and a black roof.
Which 2026 Jetta Trim Should You Buy?
Choose the S if you want the entry-level, turbocharged Jetta with the full IQ.DRIVE safety suite standard.
Choose the Sport if you like blacked-out styling and want heated front seats plus the XDS Cross Differential System.
Choose the SE if you want everyday conveniences: the standard sunroof, power seat, keyless access with remote start, and wireless charging.
Choose the SEL if you want the most comfort-focused Jetta: leather, ventilated seats, navigation, the larger digital cockpit, and premium audio.
Choose the GLI Autobahn if you want real performance — 228 horsepower, DCC adaptive damping, the VAQ limited-slip differential, and the choice of a manual transmission.
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?
For many shoppers the SE is the best balance. It adds a sunroof, power driver's seat, keyless access with remote start, and wireless charging over 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?
Volkswagen does not list an all-wheel-drive version of the 2026 Jetta or Jetta GLI.
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?
Volkswagen lists the Jetta S at 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined, and the Sport, SE and SEL at 29/40/33. See fueleconomy.gov for official GLI Autobahn ratings.
Does the 2026 Jetta GLI come with a manual transmission?
Yes. Volkswagen offers the 2026 GLI Autobahn with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic; DSG models add paddle shifters.
How much does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta cost?
Pricing depends on trim, transmission, options and destination charges, and it changes over time, so we don't publish prices. Check Volkswagen's official website or a dealer for current pricing.
Next Steps
Pricing, incentives and availability change and are confirmed only by Volkswagen or a selling dealer, so we don't publish them. To keep researching, compare the full published Jetta specifications in our Research Center, or take Lease Match to see how the Jetta fits the way you drive.
Specifications and equipment are based on Volkswagen of America's 2026 Jetta / Jetta GLI press kit (media.vw.com, reviewed October 14, 2026) and are subject to change. Confirm current specifications, equipment and availability with Volkswagen or a dealer.
