Key Features of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta

Standard Turbocharged Engine

Every 2026 Jetta features a lively 158-hp turbocharged engine that brings satisfying punch off the line and confident passing power on the highway. It is tuned for everyday responsiveness, with linear throttle feel that makes city driving smooth and highway merges effortless. The Jetta’s chassis tuning complements that power with a well-damped, composed ride, keeping the cabin calm over broken pavement while still feeling agile in corners. If you enjoy a slightly sportier character, the Jetta Sport adds the XDS Cross Differential System for enhanced front-end grip and a more planted feel during spirited driving. The result is a sedan that remains easygoing for daily errands yet feels ready and eager when the road opens up. You get genuine Volkswagen refinement without sacrificing the fun-to-drive personality that has made Jetta a favorite for decades.

IQ.DRIVE® Driver Assistance

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® is standard on the 2026 Jetta, offering a smart suite of driver assistance features designed to support you across a range of driving scenarios. Travel Assist provides hands-on, semi-automated capability on well-marked roads, helping with steering support and following distance adjustments. Emergency Assist can help bring the vehicle to a stop under certain circumstances if the driver becomes unresponsive, while additional features support lane awareness and forward monitoring. Just as important as what it does is how it works: the system operates with a calm, unobtrusive demeanor, helping reduce fatigue on longer drives and adding confidence in traffic. For shoppers evaluating compact sedans, making IQ.DRIVE® standard across the Jetta lineup is a meaningful advantage, aligning modern assistance with Volkswagen’s long-standing emphasis on safety and driver focus.

VW Digital Cockpit and Infotainment

The 2026 Jetta puts critical information exactly where you need it. An 8-inch VW Digital Cockpit is standard, delivering bright, easy-to-read data such as speed, driver assistance status, and trip information directly behind the steering wheel. The standard 8-inch infotainment display provides a clean interface for audio, calling, and app integration. Shoppers seeking the most customizable experience will appreciate the available 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro, which adds a configurable layout so you can prioritize navigation prompts, driver assistance indicators, and driving data at a glance. This integrated approach minimizes distraction, improves situational awareness, and makes the cabin feel modern without relying on gimmicks. The tactile layout of steering wheel controls and essential buttons supports instinctive use, making the Jetta’s tech feel familiar from day one.

Wireless App-Connect® and Wi-Fi Hotspot

Connectivity is built into the Jetta’s foundation. Wireless App-Connect® for compatible devices brings select apps to the central display without plugging in, ideal for quick trips, daily commutes, or road trips where managing cables is the last thing you want to do. An available wireless charging pad keeps your smartphone powered, while the available Wi-Fi Hotspot supports passengers across multiple devices for streaming, work, or staying in touch. SiriusXM® with an included trial is available to broaden your entertainment choices, and the available VW Premium Audio system on higher trims turns every playlist into a front-row experience. Together, these technologies create a seamless digital environment that feels natural and easy, with the Jetta’s interface acting as a helpful companion rather than a distraction.

Comfort, Design, and Everyday Luxury

From the wheels to the available sunroof, the Jetta looks refined and feels inviting. Inside, available CloudTex seating surfaces balance durability with an upscale touch, and thoughtful details like ambient interior lighting set the tone after work or on weekends. The SEL trim pushes comfort even further with ventilated front seats with driver position memory, heated first and second-row outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. On the outside, the Jetta’s clean lines are complemented by available design cues like an integrated light bar on the Sport trim and machined alloy wheels up to 18 inches on SEL. The design ethos is modern, but not loud—just precision and elegance that stand out for all the right reasons. If you care about a cabin that feels tailored to you, the Jetta nails the daily details.