What’s New in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta
What’s New in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta: Updated Design, Technology, and Performance Specs
What’s New in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta For Drivers in Orwigsburg, PA?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a unique car in today’s automotive marketplace. As more automakers discontinue their compact cars for crossovers and SUVs, Volkswagen is still dedicated to manufacturing the affordable, innovative, and comfortable Jetta.
With a few updates for 2026, the Volkswagen Jetta is a great option for drivers around Pottsville, Hamburg, and Orwigsburg, as it delivers a capable, fuel-efficient, and safe model for drivers who want practicality with seating for five.
As the new models are arriving at J. Bertolet Volkswagen in Orwigsburg, now is the time to explore our inventory and learn more about the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta.
Design, Tech, and Performance Features: What’s New in the 2026 VW Jetta?
In 2025, Volkswagen gave the Jetta a major refresh with updated styling inside and out. The automaker discontinued the manual transmission in the lower trims and added an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system to all trims. Drivers who want a manual transmission can get one in the Jetta GLI Autobahn trim. The automaker put more standard technology in the Jetta SE, the popular mid-level trim.
For 2026, the Jetta has impressive standard features that include:
- Popular infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Durable cloth upholstery
- A suite of driver-assistance features with standard adaptive cruise control
- The choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines
- Impressive fuel-economy ratings
The 2026 Jetta is available in four standard trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. Volkswagen also offers the Jetta in the sport-tuned GLI Autobahn with performance features that include:
- A more powerful engine
- Adaptive suspension
- Athletic and luxurious interior accents
- More technology
- Different drive modes
Regardless of which Volkswagen Jetta drivers choose, the price is affordable. The entry-level Jetta S has an MSRP in the mid-$20,000 range, while the top GLI Autobahn has a starting MSRP in the lower-$30,000 range. It’s tough to find a similarly equipped, fuel-efficient, and sporty car in the same price range.
What are the Performance Specs in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Jetta comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The fuel-efficient engine is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers appreciate the quiet engine and the comfortable handling that make the Jetta seem more grown-up than previous generations.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Jetta is a satisfying 29 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
Drivers who want more will find it in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn. This top trim comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 228 horsepower. It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission, but drivers can opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic instead.
Despite the peppier engine, the GLI Autobahn trim still gets a respectable fuel economy. With the manual transmission, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 26 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The highway rating drops one MPG with the seven-speed automatic transmission.
The GLI Autobahn also has adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering, upgraded front brakes with red calipers, a limited-slip differential, and a handful of drive modes: Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport, and Custom.
The Jetta is only available with front-wheel drive.
Why Do Drivers Like the Jetta Styling?
The Volkswagen Jetta has always had design features that drivers like. The German engineering shows through in the clean lines and minimalist styling. On the outside, the 2026 Jetta carries on the new grille and headlamp designs from the 2025 redesign.
The trunk lid has a full-width light bar, giving the Jetta a modern look that fits with the VW SUV lineup. New paint colors appeared in 2025 and will stick around for 2026. Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray fit nicely with the mature and minimalistic style of the new Jetta.
On the inside, the Jetta has the same new dash design that debuted in 2025. The new features include a three-bar vent design, a clean 8.0-inch center infotainment screen, and an intuitive climate control panel.
What Tech Comes in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
Volkswagen prioritizes safety features, so the automaker includes a suite of driver-assistance tech in every model. The Jetta S comes with Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Seat Belt Pretensioners, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Lane-Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers.
The entry-level trim also comes with the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four speakers.
Drivers have to move to the mid-level Jetta SE to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model also comes with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, voice recognition, and wireless device charging. For 2026, the Jetta SE also comes with a sunroof.
The Jetta SEL and the Jetta GLI Autobahn are outfitted with premium features. Drivers get tech features like a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, ambient interior lighting, and an eight-speaker premium VW sound system.
Why Buy Your 2026 Jetta from J. Bertolet Volkswagen?
J. Bertolet Volkswagen is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service through your Volkswagen shopping and ownership experience. Our sales and financing teams work together to make your shopping experience smooth and stress-free.
We also work hard to make your ownership experience as convenient as possible. Our state-of-the-art service center has online scheduling, and our service advisors and factory-trained service technicians take the time to get to know you and your vehicle, so you become a part of our J. Bertolet Volkswagen family.
Our sales team works hard to carry a full inventory of new Volkswagen cars, SUVs, and EVs, and our pre-owned sales team does the same. If you need financing, our expert finance team builds loans and leases with incentives and offers that fit your lifestyle and driving needs.
Find Your 2026 Volkswagen Jetta at J. Bertolet Volkswagen in Orwigsburg, PA
We invite you to browse our online inventory of new 2026 Volkswagen Jetta four-door sedans, then visit our dealership in Orwigsburg, PA, to take one for a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the perfect Jetta for your lifestyle, and we can help you value your trade and arrange financing.