2026 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels Explained


2026 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels Explained

VW Jetta Trim Levels at a Glance


  • The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta carries the same four trim levels from the 2025 refresh
  • An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, paired with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Every trim has standard IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance technologies
  • The SEL features leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro, and heated and ventilated front seats

2026 VW Jetta Trims In Order

Like the previous model year, there are four VW Jetta trim levels. This familiar selection includes the following, which you can find at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale:

  • 2026 VW Jetta S
  • 2026 VW Jetta Sport
  • 2026 VW Jetta SE
  • 2026 VW Jetta SEL

Below, we’ll dive deeper into the details of each grade in the Jetta family. Each variant delivers impressive amenities in the comfort, tech, safety, and convenience categories, creating a well-rounded and intuitive driving experience for daily drivers. The S trim starts it off with impressive standard technology, safety systems, and an attractive interior, and subsequent options build off of the foundation this trim provides.


Volkswagen Jetta S

Volkswagen Jetta S

As the entry-level trim, the Jetta S promises a competitive blend of value, comfort, and features. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard. The result is an EPA-estimated mileage range of 29/40/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1

Standard features include rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel for an upscale feel, comfortable cloth seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment and 8-inch VW Digital Cockpit display.

Standard IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance technologies include:

  • Travel Assist
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Traffic Alert
  • Front Assist
  • Emergency Assist
  • Lane Assist
  • Rear View Camera System
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
  • Forward Collision warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking

Volkswagen Jetta Sport

Volkswagen Jetta Sport

The next VW Jetta trim level in the lineup is aptly named Sport. This sedan features sporty styling with black exterior elements, 17-inch wheels, an integrated light bar in the front grille, and stainless steel pedal caps. This variant adds an XDS cross differential system for a sportier driving experience, too. This is an electronic differential lock that improves cornering traction at higher speeds for a more responsive feeling behind the wheel.

Additionally, Sport introduces sports comfort front seats with heat and an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.


Volkswagen Jetta SE

Volkswagen Jetta SE

When you want a mid-range trim that combines upscale features with value-focused pricing, consider the SE, which builds off of the previous two trims. The SE has additional comfort features and conveniences, and is well-suited for professionals who commute or small families looking for a comfortable sedan.

Remote engine start is added, which is incredibly convenient in cold or hot weather, and wireless charging allows you to stay charged up without the mess of cords. Of course, you can’t avoid a cord mess without wireless App-Connect smartphone integration, which the SE also provides.

Seating surfaces are upgraded from cloth to CloudTex, and you’ll also enjoy a power driver seat as well as keyless access with push-button start for the days you don’t use remote start.

Volkswagen Jetta SEL

Volkswagen Jetta SEL

Want all the features but combined with head-turning style? The SEL is your go-to. In the highest trim of VW Jetta, you’ll enjoy enhancements like ventilated front seats and heated front and rear seats – all wrapped in premium leather. You’ll also have a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, and ambient interior lighting to set the vibe.

The 8-inch VW Digital Cockpit gets upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, VW Premium Audio comes standard, and navigation is added, too.

2026 Volkswagen Jetta S

Volkswagen Jetta S

  • Engine1.5L 4-cyl
  • Transmission8-spd auto
  • Horsepower158
  • Torque184 lb-ft
  • EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)29 / 40 / 341
  • Fuel Tank Capacity12.8 gal
  • Fuel TypeRegular unleaded (87-octane)
  • Length186.5 in
  • Width70.8 in
  • Height57.7 in
  • Key Features
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • 8-in touchscreen display
    • 8-in VW Digital Cockpit
    • Cloth seats
    • IQ.DRIVE

2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport

Volkswagen Jetta Sport

  • Engine1.5L 4-cyl
  • Transmission8-spd auto
  • Horsepower158
  • Torque184 lb-ft
  • EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)29 / 40 / 331
  • Fuel Tank Capacity12.8 gal
  • Fuel TypeRegular unleaded (87-octane)
  • Length186.5 in
  • Width70.8 in
  • Height57.7 in
  • Key Features
    • Integrated light bar in front grille
    • Heated front seats
    • XDS cross differential system
    • Black exterior elements
    • Black headliner
    • Stainless steel pedal caps

2026 Volkswagen Jetta SE

Volkswagen Jetta SE

  • Engine1.5L 4-cyl
  • Transmission8-spd auto
  • Horsepower158
  • Torque184 lb-ft
  • EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)29 / 40 / 331
  • Fuel Tank Capacity12.8 gal
  • Fuel TypeRegular unleaded (87-octane)
  • Length186.5 in
  • Width70.8 in
  • Height57.7 in
  • Key Features
    • Keyless access with push-button start
    • Remote engine start
    • Wireless charging
    • Wireless App-Connect
    • Power driver seat
    • CloudTex seating surfaces

2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

Volkswagen Jetta SEL

  • Engine1.5L 4-cyl
  • Transmission8-spd auto
  • Horsepower158
  • Torque184 lb-ft
  • EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)29 / 40 / 331
  • Fuel Tank Capacity12.8 gal
  • Fuel TypeRegular unleaded (87-octane)
  • Length186.5 in
  • Width70.8 in
  • Height57.7 in
  • Key Features
    • Ventilated front seats
    • Heated first- and second-row outboard seats
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Sunroof
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro
    • VW Premium Audio
    • Leather upholstery
    • Built-in navigation

Difference Between 2026 VW Jetta Configurations

  • The Volkswagen Jetta S provides a strong foundation with essential features, excellent safety tech, and an efficient engine.
  • The Sport adds heated front seats, larger wheels, and sporty aesthetics along with a responsive XDS cross differential.
  • The SE trim has wireless charging, wireless phone connectivity, CloudTex upholstery, remote start, and keyless access with push-button start.
  • The range-topping SEL brings leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a premium audio system, and a sunroof.

Which Is Best for You?

Our Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale dealership is proud to show off the new VW Jetta for drivers in our area. We also stock the pre-owned Jetta for drivers who want the luxuries of this sedan without buying brand-new.

We have competitive Jetta lease deals designed to make it easier to get into a brand-new model without the long-term commitment of ownership.

And, for those who want to get into a new Jetta for the long term, we’ve got finance specials, too. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Volkswagen Jetta trim levels?

The four 2026 VW Jetta trim levels are the Jetta S, Sport, SE, and SEL. Each option is well-equipped, starting with essential perks in the S trim and growing as you explore each subsequent model. See them in person at Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale!

What’s the difference between a Jetta SE and SEL?

The SEL trim is one step above the SE, but with several upgrades. For example, the CloudTex-trimmed seating in SE is upgraded to leather in SEL. The top-tier trim also brings front seat ventilation, second-row outboard seat heat, ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, and a larger VW Digital Cockpit Pro screen.

Which Jetta model is best?

The best option for you comes down to your priorities. Do you prioritize having the top-tier features and amenities? Then the SEL is likely the best for you. Or, are you on a tight budget and don’t care about additional features beyond the essentials? Well, in that case, the S might be best for you.

What is the VW trim hierarchy?

The VW trim hierarchy is different for various model ranges. Some collections start with an S trim, which then step up into SE and SEL, like the VW Jetta. The Jetta also features a Sport trim, while SUV models have trims with names like “SE with Technology”. Contact our team to learn more about available trims and their meanings.

Which Jetta offers manual transmission?

While there are no current Volkswagen Jetta sedans that have a manual transmission, you may be able to find used models with this configuration. The Jetta lineup used to offer this type of setup for the 2024 model year, as well as years prior. You can also find this transmission in the Jetta GLI.


Want To Learn More About The Jetta? Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Continue Your VW Jetta Research


129 city/40 highway mpg (2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Menu

Get Directions

1660 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33317
Gunther Volkswagen 26.0992665, -80.2007134.