Volkswagen Jetta generations: every model year, engine and price

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Volkswagen has built the Jetta compact sedan since 1979, and the current seventh generation arrived in the US for the 2019 model year. The 2027 Jetta costs $23,995 to $29,995 before destination with a 158-hp 1.5L turbo four, and the sport-tuned Jetta GLI Autobahn costs $33,795 with a 228-hp 2.0L turbo.

Type
Four-door compact sedan (front-wheel drive)
Price (MSRP)
$23,995–$33,795 (2027 MY) · Starting MSRPs in VW's online builder on Nov 5, 2026, excluding destination. Low = Jetta S; high = Jetta GLI Autobahn. The regular Jetta tops out at $29,995 (SEL).[1]
Powertrains
Jetta 1.5T (2027), Jetta GLI 2.0T (2027) · 158–228 hp
Current generation
Jetta I (Type 16), 1979–1984

2027 Volkswagen Jetta price and trims

Every 2027 Jetta is front-wheel drive. The GLI is now a single Autobahn trim; EPA lists only the 7-speed DSG for 2027, while 2025–2026 GLIs could also be had with a 6-speed manual.[38][39][40][41][42]

Volkswagen Jetta trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
S$23,995Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination1.5L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (158 hp, 184 lb-ft)[38][39]
Sport$25,395Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination1.5L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (158 hp, 184 lb-ft)[38][39]
SE$26,995Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination1.5L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (158 hp, 184 lb-ft)[38][39]
SEL$29,995Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination1.5L TSI turbo I-4, 8-speed automatic (158 hp, 184 lb-ft)[38][39]
Jetta GLI Autobahn$33,795Starting MSRP shown in VW's online builder Nov 5, 2026; excludes destination2.0L TSI turbo I-4, 7-speed DSG (228 hp, 258 lb-ft)[38][40][41]

Every Jetta trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Volkswagen Jetta engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA rates the 2027 Jetta S at 29/40/34 mpg and the Sport, SE and SEL at 29/40/33. EPA lists a 6-speed manual Jetta through 2024 and a manual GLI through 2026 (26/36/29 mpg).

Volkswagen Jetta powertrains with Volkswagen-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Jetta 1.5T (2027)S, Sport, SE, SEL1.5L TSI turbocharged inline-4[2][1][3][4]1581848-speed automaticFront-wheel drive29/40/342027 MY[3]
Jetta GLI 2.0T (2027)GLI Autobahn2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4[1][5][6]2282587-speed DSG dual-clutchFront-wheel drive26/35/292027 MY[6]

Output is as rated by Volkswagen; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

2027 Jetta SEL vs Jetta GLI Autobahn

Same body and front-wheel drive; the GLI adds a bigger engine, dual-clutch gearbox and adaptive chassis.[1][2][5][4][6]

2027 Jetta SEL vs Jetta GLI Autobahn
Jetta SELJetta GLI Autobahn
Engine1.5L turbo four2.0L turbo four
Horsepower / torque158 hp / 184 lb-ft228 hp / 258 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic7-speed DSG
Starting MSRP$29,995$33,795
EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)29/40/3326/35/29
  • The GLI costs $3,800 more than an SEL for 70 more hp, and uses about 4 mpg more combined.

Jetta GLI: the sport sedan, then and now

The GLI dates to the first Jetta, when VW offered a version with the Golf GTI engine and more comfort equipment. EPA first lists a Jetta GLI for 1986, then a GLI 16V from 1987 to 1992 whose engine grew from 1.8L to 2.0L for 1990.

The 2027 GLI is a single Autobahn trim at $33,795. It has a 228-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L turbo, a 7-speed DSG, DCC adaptive dampers with Adaptive Chassis Control, dynamic steering and ventilated leather seats. EPA lists no manual GLI for 2027; the 2026 GLI was the last with a 6-speed manual.[7][11][12][1][5][6][34]

The 2027 Jetta lineup

Four Jetta trims are offered for 2027: S ($23,995), Sport ($25,395), SE ($26,995) and SEL ($29,995). All use a 158-hp, 184 lb-ft 1.5L turbo four, an 8-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.

The S has an 8-inch Digital Cockpit and keyless start. The Sport adds the XDS Cross Differential System, a grille light bar, 17-inch wheels and heated front seats. The SE adds remote start and wireless charging; the SEL brings ventilated leather seats, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and VW Premium Audio.[1][2][3]

Which Jettas have a manual transmission?

The seventh-generation Jetta launched with a 6-speed manual as standard. EPA lists a manual Jetta every year from 2019 through 2024; from 2025 only the 8-speed automatic is listed.

The GLI kept a 6-speed manual longer: EPA lists it through the 2026 model year, rated 26/36/29 mpg.[8][30][35][36][34][9][23][27]

Jetta history in numbers

VW says 17.5 million Jettas had been produced worldwide by January 2018, about 3.2 million of them sold in the US, making it the most successful car with German roots in the US. The car has carried other names: Vento and Bora in Europe and Sagitar in China.

EPA rated the first seventh-generation Jetta (2019, 1.4L automatic) at 30/40/34 mpg; the 2027 Jetta S with the 1.5L is rated 29/40/34.[8][37][3]

Volkswagen Jetta generations by year

Every US Volkswagen Jetta generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Jetta IType 161979–19841.7L and 1.8L gas fours; 1.6L diesel and turbodiesel (US engines per EPA, 1984)Unveiled in July 1979 as a notchback built on Golf I technology, about 40 cm longer with a 520-liter trunk. A GLI version used the Golf GTI engine. VW says 2.3 million first-generation Jettas were sold. EPA records begin with 1984, so earlier US model years are not covered here.[7][8][9]
Jetta II16E/19E1984–19921.8L gas four (8-valve, and 16-valve in the GLI 16V, which grew to 2.0L for 1990–1992); 1.6L diesel and turbodieselUnveiled in February 1984 and developed alongside the Golf II. VW added ABS, a 16-valve GT and the syncro all-wheel-drive model during the run. VW says 2.7 million were sold worldwide.[10][8][11][12][13]
Jetta III (Vento in Europe)1993–19992.0L four; 2.8L VR6 V6 (GLX); 1.9L turbodiesel from 1996Revealed in January 1992 and sold in Europe as the Vento, while the US kept the Jetta name; EPA lists it as the Jetta III for 1993–1995. It was based on the Golf III. A carry-over Jetta was still listed for 1999 alongside the new model.[14][8][15][16][17]
Jetta IV (Bora in Europe)1J5 / 1JM1999–20052.0L four, 1.8L turbo four (from 2000), 2.8L VR6 V6, 1.9L TDI dieselLaunched in 1998 on the Golf IV and called the Bora in Europe. EPA lists it as the "New Jetta" for 1999, and its wagon was sold in the US as the Jetta Wagon (2001–2005). VW says 4.6 million were built, the best-selling Jetta generation as of 2018.[18][8][17][19]
Jetta V2005–20102.5L five-cylinder, 2.0L turbo four, 1.9L TDI (to 2006) and 2.0L TDI (2009–2010) dieselsIntroduced in November 2004; EPA lists the new 2.5L five-cylinder alongside older engines for 2005. The Jetta SportWagen joined for 2008. VW says about three million were sold.[8][20][21][22][23]
Jetta VI2011–20182.0L and 2.5L gas fours/fives, 2.0L TDI (to 2015), 1.8L and 1.4L turbo fours, 2.0L turbo (GLI); 1.4L turbo hybrid (2013–2016)Premiered in 2010 as the first Jetta designed separately from the Golf. VW says it sold 3.7 million units. EPA lists a Jetta Hybrid for 2013–2016 and the 2.0L TDI through 2015.[8][24][25][26][27][28]
Jetta VII2019–present1.4L turbo four (2019–2021), 1.5L turbo four (2022–), 2.0L turbo four (GLI)Revealed in Detroit in January 2018 as the first Jetta on the MQB platform, designed mainly for North America, with a 6-speed manual standard and an 8-speed automatic optional at launch. US sales began in the second quarter of 2018. Built in Puebla, Mexico.[8][29][30][31][32][33]

Volkswagen Jetta problems and recalls

The best-documented Volkswagen Jetta problem is the 2009–2015 2.0L TDI diesel emissions case: EPA found defeat-device software, and VW offered buybacks or an approved emissions fix. Gas Jettas have recalls for fuel leaks (2006–2010 2.5L models, 2016–2018 fuel rail bolts), a 2011–2014 air bag clock spring, and DSG gearbox faults on the 2013–2015 Jetta Hybrid.

Documented Volkswagen Jetta issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
2.0L TDI diesel emissions defeat device (EPA settlement)[43][44]Jetta, fifth generation and sixth generation TDI (2009–2015)2009–2015Major repair
TDI fuel injector line may crack and leak (recall 11V490)[45]Jetta, fifth generation and sixth generation TDI (2009–2012)2009–2012Recall 11V490
Washer reservoir tab can chafe the fuel line (2.5L) (recall 10V621)[46]Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)2006–2010Recall 10V621
Driveshaft screws may loosen (2.0L) (recall 09V164)[47]Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)2006–2009Recall 09V164
ABS control unit may fail (recall 16V913)[48]Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)2009–2010Recall 16V913
Shared fuse can shut off engine, lights and wipers (recall 11V196)[49]Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)2011Recall 11V196
Rear trailing arm may fracture after a crash (recall 14V656)[50]Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)2011–2013Recall 14V656
Steering wheel clock spring may lose the driver air bag (recall 15V483)[51]Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)2011–2014Recall 15V483

All 27 documented Jetta issues and 26 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Volkswagen Jetta.

More Jetta research

See how a Jetta was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Volkswagen build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Volkswagen build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of the VW Jetta are there?

Seven. VW counts the 1979, 1984, 1992 (Vento), 1998 (Bora), 2004, 2010 and 2018 launches as generations. The seventh generation is sold in the US from the 2019 model year.

What years is the current Jetta generation?

The seventh-generation Jetta covers the 2019 model year to the present. VW revealed it in January 2018 and US sales began in the second quarter of 2018.

How much is the 2027 VW Jetta?

VW's builder lists the 2027 Jetta from $23,995 for the S to $29,995 for the SEL, before destination. The Jetta GLI Autobahn is $33,795.

What is the difference between the Jetta and the Jetta GLI?

The GLI uses a 228-hp 2.0L turbo and 7-speed DSG instead of the 158-hp 1.5L and 8-speed automatic, and adds DCC adaptive dampers and dynamic steering.

Can you still get a Jetta with a manual?

Not new for 2027. EPA lists a manual Jetta through 2024 and a manual GLI through 2026; the 2027 lineup is automatic-only.

Where is the VW Jetta built?

The current Jetta is built at Volkswagen de México in Puebla.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Volkswagen for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims and starting MSRPs (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  2. 2027 Volkswagen Jetta model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Jetta (S) 1.5L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen Jetta Sport/SE/SEL 1.5L turbo — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Volkswagen GLI 7-speed DSG — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  7. Volkswagen Classic: Jetta I (1979–1984) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  8. The new Jetta: world premiere at the North American International Auto Show (Jan 15, 2018) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  9. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1984 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  10. Volkswagen Classic: Jetta II (1984–1992) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  11. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1986 Volkswagen Jetta GLI — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  12. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16v — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  13. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1992 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  14. Volkswagen Classic: Vento (1992–1998) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  15. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1993 Volkswagen Jetta III — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  16. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1994 Volkswagen Jetta III GLX (VR6) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  17. EPA engine/transmission listing: 1999 Volkswagen New Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  18. Volkswagen Classic: Bora (1998–2005) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  19. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  20. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  21. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  22. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  23. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  24. International Driving Presentation of the new Jetta (Jan 13, 2011) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  25. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  26. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  27. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  28. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2018 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  29. World premiere of the completely new Jetta in Detroit (Jan 15, 2018) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  30. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  31. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2021 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  32. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  33. Production and locations: Volkswagen de México (Puebla) — Volkswagen AG Newsroom (volkswagen-newsroom.com)
  34. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Volkswagen GLI 6-speed manual — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  35. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2024 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  36. EPA engine/transmission listing: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  37. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4L turbo automatic — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  38. Volkswagen Build & Price: current trims, starting MSRPs and key features (accessed Nov 5, 2026) — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  39. 2027 Volkswagen Jetta model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  40. 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI model page — Volkswagen of America (vw.com)
  41. 2027 Volkswagen GLI powertrain listing — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  42. 2026 Volkswagen GLI powertrain listing (DSG and 6-speed manual) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  43. Learn About Volkswagen Violations — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  44. Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  45. Recall 11V490: DIESEL FUEL INJECTION LINES — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  46. Recall 10V621: UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  47. Recall 09V164: DRIVESHAFT SCREWS — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  48. Recall 16V913: ABS and Stability Control Becomes Inoperative — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  49. Recall 11V196: ELECTRICAL WIRING/FUSE — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  50. Recall 14V656: Rear Trailing Arm may Fracture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  51. Recall 15V483: Air Bag Clock Spring may Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. or Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen and the model names are trademarks of their owners.