The 2027 Volkswagen Jetta puts more convenience features into its lower-priced S and Sport trims. Both gain full keyless access with push-button start, along with an infotainment upgrade that brings six speakers and more connectivity.
The Jetta S starts at $23,995 before destination. Add VW’s $1,325 delivery fee and the starting price becomes $25,320, before taxes, title, options and dealer charges. The GLI remains the performance alternative, with considerably more power and different chassis hardware.
S and Sport gain the features buyers use daily
VW’s 2027 Jetta press kit keeps the familiar S, Sport, SE and SEL trim names. GLI is offered in Autobahn trim. The main equipment changes are concentrated in S and Sport, which add Composition Media infotainment with satellite radio, voice control and six speakers instead of four.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is an 8-inch center touchscreen. KESSY keyless access with push-button start also reaches S and Sport. All models receive an enhanced rear seatbelt reminder.
Available Premium Speech and Premium Radio add connected features, but compatible hardware and service enrollment are required. Standard equipment also includes dual-zone automatic climate control and IQ.DRIVE driver assistance. These systems still require an attentive driver.
The regular Jetta keeps its 158-horsepower turbo engine
The mainstream Jetta uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is a carryover powertrain, not a new engine for 2027.
The S earns EPA estimates of 29 mpg city, 40 highway and 34 combined. Sport, SE and SEL are listed at 29 city, 40 highway and 33 combined. VW bases the ratings on regular unleaded fuel, and actual mileage varies with use and conditions.
All regular Jettas use a torsion-beam rear suspension. VW lists Sport, SE and SEL with a sport suspension that sits 0.6 inch lower than the base S, while Sport adds the brake-based XDS system to help control inside-wheel slip in corners.
GLI adds power and more substantial chassis upgrades
The Jetta GLI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. VW lists a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic sending power to the front wheels, with EPA estimates of 26 mpg city, 35 highway and 29 combined.
The differences go beyond the extra 70 horsepower. GLI gets a multilink rear suspension, DCC adaptive dampers and an electronically controlled VAQ front limited-slip differential. Its larger 13.4-inch front brake discs also distinguish it from the regular Jetta.
GLI Autobahn starts at $33,795, or $35,120 with the $1,325 destination charge. That is $9,800 above the base S at their listed starting prices. The GLI package also includes leather seating surfaces and ventilated front seats, so the premium buys comfort equipment as well as performance hardware.
Sedan space and starting prices to compare
The standard Jetta is 186.5 inches long and 70.8 inches wide, riding on a 105.7-inch wheelbase. Rear legroom measures 37.4 inches, and the trunk holds 14.1 cubic feet. Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide a way to carry longer items.
S and Sport use cloth upholstery, SE moves to CloudTex leatherette and SEL adds leather seating surfaces. Heated front seats are included above S, while SEL brings additional comfort features such as a heated steering wheel. Buyers comparing trims should check the equipment on the specific car.
At $25,320 with destination, the S is the entry point. The 2027 upgrades give shoppers fewer reasons to move up solely for keyless access or phone connectivity. Sport, SE and SEL still offer different styling, seating and comfort equipment, while GLI is the separate step for buyers who want a quicker, more capable sport sedan.
