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Volkswagen Jetta MPG

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta gets 34 mpg combined (29 city, 40 highway): about $1,129 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles.

EPA fueleconomy.gov · 9 engines · 1984–2026 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer

Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Jetta beats their 26.3 mpg average by 7.7 mpg, about $331 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid (2013–2016), does 44 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1994–2004), 20.1: $1,037 a year apart.

Every Volkswagen Jetta engine, compared

Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.

FIG.01·Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage by engine
EngineCombinedCity / HighwayYearsFuel per year
1.4L 4-cyl Hybrid4441.3 / 482013–2016$873
1.9L 4-cyl36.933.5 / 431996–2006$1,041
1.6L 4-cyl34.631.6 / 39.31984–1992$1,110
1.5L 4-cyl34.230 / 40.42022–2026$1,123
1.4L 4-cyl33.529 / 40.22016–2021$1,146
2L 4-cyl28.925.9 / 341993–2015$1,329
1.8L 4-cyl25.522.5 / 311987–1988$1,506
2.5L 5-cyl24.221.4 / 29.42005–2013$1,587
2.8L 6-cyl20.117.2 / 25.11994–2004$1,910
ROWS 9·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

What that actually costs

Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 42.5 mpg, the Nissan Versa 35 mpg and the Audi A4 29 mpg, next to 34 mpg for the 2026 Jetta.

FIG.02·Volkswagen Jetta fuel cost
MeasureValue
Cost per mile (2026)$0.094
Fuel per year$1,129
Fuel over five years$5,645
Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026−$331 a year
EPA's own estimate$2,412 a year
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar, computed from EPA ratings

City or highway — who is this car for

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta gives up 11 mpg in town: 40 on the highway against 29 in the city, $364 a year if every mile were city driving.

FIG.03·Volkswagen Jetta city versus highway
MeasureValueReading
City (2026)29 mpg$1,324 a year if you only drive in town
Highway40 mpg$960 a year if you mostly commute
Gap+11 mpg (38%)Wide — this car dislikes traffic
ROWS 3·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

How the Jetta changed over the years

The Jetta peaked in 2015 at 39.5 mpg (36 city, 45.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 21 — 18.5 mpg apart, or $857 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 34. The biggest single-year change came in 2017: 38.5 to 33 mpg.

FIG.04·Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage by model year
Model yearCombinedCity / HighwayEngines offeredFuel per year
20263429 / 401$1,129
20253329 / 391$1,164
20243430 / 411$1,129
20233531 / 411$1,097
20223531 / 411$1,097
20213430 / 411$1,129
20203430 / 401$1,129
20193430 / 401$1,129
20183328 / 401$1,164
20173328 / 401$1,164
201638.535 / 442$997
201539.536 / 45.52$972
20143835 / 42.52$1,011
20133431.3 / 38.73$1,129
20122926.5 / 342$1,324
201129.526.5 / 342$1,302
201028.526 / 33.52$1,347
20092824.5 / 332$1,371
200824.521.5 / 292$1,567
200723.520.5 / 28.52$1,634
200627.524.5 / 332$1,396
200528.525.5 / 34.52$1,347
20042925.5 / 34.52$1,324
20033027 / 362$1,280
20023027 / 362$1,280
20012926 / 352$1,324
20002926 / 352$1,324
19992926 / 352$1,324
19982824.5 / 33.52$1,371
19972824.5 / 33.52$1,371
ROWS 30·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar
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How we count

This page rests on 67 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Jetta — 9 engines across 1984–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,412. Full method.

Everything on the Volkswagen Jetta
Recalls233 campaignsReliability4.0/5Common problems10,599 complaintsCheck a VINAgainst this exact buildDimensionsSize, weight, generationsCargo space34 cu ftUsed prices4,274 listingsWhat yours is worthValue by year & mileageInsurance costEstimated per yearWindow stickerOriginal Monroney labelDecode a VINWhat each character meansAbout this car1981–2026

Frequently asked questions

What mpg does the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta get?

34 mpg combined, 29 city and 40 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Jetta has averaged 30.3 mpg.

Is the 2026 Jetta more efficient than the 2025?

Yes: 34 against 33 mpg combined, about $35 a year less to run.

Which Jetta year has the best gas mileage?

The 2015, at 39.5 mpg combined (36 city, 45.5 highway).

Does the Jetta get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?

No: 34 mpg for the 2026 Jetta against 42.5 for the 2026 Toyota Corolla, about $225 a year more to run.

Gas mileage ratings from EPA fueleconomy.gov, unadjusted. Running cost computed by ForCar at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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