2027 Volkswagen JettaMotorTrendRoomy back seatExcellent fuel economyGLI adds real funMainstream trims feel slowInterior materials disappointManual transmission is goneThe Volkswagen Jetta is one of the last traditional compact sedans still trying to make the practical-car case in an SUV-heavy market. For 2027, it sticks to that familiar formula: roomy, efficient, and relatively affordable in standard form, with the GLI carrying the torch for buyers who still want some sport sedan flavor.AdvertisementAdvertisementSmall sedan competitors include the Honda Civic, Kia K4, and Nissan Sentra.What's NewComposition Media infotainment system for S and Sport trims that adds satellite radio, voice control, and two additional speakers for a total of sixS and Sport models gain KESSY keyless entry and push-button startOptional Premium Speech with AI and premium radio for S and Sport gradesManual transmission discontinued with 2026 GLIWhat We ThinkThe 2027 Jetta remains a sensible compact sedan with a few clear strengths, but it's harder to get excited about than the best cars in the class. It's roomy, efficient, and comfortable enough for daily use, yet the Jetta still feels like it's chasing rivals that have moved ahead in refinement, performance, and overall polish.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhere the Jetta continues to make sense is as an easygoing commuter. Its cabin is spacious for the segment, especially in the back seat, and its trunk and fuel economy help make it a practical alternative to small SUVs for buyers who don't need the extra ride height.Mainstream Jetta models favor comfort over sharp responses, which suits the car's mission. The ride is agreeable, the controls are straightforward, and the driving experience is mostly relaxed if not especially memorable.The GLI is the enthusiast pick, bringing stronger acceleration, sportier tuning, and a more engaging personality. That said, losing the manual transmission will take away some of the GLI's old-school appeal, even if the automatic remains quick and capable.The regular Jetta's biggest problem is that good enough no longer feels good enough. Acceleration is modest, the engine can sound and feel coarse, and some interior materials don't match the more premium vibe VW appears to be chasing.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor shoppers who want a roomy, efficient sedan at a reasonable price, the Jetta still has a case. But unless you're considering the GLI, we'd shop the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra before signing for the VW.Top-Ranked Competitors:Honda CivicHyundai ElantraNissan SentraKia K4MotorTrend TestedMost 2027 Jetta models use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and every Jetta is front-wheel drive. In mainstream trims, the engine produces 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, that setup moved the Jetta to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds—relatively slow, especially considering the pre-refresh version reached 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.The sportier GLI steps up to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. The manual transmission was discontinued after the 2026 model year, so the GLI now sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only. In our testing, the GLI hit 60 mph in a much more satisfying 6.1 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor comparison, the front-drive-only Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo splits the difference. Its 1.6-liter turbo-four makes 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, and it reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds in MotorTrend testing.MPGs and RangeThe 2027 Jetta should remain one of the more efficient compact sedans when equipped with its base engine, returning an estimated 29/40 mpg city/highway and 436–449 miles of driving range. The quicker GLI trades some efficiency for performance, dropping to 26/35 mpg and an estimated 383 miles between fill-ups.Compared with the Kia K4, the Jetta looks strong on both mileage and range. The turbocharged K4 matches the GLI's city rating but trails on the highway at 26/33 mpg and offers just 347 miles of range, while the less powerful non-turbo K4 comes closer to the base Jetta at 29/39 mpg but tops out at 409 miles.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe Jetta's most recent safety test results are split. NHTSA awarded the 2026 sedan a five-star overall safety rating, but IIHS' picture is less complete. In partial testing, the Jetta received a mix of scores rather than a clean sweep of top marks.AdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen bundles the Jetta's driver assist features under its IQ.Drive name, and standard equipment includes:Forward automatic emergency brakingBlind-spot monitoringRear traffic monitoringAdaptive cruise controlLane keepingLane centeringAutomatic high-beams are also available.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe Jetta gives up a bit of front legroom to several compact sedan rivals, but rear-seat space remains competitive. Its trunk is smaller than what you'll find in the Kia K4 and Nissan Sentra, though it beats the Toyota Corolla and lands close to the Honda Civic.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 Jetta comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and two USB ports. Drivers also get an 8.0-inch digital display, with a 10.3-inch screen available as an upgrade.Sound SystemWith this year's updates, the four-speaker system has been discontinued. The base system is now a six-speaker setup, and Volkswagen also continues to offer an available eight-speaker Premium Audio arrangement.Available UpgradesPremium tech on offer includes a wireless phone charger, power driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting. Exterior upgrades include heated front washer nozzles and windshield wiper park.ValueStandard FeaturesEvery Jetta delivers good fuel economy, and most trims are priced competitively. Standard equipment includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. New standard features for 2027 should also improve the value equation on lower trims.Recommended TrimThe 2027 Jetta lineup again includes S, Sport, SE, and SEL trims, with the GLI offered separately in a single well-equipped Autobahn configuration. For our money, the GLI is the one to get. It keeps the Jetta's practical sedan shape and respectable efficiency but adds the hardware and attitude missing from the regular models.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe GLI's multilink rear suspension, adaptive chassis control, limited-slip differential, and dual exhaust give it a more serious performance edge, while its styling upgrades help it look the part. It also comes loaded with the Jetta's best cabin features, plus sportier interior details that make the upgrade feel more special without giving up daily-driver comfort.