Volkswagen Jetta
34 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is EPA-rated at 34 MPG combined (29 city / 40 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 441 gallons, $1412 a year in fuel, or $0.094 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2026 run it averages 28.3 MPG, improving by 7.1 MPG over 40 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.074 | $735 | $1103 | $1471 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.088 | $882 | $1324 | $1765 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.094 | $941 | $1412 | $1882 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.103 | $1029 | $1544 | $2059 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.118 | $1176 | $1765 | $2353 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.132 | $1324 | $1985 | $2647 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 34 MPG | 29 | 40 | $1850 | 265 | 1 |
| 2025 | 33 MPG | 29 | 39 | $1900 | 271 | 1 |
| 2024 | 34 MPG | 29.5 | 41.5 | $1850 | 264 | 2 |
| 2023 | 34.5 MPG | 30 | 41.5 | $1825 | 261 | 2 |
| 2022 | 34.5 MPG | 30 | 42 | $1825 | 258 | 2 |
| 2021 | 33.5 MPG | 29.5 | 40 | $1875 | 263 | 2 |
| 2020 | 31 MPG | 27.5 | 36.3 | $2025 | 290 | 4 |
| 2019 | 34 MPG | 30 | 40 | $1850 | 263 | 2 |
| 2018 | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2088 | 300 | 4 |
| 2017 | 29.6 MPG | 25.6 | 35.8 | $2120 | 305 | 5 |
| 2016 | 29.5 MPG | 25.5 | 36 | $2125 | 306 | 6 |
| 2015 | 29.4 MPG | 25.6 | 36.4 | $2400 | 314 | 8 |
| 2014 | 28.6 MPG | 25.4 | 34.5 | $2456 | 322 | 8 |
| 2013 | 27.8 MPG | 24.8 | 33.5 | $2525 | 330 | 8 |
| 2012 | 27.8 MPG | 24.8 | 33.5 | $2525 | 333 | 8 |
| 2011 | 28.3 MPG | 25.3 | 33.8 | $2383 | 329 | 6 |
| 2010 | 27.7 MPG | 24.7 | 33.2 | $2642 | 338 | 6 |
| 2009 | 27 MPG | 23.7 | 32.5 | $2717 | 347 | 6 |
| 2008 | 24.3 MPG | 21 | 29 | $2875 | 367 | 4 |
| 2007 | 23.3 MPG | 20.3 | 28.5 | $3000 | 383 | 4 |
| 2006 | 26.5 MPG | 23.5 | 31.5 | $2783 | 358 | 6 |
| 2005 | 26.7 MPG | 23.6 | 32 | $2768 | 359 | 11 |
| 2004 | 25.8 MPG | 22.5 | 30.8 | $2938 | 365 | 8 |
| 2003 | 26 MPG | 22.9 | 31.3 | $2925 | 364 | 8 |
| 2002 | 24.7 MPG | 21.7 | 30 | $2850 | 383 | 10 |
| 2001 | 25.3 MPG | 22.6 | 30.3 | $2869 | 380 | 8 |
| 2000 | 25.3 MPG | 22.3 | 30.3 | $2869 | 380 | 8 |
| 1999 | 24.2 MPG | 21.2 | 29 | $2830 | 397 | 5 |
| 1998 | 27.7 MPG | 24.3 | 32.7 | $2517 | 350 | 3 |
| 1997 | 27.7 MPG | 24.3 | 33 | $2517 | 350 | 3 |
| 1996 | 27.7 MPG | 24.3 | 32.7 | $2533 | 353 | 3 |
| 1992 | 27 MPG | 24.7 | 30.3 | $2517 | 350 | 3 |
| 1991 | 28.8 MPG | 26.3 | 32.5 | $2463 | 337 | 4 |
| 1990 | 27.3 MPG | 24.7 | 31.3 | $2500 | 347 | 3 |
| 1989 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 32 | $2550 | 353 | 3 |
| 1988 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 28.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1987 | 24 MPG | 22 | 28 | $2625 | 373 | 2 |
| 1986 | 29.3 MPG | 26.5 | 33.8 | $2450 | 334 | 4 |
| 1985 | 27.5 MPG | 25 | 31.3 | $2500 | 346 | 6 |
| 1984 | 26.9 MPG | 24.9 | 30.5 | $2560 | 356 | 15 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Jetta ranks 22 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 2 (34.5), Toyota Yaris (34.5), Toyota Corolla Hatchback (35), BMW 328d (36), Hyundai Accent (36).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 265 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Jetta get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is rated at 34 MPG combined by the EPA — 29 city and 40 highway. Across all 40 model years in the database it averages 28.3 MPG, ranging from 19 to 38 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel per year?
At 34 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 441 gallons — roughly $1412 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.094 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $1850.
Has the Volkswagen Jetta become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 26.9 MPG in 1984 to 34 in 2026 — an improvement of 7.1 MPG, or 26% across 40 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Jetta efficient for its class?
It ranks 22 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 7.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.