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2015 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is a broad mid-cycle refresh. Volkswagen updated the styling and cabin, strengthened the structure, and introduced a new 150-hp diesel engine.
About the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
6th generation (2011-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
Volkswagen positioned the 2015 Jetta as a roomy compact sedan with what its brochure called “Jetta Feel” — solid construction, tidy German-road manners, and a more substantial feel than many economy sedans. The big differentiator was breadth: a simple commuter version, a stronger 1.8T, efficient diesel models, the GLI performance version, and a hybrid, all wrapped in a practical four-door with a generous back seat and trunk. It was meant to feel more grown-up than many rivals, not flashy.
The 2015 lineup ranges from basic commuter trims to diesel, hybrid, and performance-focused versions. The limited 1.8T Sport has a sport suspension, heated sport seats, navigation, and a rearview camera, while the 210-hp GLI adds stronger performance and richer equipment. At the upper end, the TDI SEL and Hybrid SEL Premium combine efficiency with navigation, Fender audio, automatic climate control, and a sunroof.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Diesel models switched to the new 150-hp EA288 2.0-liter TDI engine, with improved fuel economy. The GLI’s 2.0-liter turbo engine was rated at 210 hp for 2015.
Styling
Volkswagen revised the grille, bumpers, trunk, and taillight treatment. The cabin received updated materials and controls, including a revised center stack and steering wheel across much of the lineup.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the GLI SEL and Hybrid SEL Premium. The Hybrid SEL Premium also gained front and rear parking sensors.
Tech
Equipment was expanded on several trims. Changes included standard Bluetooth on the 2.0L Base and S, added comfort features on the 1.8T SE, and navigation, premium audio, and other upgrades on upper trims.
Structural
Volkswagen revised the body structure to improve crash-test performance. Aerodynamic updates also helped efficiency.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Turbo Dsl, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Manual, 5-Spd | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 7-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel | Diesel | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | 41 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 34 mpg | 36 mpg | 43 mpg | 43 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 43 mpg | 32–33 mpg | 48 mpg |
| Horsepower | 115 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 115 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 210 hp | 140 hp | 210 hp | 170 hp | |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 125 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta a major update over the 2014 model?
Yes. The 2015 Jetta is a mid-cycle update with revised exterior styling, cabin improvements, structural changes, expanded safety technology, and a new diesel engine rather than a full redesign.
What changed on the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta diesel models?
The 2015 diesel Jetta received Volkswagen’s new 150-hp EA288 2.0-liter TDI engine, replacing the previous diesel engine. The diesel range was also reorganized into TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL trims.
How did the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta trim lineup change?
The 2015 lineup added the limited 1.8T Sport, TDI SE, TDI SEL, and GLI SEL. The former TDI became the TDI S, and the former GLI became the GLI SE. The TDI Value Edition, GLI Autobahn, GLI Edition 30, and lower Hybrid trims were dropped, leaving the Hybrid SEL Premium as the sole hybrid trim.
What safety improvements did the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta receive?
The 2015 Jetta received structural changes that improved crash-test performance, while selected upper trims gained more driver-assistance equipment. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the GLI SEL and Hybrid SEL Premium, and the hybrid also had front and rear parking sensors.
What is special about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T Sport?
The 2015 1.8T Sport is a limited-edition trim positioned between the regular 1.8T models and the GLI. It combines a 170-hp turbo engine with a sport suspension, heated sport seats, navigation, a rearview camera, keyless start, and a rear spoiler.
2015 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.0
2015 Volkswagen Jetta
(190 reviews)
“I love my Jetta but I wish I would''ve went with the more expensive SEL model, to get the upgraded headlights and sound system, as well as navigation. Also, I wish it had more power but I needed the TDI model because of its fuel economy, and I know power goes down when a vehicle''s fuel economy is higher.\nIn love with my new Jetta TDI!!”
“The VW Jetta is a good car if you're mostly concerned about reliability, ease of driving, and mileage. It's not flashy or super fast, but it gets me around with comfort and reliability. It's also very easy to park, which I appreciate because it seems like spaces in parking lots are getting smaller all the time.”