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2018 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is the addition of the 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition. Volkswagen also renamed the 1.8T Sport as the 1.8T SE Sport and dropped the SEL Premium, making this a light final-year update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
6th generation Jetta for North America (2011-2018), facelifted for 2015, final model year before the all-new 2019 redesign.
Volkswagen positions the 2018 Jetta as a compact sedan with turbocharged power, clean styling, and a more grown-up feel than many basic small cars. The brochure leans on performance, good looks, and useful technology, while reviewers highlight its roomy back seat and straightforward controls. For most used-car shoppers, the Jetta's identity is an everyday sedan that feels a little more polished and a little more eager than a typical compact commuter.
The 2018 lineup ranges from the straightforward 1.4T S to the comfort-focused SE and SEL, while the Wolfsburg Edition adds sporty body details and heated leatherette seats. The SE Sport combines the stronger 1.8-liter turbo engine with a black roof, black wheels, a sunroof, and smartphone integration. The 210-hp GLI remains the performance model, with a sport suspension, stronger brakes, and more aggressive bodywork.
What changed, by category
Styling
The 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition joins the lineup with a sport front bumper, fog lights, special wheels, and Wolfsburg badging. The 1.8T Sport is renamed 1.8T SE Sport, while the SEL Premium is dropped. The S gains standard 16-inch alloy wheels, the SE gets chrome side-window trim, and the SEL gains a standard rear lip spoiler.
Tech
The SE and SE Sport gain voice control for their 6.3-inch touchscreen systems. The SEL adds Fender premium audio, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers, while the GLI gains automatic headlights and a color trip display.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto, 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 210 hp | 170 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 184 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta redesigned?
No. The 2018 Jetta is the final model year of the sixth-generation car, not a redesign. Its platform and basic mechanical layout carry over before the all-new 2019 Jetta arrives.
Which Jetta trims changed for 2018?
The 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition joins the lineup, the 1.8T Sport continues under the new 1.8T SE Sport name, and the SEL Premium is dropped. Several returning trims also receive equipment updates.
What is special about the 2018 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition?
The 2018 Wolfsburg Edition is a dressed-up 1.4T trim with a sport front bumper, fog lights, special 16-inch wheels, Wolfsburg badging, and heated leatherette seats. It adds visual and comfort upgrades without the SE's broader convenience equipment.
What does the 2018 Jetta SE Sport include?
The 2018 SE Sport pairs the stronger 1.8-liter turbo engine with a black roof, black wheels, black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and a sport front bumper. It also has a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Did the 2018 Jetta get new engines?
No. The 1.4-liter turbo, 1.8-liter turbo, and GLI's 2.0-liter turbo engines carry over for 2018. The year's main updates concern trims, styling, and equipment rather than a broad powertrain change.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.2
2018 Volkswagen Jetta
(105 reviews)
“A very zippy little vehicle! So fun to drive, beautiful interior and lots of great features like blind spot warning and backup camera. The sun roof is a bonus. Very enjoyable to drive and I absolutely love it!”
“Fun to drive and good gas mileage (1.4 turbo). Lots of legroom front and back and a huge trunk.”