The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Sport offers an affordable option in a market where inexpensive cars are becoming rare. Despite an initial challenging first impression, involving a hot, rainy commute after a long flight, the Jetta Sport reveals its practical nature. It's important to distinguish it from the sportier Jetta GLI; the Sport variant features a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, shared across the Jetta lineup.

This engine utilizes VW's modified Miller cycle for efficiency, boasting a high compression ratio of 11.5:1. It produces 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car lacks distinct sport or eco driving modes, relying on a single throttle map. While manageable at lower RPMs, the power delivery can become abrupt past 2,500 rpm, leading to unexpected surges in acceleration due to the gearing and turbocharger interaction.