VW Jetta MPG, gas tank size, tire pressure, and towing

The EPA rates the 2022–2026 Volkswagen Jetta with the 1.5L turbo at 33 to 35 mpg combined, and the 2019–2021 Jetta with the 1.4L turbo at 33 to 34. The sporty Jetta GLI gets 28 mpg, and the 2013–2016 Jetta Hybrid 44. A 2019–2026 Jetta has a 13.2-gallon tank and takes 36 psi in all four tires, and VW says it is not designed to tow a trailer.

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

Jetta generations at a glance

  • 2008–2010 (5th generation): a 2.5L five-cylinder, a 2.0L turbo, and from 2009 the 2.0L TDI diesel.
  • 2011–2018 (6th generation): the widest choice of engines: a 2.0L (2011–2015), the 2.5L five-cylinder (2011–2013), the TDI diesel (2011–2015), a 1.8L turbo (2014–2018), a 1.4L turbo (2016–2018), the Jetta Hybrid (2013–2016), and the GLI with a 2.0L turbo.
  • 2019–2026 (7th generation): a 1.4L turbo through 2021, then a 1.5L turbo. A 6-speed manual was offered through 2024; since then, an 8-speed automatic only. The GLI keeps a 2.0L turbo with a manual or a 7-speed DSG.

Every Jetta is front-wheel drive.

Jetta gas mileage by year

Jetta mpg depends far more on the engine than on the year. Among gas engines, the 2.0L and 2.5L of 2010–2015 get 25 to 28 mpg combined, the 1.8L turbo 28 to 30, and the small turbos since 2016 32 to 35. The TDI diesel gets 32 to 35 mpg, and the Jetta Hybrid tops the list at 44. Choose a year to see every EPA version:

202629–34 mpg combined · 4 versions
2026 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD292635
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD292636
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD342940
Jetta Sport/SE/SEL1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332940
202529–33 mpg combined · 4 versions
2025 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD302636
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD292535
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332939
Jetta Sport/SE/SEL1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332940
202428–34 mpg combined · 5 versions
2024 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD302636
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD282435
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD343041
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD342942
Jetta Sport/SE/SEL1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332940
202330–35 mpg combined · 5 versions
2023 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD302636
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD302637
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD353141
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD342942
Jetta Sport/SE/SEL1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332940
202230–35 mpg combined · 5 versions
2022 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD302636
GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD302637
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD353141
Jetta1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD342943
Jetta SE/SEL1.5L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332940
202128–34 mpg combined · 4 versions
2021 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD343041
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD332939
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD282435
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD282433
202028–34 mpg combined · 4 versions
2020 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD343040
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD343040
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD282532
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD282533
201928–34 mpg combined · 4 versions
2019 Volkswagen Jetta: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD343040
Jetta1.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD343040
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (AM-S7), FWD282532
Jetta GLI2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, FWD282532
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Volkswagen Jetta, 2010–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201827–3324–2833–404
201727–3323–2833–405
201627–4423–4233–487
201526–4422–4132–489
201425–4423–4129–489
201325–4422–4129–489
201225–3222–2929–398
201125–3223–2929–396
201025–3221–2930–396

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.

For a compact sedan, 33 mpg or more is good. Comparison: what is good gas mileage.

Jetta gas tank size and range

A 2019–2026 Jetta holds 13.2 gallons, according to VW’s owner’s manuals. The 2012–2018 Jetta holds 14.5 gallons, and the 2013 Jetta Hybrid 11.8 gallons. The GLI calls for premium fuel (VW recommends it); for other Jettas, VW points to the label inside the fuel filler door. The TDI runs only on ultra-low-sulfur diesel, with no more than 5% biodiesel (B5).

Volkswagen Jetta: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
20191.4L turbo 4-cylinder13.2 gal134 mpgabout 450 miles
2020–20211.4L turbo 4-cylinder13.2 gal333–34 mpgabout 440–450 miles
2022–20261.5L turbo 4-cylinder13.2 gal233–35 mpgabout 440–460 miles
20192.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)13.2 gal128 mpgabout 370 miles
2020–20262.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)13.2 gal528–30 mpgabout 370–400 miles
20112.0L 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual25–28 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20152.0L 4-cylinder14.5 gal825–28 mpgabout 360–410 miles
20112.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual26–27 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
20122.5L 5-cylinder14.5 gal626 mpgabout 380 miles
20132.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual26 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
20112.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)Check your owner’s manual32 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20152.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)14.5 gal832–35 mpgabout 460–510 miles
2014–20161.8L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal929–30 mpgabout 420–440 miles
20171.8L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal1029 mpgabout 420 miles
20181.8L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal1028 mpgabout 410 miles
20161.4L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal932–33 mpgabout 460–480 miles
20171.4L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal1032–33 mpgabout 460–480 miles
20181.4L turbo 4-cylinder14.5 gal1032–33 mpgabout 460–480 miles
20131.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybrid11.8 gal1144 mpgabout 520 miles
2014–20161.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybridCheck your owner’s manual44 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20172.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)Check your owner’s manual25–28 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
20182.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)14.5 gal1027 mpgabout 390 miles
2008–20102.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual25 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2008–20102.0L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manual25–27 mpgCheck your owner’s manual
2009–20102.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)Check your owner’s manual32 mpgCheck your owner’s manual

The 7th-generation tank is small, but with mpg in the mid-30s a full tank still covers more than 400 miles. Plan a trip with the trip gas cost calculator.

Jetta tire pressure

A 2019–2026 Jetta takes 36 psi front and rear, cold, on the factory 16-, 17-, and 18-inch tires, including the GLI. Older Jettas take 32 to 38 psi depending on the engine and tire size; the 2013 Jetta Hybrid’s full-load pressure is 41 psi. For several 2015–2016 sizes, VW’s manual gives a full-load pressure (shown in the table) and a lower comfort pressure, 33 psi on most gas cars, for light loads.

Volkswagen Jetta: tire size and pressure (cold) by trim
YearsTrimTire sizeFrontRear
2019–2026Jetta, 16-inch wheels205/60R16136 psi36 psi
2019–2026Jetta, 17-inch wheels205/55R17136 psi36 psi
2025–2026Jetta, 18-inch wheels225/45R18436 psi36 psi
2019–2026GLI225/45R18136 psi36 psi
20122.0L, 15-inch195/65R15632 psi32 psi
20122.0L, 16-inch205/55R16632 psi32 psi
20122.5L, 16-inch205/55R16634 psi34 psi
20122.5L, 17-inch225/45R17634 psi34 psi
2012TDI, 16-inch205/55R16634 psi34 psi
2012TDI, 17-inch225/45R17634 psi34 psi
2013Hybrid, 15-inch (full-load pressure)195/65R151141 psi41 psi
2013Hybrid, 16-inch (full-load pressure)205/55R161141 psi41 psi
2013Hybrid, 17-inch (full-load pressure)205/50R171141 psi41 psi
20142.0L, 15-inch195/65R15733 psi33 psi
20142.0L, 16-inch205/55R16733 psi33 psi
20141.8T, 16-inch205/55R16735 psi35 psi
20141.8T, 17-inch225/45R17735 psi35 psi
2014TDI, 15-inch195/65R15735 psi35 psi
2014TDI, 16-inch205/55R16735 psi35 psi
2014TDI, 17-inch225/45R17735 psi35 psi
20152.0L and 1.8T, 15-inch (full-load pressure)195/65R15836 psi36 psi
20152.0L and 1.8T, 16-inch (full-load pressure)205/55R16836 psi36 psi
20151.8T, 17-inch (full-load pressure)225/45R17836 psi36 psi
2015TDI, 16-inch205/55R16836 psi36 psi
2015TDI, 17-inch225/45R17836 psi36 psi
20161.4T and 1.8T, 15-inch (full-load pressure)195/65R15936 psi36 psi
20161.4T and 1.8T, 16-inch (full-load pressure)205/55R16936 psi36 psi
20161.4T and 1.8T, 17-inch (full-load pressure)225/45R17936 psi36 psi
20161.4T and 1.8T, 18-inch225/40R18938 psi38 psi
20181.4T and 1.8T, 16-inch205/55R161036 psi36 psi
20181.4T and 1.8T, 17-inch225/45R171036 psi36 psi
20181.4T and 1.8T, 18-inch225/40R181038 psi38 psi
2018GLI, 17-inch225/45R171036 psi36 psi
2018GLI, 18-inch (92H XL tire)225/40R181038 psi38 psi
2018GLI, 18-inch (92Y XL tire)225/40R181036 psi36 psi

Use the label on your car for your exact tires. If the warning light comes on, see tire pressure light.

Oil at a glance

The 2012–2018 gas Jetta takes oil that meets VW 502 00, 503 00, or 504 00, and the TDI takes VW 507 00. The 2019 Jetta takes 0W-20 that meets VW 508 00 (4.2 quarts with the filter). From 2021 on, VW’s manuals point to an oil label under the hood. All years: Jetta oil page.

Volkswagen Jetta oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
20191.4L turbo 4-cylinder0W-2014.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
2020–20211.4L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2022–20261.5L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20192.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)0W-2016 qt (5.7 L) with filter
2020–20262.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20112.0L 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20152.0L 4-cylinder5W-40 or 5W-308Check your owner’s manual
20112.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20122.5L 5-cylinder5W-40 or 5W-306Check your owner’s manual
20132.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20112.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20152.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)5W-40 or 5W-308Check your owner’s manual
2014–20161.8L turbo 4-cylinder5W-40 or 5W-309Check your owner’s manual
20171.8L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20181.8L turbo 4-cylinder0W-30 or 5W-3010Check your owner’s manual
20161.4L turbo 4-cylinder5W-40 or 5W-309Check your owner’s manual
20171.4L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20181.4L turbo 4-cylinder0W-30 or 5W-3010Check your owner’s manual
20131.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybrid5W-40 or 5W-3011Check your owner’s manual
2014–20161.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybridCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2012–20172.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20182.0L turbo 4-cylinder (GLI)0W-30 or 5W-3010Check your owner’s manual
2008–20102.5L 5-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2008–20102.0L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2009–20102.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder (TDI)Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual

Can a Jetta tow?

Not a 2019–2026 Jetta: every manual we checked says it is not designed to tow a trailer. On 2011–2018 models, it depends on the engine and gearbox. VW’s manuals allowed 1,000 lb for some versions and up to 2,000 lb for the 2.5L or the 1.8L turbo with a manual gearbox, while the TDI with DSG (2014–2015), the 1.4L turbo with the automatic, the 1.8L turbo from 2016, and the 2018 GLI must not tow. Check the towing section of your own manual.

  • 7th generation (A7) (2019–2026): not rated for towing1
  • 6th generation (A6) (2011–2018): Check your owner’s manual
  • 5th generation (A5) (2008–2010): Check your owner’s manual

Recalls: check by VIN

Recalls follow production dates and parts, so use your VIN, not just the year. Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It is visible through the windshield on the driver’s side and printed on your registration. Volkswagen dealers do recall repairs at no charge.

What to record in your log

Many Jettas are daily commuters with high miles, and a log keeps costs in view:

  • Fill-ups with date, odometer, and gallons. Compare your number with the EPA rating; the MPG calculator shows yours.
  • Oil added between changes. VW calls up to 1 quart per 1,200 miles normal and suggests checking at every fill-up.
  • Date-based jobs like brake fluid, and the DSG or automatic fluid at its mileage.

Keep a fuel log and a car maintenance log. Service intervals are on the Jetta maintenance schedule page, and VW’s system on the Volkswagen maintenance schedule page.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a VW Jetta?

33 to 35 mpg combined for the 2022–2026 1.5L turbo and 33 to 34 for the 2019–2021 1.4L turbo, according to the EPA. The GLI gets 28 mpg, and the 2013–2016 Jetta Hybrid 44.

How big is the Jetta gas tank?

13.2 gallons on 2019–2026 models and 14.5 gallons on 2012–2018 models. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid holds 11.8 gallons.

What tire pressure does a VW Jetta take?

36 psi front and rear on 2019–2026 models, cold, for the factory tire sizes. Older models take 32 to 38 psi on most versions, depending on the engine and tire size.

Can a VW Jetta tow a trailer?

A 2019–2026 Jetta cannot: VW says it is not designed for towing. Some 2011–2018 Jettas could tow 1,000 to 2,000 lb, and others not at all, depending on the engine and gearbox.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America. Volkswagen, VW, Jetta, GLI, TDI, and DSG are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 17A012723AC) (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 17A012723SJ) (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 17A012723SF) (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 17A012723SQ) (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. 2026 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 17A012723SR) (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 1215U1JT621) (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 1425U1JT623) (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 1515U1JT623) (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 5C6012723AK) (checked November 12, 2026)
  10. 2018 Volkswagen Jetta Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 5C6012723AP) (checked November 12, 2026)
  11. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Owner’s Manual (VW digital owner’s manual, part no. 1325U1JEH21) (checked November 12, 2026)
  12. 2010 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  13. 2011 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  14. 2014 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  15. 2015 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  16. 2018 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  17. 2019 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  18. 2022 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  19. 2026 VW Service: Maintenance Schedules (Volkswagen maintenance card) (checked November 12, 2026)
  20. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)