2027 Volkswagen Jetta: real cost in California

Cheapest trim, S · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$23,995the advertised price
Drive away$27,689with fees and tax
Loan payment$387/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$1,000/moeverything, after resale
Car, fees and tax $27,689Insurance $20,286Fuel $13,693Interest and lost return $11,302Maintenance and plates $11,124

$27,689 to drive away + $56,405 to run it for 6 years − $12,094 back at resale = $72,000, or $1,000 a month.

Where the money goes

Drive away$27,689
Running it, 6 yrs+$56,405
Back at resale−$12,094
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$23,995
Feesfreight $1,325 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,410
Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$2,284
Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$20,286
Fuel13,500 mi a year at 34 MPG
+$13,693
Maintenanceestimate
+$8,478
Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$6,140
Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$5,162
Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$2,645
Resale after 6 years50% of MSRP, you get this back
−$12,094
True cost $72,000 ÷ 72 months$1,000 a month

The car

Size and space
BodySedan186.5 in long
Seats5
Cargo14.1 cu ftbehind row 2
Ground clearance5.5 in
Engine and fuel
Engine158 hp gas, FWD
0–60 mph7.5 sour estimate from power and weight
Fuel economy33–34 MPGEPA combined
TowingNot published
Tires18"225/45R18
Safety and cover
Crash test✓ 5 of 5 starsNHTSA · see the test ↗
Highway assistSteers and brakeshands on the wheel · every trim
Warranty4 yrspowertrain 5 yrs
Resale at 6 years50% of MSRPthis model's own record

Every trim

All trims: FWD, 158 hp, 5 seats.
S 1.5L Turbo$23,995$27,689$72,000✓ $1,000/mo34 MPG— No— No
Sport 1.5L Turbo$25,395$29,215$73,922$1,027/mo33 MPG✓ Yes— No
SE 1.5L Turbo$26,995$30,959$75,644$1,051/mo33 MPG✓ Yes✓ Yes
SEL 1.5L Turbo$29,995$34,228$78,873$1,095/mo33 MPG✓ Yes✓ Yes
S1.5L Turbo
✓ $1,000/mo
True cost
Sticker $23,995Drive-away $27,6896 yrs $72,000Fuel use 34 MPGHeated seats — NoSunroof — No
Sport1.5L Turbo
$1,027/mo
True cost
Sticker $25,395Drive-away $29,2156 yrs $73,922Fuel use 33 MPGHeated seats ✓ YesSunroof — No
SE1.5L Turbo
$1,051/mo
True cost
Sticker $26,995Drive-away $30,9596 yrs $75,644Fuel use 33 MPGHeated seats ✓ YesSunroof ✓ Yes
SEL1.5L Turbo
$1,095/mo
True cost
Sticker $29,995Drive-away $34,2286 yrs $78,873Fuel use 33 MPGHeated seats ✓ YesSunroof ✓ Yes

Features, trim by trim

Cheapest on the left. Each bar starts at the trim that adds it.
Feature
S 1.5L Turbo$23,995
Sport 1.5L Turbo$25,395
SE 1.5L Turbo$26,995
SEL 1.5L Turbo$29,995
Safety and driver assist
Automatic braking
✓ Every trim
Blind-spot monitor
✓ Every trim
Adaptive cruise
✓ Every trim
Lane centering
✓ Every trim
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ from Sport 1.5L Turbo
Cooled seats
✓ from SEL 1.5L Turbo
Heated steering wheel
✓ from SEL 1.5L Turbo
Heated rear seats
✓ from SEL 1.5L Turbo
Dual-zone climate
✓ Every trim
Convenience
Push-button start
✓ Every trim
Remote start
✓ from SE 1.5L Turbo
Wireless phone charging
✓ from SE 1.5L Turbo
Power driver's seat
✓ from SE 1.5L Turbo
Memory seat
✓ from SEL 1.5L Turbo
Tech and audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✓ Every trim
Built-in navigation
✓ from SEL 1.5L Turbo
Capability and looks
Sunroof
✓ from SE 1.5L Turbo
Panoramic roof
✓ from SE 1.5L Turbo
LED headlights
✓ Every trim
Not listed on any trimRear cross-traffic alertHands-free driving360° cameraParking sensorsMassaging seatsPower liftgateWireless CarPlayPremium sound systemHead-up displayLarge touchscreen (12 in+)AWD or 4WDTow hitch included
Full standard equipment on the S S 1.5L Turbo (41 items)
  • Advanced Airbag Protection System w/ 6 airbags
  • Heated, foldable, power adjustable side mirrors
  • App-Connect smartphone integration (for compatible devices) via wireless & USB
  • Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)
  • Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, and Engine Brake Assist
  • Anti-theft alarm system w/ engine immobilizer
  • 2xUSB Type-C 45 Watt (data+charging) socket front (external)
  • Pedestrian Monitoring (included in Front Assist)
  • Automatic headlights with Coming/Leaving Home feature
  • Electronic parking brake
  • 1.5L TSI 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat
  • Climatronic Touch dual-zone automatic climate control
  • LED headlights with LED DRLs
  • Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
  • Rear View Camera System
  • LED license plate lighting
  • Electric Power Steering
  • Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel
  • 6 speakers
  • Volkswagen Digital Cockpit: 8" non-configurable digital instrument display
  • Connected vehicle services from myVW+
  • 16" alloy wheels w/ all-season tires
  • Composition Media touchscreen sound system with 8" color display, AM/FM/HD radio, and voice control
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Front safety belts, height-adjustable, with pretensioners and load limiters
  • Side Curtain Protection head airbags, front and rear
  • LED taillights
  • Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, and Hydraulic Brake Assist
  • Cloth seating surfaces
  • Manually adjustable driver seat
  • Engine Start-Stop System
  • Blind Spot Monitor w/ RTA
  • Travel Assist, Lane Assist, & Emergency Assist
  • Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • SiriusXM (3-month trial subscription; requires acceptance of Terms)
  • Bluetooth technology with audio streaming for compatible devices
  • Lower Anchors & Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)

Recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for 2025 to 2027 Jetta models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.

Quick answers
How much is a 2027 Jetta in California?
$27,689 to drive away for the S, from a $23,995 sticker.
What does it cost a month?
A $387 loan payment, about $1,013 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $1,000 a month all in, after resale.
How much can it tow?
The brand doesn't publish a towing capacity.

Colors

Pure WhitePlatinum Gray MetallicDeep Black PearlPyrite Silver MetallicMonterey Blue PearlMonument Gray+$495Kings Red Metallic+$495Opal White+$495

Similar cars

US prices in US dollars from Volkswagen's US website, read 2026-11-09; destination as the brand lists it. Taxes, registration and the dealer doc fee follow your state. Insurance and maintenance are estimates. How we count.