2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic in Lake Charles, LA
Finding the right compact sedan can make a big difference for your daily drive. In this comparison of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic, you'll see how these two popular models stack up in performance, comfort, and technology. Whether you're in Lake Charles, Alexandria, Lafayette, or Beaumont, this guide can help you explore the features and options that set the Jetta apart.
Common Questions About the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic Near Alexandria
Which sedan costs less, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta or the Honda Civic?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta has a lower starting MSRP at $23,995, while the 2026 Honda Civic starts at $24,895. That means the Jetta gives you a price advantage right from the start.
How many trims are available for each model?
Both the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2026 Honda Civic offer four trims. That means you have plenty of options with either sedan to find the features and style that fit your needs.
Which sedan comes with a larger standard infotainment screen?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment display, while the 2026 Honda Civic's base model includes a 7-inch touchscreen. That gives the Jetta a slightly bigger screen for easier viewing and control.
Which sedan can seat more passengers?
Both the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta and 2026 Honda Civic can seat five passengers comfortably. This means either sedan is suitable for small families or group trips.
Available Trims: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic Near Lafayette
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic each offer multiple trims, giving Louisiana drivers a range of features, technology, and style to choose from. From the base models to the top trims, there's something to suit everyone. Take a look at the trims below:
2026 Volkswagen Jetta Trims
S:
MSRP starting at $23,995
150-hp turbocharged engine
16" machined alloy wheels
Sport:
MSRP starting at $25,305
Integrated light bar in front grille
17" machined alloy wheels
SE:
MSRP starting at $26,985
Remote engine start
Wireless charging (for compatible devices)
SEL:
MSRP starting at $29,995
18" machined alloy wheels
Ventilated front seats with driver position memory
2026 Honda Civic Trims
LX:
MSRP starting at $24,695
150-hp, 2.0L Engine
Collision Mitigation Braking System™
Sport:
MSRP starting at $26,695
18-inch Gloss-Black Alloy Wheels
Paddle Shifter
Sport Hybrid:
MSRP starting at $29,395
200-hp Hybrid Powertrain
One-Touch Power Moonroof
Sport Touring Hybrid:
MSRP starting at $32,395
Google built-in
Leather-Trimmed Seats
Design: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic Near Beaumont
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta focuses on a modern, comfortable design with features that make everyday driving feel more upscale. Available highlights include LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, 10-color interior ambient lighting, Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The Jetta also offers heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilting sliding panoramic sunroof, and App-Connect® smartphone integration.
The 2026 Honda Civic keeps things simple and practical with LED headlights, heated front seats, and a body-stabilizing driver seat designed for comfort on longer drives. Apple CarPlay® compatibility comes standard, making it easy to stay connected. While the Civic covers the basics well, the Jetta stands out with more premium design touches and comfort-focused features.
Performance: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic in Lake Charles
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta delivers a more energetic driving experience thanks to its turbocharged 1.5L TSI® 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and Sport Mode, giving drivers smooth shifting with the option for a more responsive feel.
The 2026 Honda Civic comes with an Atkinson inline four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. It's built for reliable, efficient everyday driving, making it a solid choice for commuters, though it doesn't offer the same level of power as the Jetta.
Safety: 2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic Near Beaumont
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is designed with safety in mind, combining a strong Safety Cell structure with helpful driver-assistance technology. In addition to features like Light Assist and a Rear View Camera System, the Jetta comes equipped with Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE®, a suite of advanced safety features that help add confidence to everyday driving.
Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE® features include:
Travel Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Active Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Traffic Alert
Front Assist
Emergency Assist (automatic transmission only)
Lane Assist
The 2026 Honda Civic also comes standard with a range of safety technology through Honda Sensing®, which focuses on driver awareness and collision prevention.
Honda Sensing® standard features include:
Collision Mitigation Braking System™
Road Departure Mitigation System
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
Lane Keeping Assist System with Traffic Jam Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition
Both sedans provide dependable safety coverage for daily driving, but the Jetta delivers a more well-rounded approach that helps Lake Charles drivers feel supported in a wider range of situations.
Get Behind the Wheel of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta at Bolton Volkswagen!
Ready to see the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta in person? Visit Bolton Volkswagen at 3850 Gerstner Memorial Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70607, or call (337) 243-3034 to schedule a test drive. Our team is happy to help Lake Charles, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Beaumont drivers explore everything the Jetta has to offer.
Whether you're shopping our new Volkswagen inventory or browsing pre-owned vehicles, we make it easy to find the right fit. You can get started online with pre-approval, explore current Volkswagen offers, or get a quick estimate on your trade-in before you visit.
We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.
-
Bolton Volkswagen
3850 Gerstner Memorial Dr
Lake Charles, LA 70607
- Sales: 337-243-3034
Loading Map...
DISCLAIMERS:
Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2026 Jetta S 1.5L TS® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Model shown is a 2026 Jetta SEL 15L TS® with 8-speed automatic transmission with a starting MSR of $29,995. Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,195 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
29 city/40 highway mpg (2026 Jetta 1.5, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
32 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg rating for LX. 31 city/39 highway/34 combined mpg rating for Sport. 50 city/47 highway/49 combined mpg rating for Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.
Depending on use, Apple CarPlay can share certain user and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions) with the connected iPhone. See Apple's privacy policy for details regarding Apple's use and handling of data uploaded by CarPlay. Use of CarPlay is at user's own risk, and is subject to agreement to the CarPlay terms of use, which are included as part of the Apple iOS terms of use. CarPlay vehicle compatibility is provided "as is", and Honda cannot guarantee CarPlay operability or functionality now or in the future due to, among other conditions, changes in CarPlay software/Apple iOS, service interruptions, or incompatibility or obsolescence of vehicle-integrated hardware or software. See dealer for details. Only use CarPlay
when conditions allow you to do so safely. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
150 hp @ 6,500 rpm (SAE net) for LX and Sport; 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm (SAE net) for Sport FHEV and Sport Touring FHEV.
133 lb.-ft. @ 4,000-5,000 rpm (SAE net) for LX and Sport; 134 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm (SAE net) for Sport FHEV and Sport Touring FHEV.
Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner's Manual for further details and important limitations.
Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position or to slow the vehicle's departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
LKAS with TJA only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. The system may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
TSR cannot detect all traffic signs, may misidentify certain signs and does not include any braking or speed control functions. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.