Jetta VS8 2026 Review: Price & Specs

In the midsize SUV market, the Jetta VS8 2026 offers a surprising choice with its German heritage and affordable price. Built on the Volkswagen MQB EVO platform, this model has a starting price of just ¥95,900 (approximately $13,228 USD) and a top-tier version priced at ¥109,900 (approximately $15,159 USD), yet it delivers space and safety performance that exceed expectations.

This article provides an in-depth review of this highly anticipated SUV to determine whether it truly offers great value for money.

1. Exterior Design: A Blend of Modernity and Practicality

The Jetta VS8 2026 adopts a new “Overlord Armor” design philosophy, combining classic family elements with innovative styling. The front features a borderless grille with armor-like accents, while the most striking elements are the full-width light strips at the front and rear and the illuminated logo. These design details create a distinctive visual identity.

From the side, the vehicle boasts a gently sloping roofline and rising window lines, complemented by a floating roof and chrome trim. Practical touches include plastic cladding on the wheel arches and side skirts, which are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The overall design is sporty yet subtly luxurious, aligning with current consumer preferences.

2. Interior and Comfort: Exceeding Expectations

Stepping inside, the Jetta VS8’s interior will surprise you. The dashboard and door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, and the leather surfaces provide a comfortable feel without any cheapness. The black-and-white color scheme, combined with ambient lighting, creates a refined cabin atmosphere.

In terms of technology, it features a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen. The AI-powered voice assistant allows voice control of windows, air conditioning, ambient lighting, and more. The infotainment system responds quickly, supports continuous voice commands, and even video playback.

3. Space: True Midsize SUV Standards

The Jetta VS8’s spaciousness is one of its biggest highlights. With dimensions of 4629/1851/1624 mm and a wheelbase of 2731 mm, the cabin offers ample room for passengers.

In practice, even a passenger who is 180 cm tall can enjoy more than two fist-widths of legroom in the rear seats. The trunk provides 654 liters of space, easily accommodating two 28-inch suitcases.

Moreover, the rear seats can be folded flat, transforming into a “large bed” perfect for road trips or carrying bulky items. However, it’s worth noting that the rear center tunnel has a significant hump, which may affect comfort for the middle passenger when the vehicle is fully occupied.

4. Performance: Adequate and Efficient

The Jetta VS8 is powered by a Volkswagen EA211 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 N·m of torque, paired with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is mature and reliable, performing satisfactorily in real-world driving.

Acceleration from a standstill is brisk, with quick response from 0–30 km/h, making city driving effortless. While acceleration beyond 70 km/h is somewhat weaker, it is more than sufficient for daily use. The transmission is smoothly tuned, with minimal jerkiness during hard acceleration.

The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, effectively filtering out vibrations while retaining adequate road feedback. Most impressive is its handling stability—it achieved a moose test score of 77 km/h, outperforming many sedans.

5. Safety: German Sturdy Protection

Safety is a major highlight of the Jetta VS8. The vehicle successfully passed the rigorous TOP Safety cross-impact collision test, which simulates an extreme scenario of being rear-ended and T-boned simultaneously at an intersection.

The body structure uses 80% high-strength steel, with 26% hot-formed steel applied to key areas such as the A-pillars, B-pillars, and central tunnel. It is equipped with nine airbags, including a front center airbag, providing comprehensive protection.

For active safety, it features an L2-level advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), including full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and over 20 other functions. The capacitive steering wheel continuously monitors driver status and can take immediate action in emergencies.

6. Fuel Economy: Low Daily Operating Costs

The Jetta VS8 has a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 6.95 L/100 km. In real-world driving, city fuel economy is around 8.5 L/100 km, while on highways it can drop as low as 6 L/100 km. For a midsize SUV, these figures are quite economical.

Assuming an annual driving distance of 15,000 km and a fuel price of ¥7 per liter ($0.97 USD), the annual fuel cost would be approximately ¥7,342.5 ($1,013 USD). While slightly higher than hybrid models, this is competitive among fuel-powered SUVs in its class.

7. Price and Value: Unbelievable Value for Money

The Jetta VS8’s pricing strategy is highly aggressive. The actual starting price is just ¥95,900 ($13,228 USD), and the top-tier model is only ¥109,900 ($15,159 USD). Some dealers currently offer discounts of around ¥25,000 ($3,448 USD), further enhancing its value proposition.

At this price point, you get German engineering and craftsmanship, spacious interiors, rich features, and excellent safety performance. Compared to competitors in the same price range, the Jetta VS8 offers rare comprehensiveness.

Conclusion: A Practical Choice for Families

The Jetta VS8 2026 is not a vehicle for those seeking driving excitement or flashy appearances, but it is indeed a practical, economical, and functional family SUV. It strikes a excellent balance between exterior design, interior space, safety performance, and everyday usability.

If you need a spacious, safe, reliable, and budget-friendly family car, the Jetta VS8 is definitely worth considering. Of course, we recommend test-driving it yourself to experience the true capabilities of this German SUV.

Friendly reminder: Vehicle prices and offers may vary by region and dealer. Please consult your local dealer for the latest pricing information before purchasing.

*Note: All prices mentioned are based on the Chinese market and converted at an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 7.25 CNY.*