Shopping for the right new Volkswagen Jetta for sale is an exciting process that should always involve a test drive. Here at Hiley Volkswagen Arlington, our team wants every driver to feel confident when they’re behind the wheel on the test drive. Here is a guide that goes over what you should look for when you’re test-driving a new Volkswagen Jetta.

Evaluate the Engine Performance

One of the highlights of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is the responsive 1.5-liter turbocharged TSI engine. When you first pull onto a faster road, pay close attention to how the engine responds and accelerates. It cranks out an impressive 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and we recommend testing that power out by merging onto the highway.

You should also pay attention to how smoothly the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts through gears to maintain a quiet and calm cabin environment. Testing the vehicle in various traffic conditions and road types allows you to get a feel of what it would be like to drive it as your everyday commuter.

Test the Infotainment and Safety Features

Another standout suite of features in the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. We recommend interacting with it to see how clearly it displays your driving data and navigation prompts.

We also recommend that you take a moment to understand how the IQ.DRIVE safety suite works. This includes helpful tools like Active Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Assist, which provide alerts that improve your awareness and safety on every journey.

Test Drive a New Volkswagen Jetta for Sale in Arlington, TX

Our friendly team at Hiley Volkswagen of Arlington wants you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to buy a Volkswagen Jetta. If you have any questions during or after the test drive, don’t hesitate to ask. Visit us today to get behind the wheel!