The 2.5L 5-cylinder (170hp) in the SE is not tubocharged but it pulls very tall gearing.
Frankly I'm surprised the fleet buyers didn't go with the base trim (S) and its 2.0L 4-cylinder (115hp). I hope it's a sign that better equipment level are coming. When I see another Malibu LS I'll know the Jetta SE was an error.