Anthony FongaroLook at Volkswagen’s lineup, and you’ll see a distinct lack of sedans. They only have one in two different flavors: the Jetta GLI and the Jetta SEL. Thanks to a combination of electrification, SUV dominance, and competition, Volkswagen got rid of the Passat a few years ago and now has the Jetta fighting in the compact sedan class. Since competitors such as the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N exist, Volkswagen still retains the fabled Jetta GLI trim. This model has upgraded suspension, an uprated engine, subtle styling cues, and a new dashboard. The lineup for the GLI has been simplified to one trim level, being the top-trim $34,000 Autobahn. Interestingly, the Jetta GLI is the only Volkswagen product still available with a manual transmission. Standard features include heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, a Beats audio system, and wireless phone connectivity. Although there are a few carryover weaknesses, the Jetta GLI retains its fun-to-drive ethos.
Jetta GLI: New Sporty Looks
For 2025, the GLI looks even more angular with more slanted LED headlights along with a thin GLI-specific front grille and integrated light bar. There’s a splash of red trim at the front connecting the lower grille. This GLI was painted in Monterey Blue Pearl with a Deep Black Pearl roof. Combine this with the single available option, the $650 GLI Black Package, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels and black side mirror caps, and the GLI looks quite bold. The rear features large LED headlights joined by a lightbar with GLI in the center. Chromed tipped dual exhaust adds to the GLI’s sporty character. Volkswagen knows how to make a slightly understated sedan, but the blue paint makes the GLI’s exterior pop.
Cheap Plastic Takes Away From a Great Looking Interior
Head inside the Jetta GLI, and the interior reveals a mixed bag. Red piping on the seats and accents throughout the cabin give a pop of color to the black seats. Unfortunately, the vast amount of cheap-feeling plastics makes the cabin feel low-quality in various areas. In front of the driver is a GLI-specific steering wheel with paddle shifters and capacitive buttons for the instrument cluster, media, and safety systems. They work alright, but don’t function as well as physical buttons. There is a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster with plenty of functionality and an 8.0-inch infotainment system. This system works much better than the new Jetta GTI and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Volkswagen removed the physical buttons and dials for the climate control and replaced them with capacitive buttons. Again, they’re alright to use, but aren’t as easy to control as traditional buttons. The seats are both heated and ventilated, but don’t offer as much support as the seats in the Jetta GTI. There are two USB-C ports along with a wireless charger. Rear seats also have the same issue as the front seats: plenty of leg space, but the seats need a bit more padding. Two features I enjoyed included the Beats audio system with integrated subwoofer in the trunk and a large sunroof. All of these features come standard with the GLI.
Performance & Handling
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With a no-cost seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the GLI accelerates from 0-60 MPH in around six seconds. Driving the Jetta GLI is an absolute joy thanks to the quick-shifting transmission, enthusiastic transmission, limited-slip differential, and adaptive chassis control. The GLI has DCC and a Drive Mode selector for the last two. The modes include eco, normal, comfort, sport, and individual. Put the GLI into sport or modify the individual to include sport settings, and the GLI comes alive. My preferred mode was comfort since the engine makes plenty of power, but keeps the GLI more neutral.
Although this sporty sedan has excellent athleticism, I achieved over 35 MPG on the highway and around 32 MPG in mixed travel. The GLI includes Volkswagen’s IQ. Drive includes emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. Pricing for the GLI is $32,715. With the only option being the $650 GLI Black Package and $1,225 Destination Charge, this GLI came to $34,590. Competitors may have more power or better materials, but the GLI is still an excellent commuter car.
