2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

MSRP: $32,715

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Overview

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI compact sports sedan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and it’s one of the few new cars you can still order with a 6-speed stick shift, although a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch auto is available. Both transmissions drive the front wheels via an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

Often called a Golf GTI with a trunk, the Jetta GLI offers similar performance, hitting 60 mph in just over six seconds, but it pairs the GTI powertrain with a roomier sedan body. As such, it’s suited to enthusiasts looking for an engaging but affordable sports sedan that’s practical enough to double as daily transport.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Jetta GLI comes in for another refresh after six years on the market. The front and rear bumpers are new, the LED headlights are redesigned, and the upper grille is much slimmer, while the LED taillights are now connected with a light bar.

Cabin changes include an updated dashboard with a floating 8-inch touchscreen, while the Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster still measures 10.25 inches. The interior materials and decor are updated as well.

Exterior

The Jetta GLI gets its own unique front and rear bumpers, machined 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a full-width rear light bar. An optional Black package blacks out the exterior trim, mirrors, and roof, and renders the wheels in gloss black. The overall effect is understated and tasteful, but a red accent strip along the lower front bumper links the GLI to its Golf GTI stablemate, though it’s not as flashy as the Elantra N and WRX.

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Interior

The cabin gains a floating 8-inch center touchscreen, but it still measures only eight inches. There’s a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster as well, and system features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and Wi-Fi. GLIs built before January 1, 2025, still had a 9-speaker 400-watt BeatsAudio system with a subwoofer, but were downgraded to a standard 6-speaker setup after that.

You also get an 8-way power driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, Vienna leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The IQ.Drive driver assists include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The trunk measures 14.1 cu-ft and there’s a decent 37.4 inches of rear legroom.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s price is $32,715, regardless of whether you opt for the manual or automatic, and there’s only one Autobahn trim level. The Black package adds $650.

Key Specs

Powertrain

Fuel Economy

Fuel type: Premium Gasoline

Top speed: 126 mph (limited)

Trunk: 14.1 cu-ft

Seating: 5

Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 6-speed manual transmission still available at no extra cost, paired with the responsive 228-hp turbo-four and limited-slip differential for genuine driver engagement
• Sole Autobahn trim comes fully loaded with heated/ventilated seats, leather, panoramic sunroof, and Digital Cockpit Pro, eliminating the need to option-build
• Multi-link rear suspension, 13.4-inch front brakes from the Golf R, and DCC adaptive dampers provide chassis hardware that punches well above the $32,715 price point

Cons:

• FWD limits traction off the line compared to the AWD Subaru WRX, and 228 hp is outgunned by the 276-hp Hyundai Elantra N in outright acceleration
• The 8-inch infotainment screen is smaller than what competitors offer, and some interior materials including hard plastics on the lower dash remind you of the GLI’s budget roots
• The understated exterior design may be too subtle for buyers who want their sport sedan to visually announce its performance intentions

Verdict

The Jetta GLI is one of the last affordable compact sports sedans that you can still buy with a stick shift, and that alone makes it worth celebrating. With adaptive dampers, an LS diff, Golf R brakes, and a fizzy 2.0-liter turbo-four shared with the Golf GTI, the GLI offers a driving experience that feels worth more than its sub-$33K asking price.

There’s just a single, well-equipped Autobahn trim, already fitted with leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, so the GLI leaves the factory generously equipped for the price, and even if it’s not the fastest or flashiest in this segment, it’s still a rewarding choice.

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Competitors

• Subaru WRX
• Hyundai Elantra N
• Honda Civic Si

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.