The Volkswagen Jetta GLI stands out as a vehicle created and manufactured for the select few who seek more excellent performance and excitement while driving, even if the Volkswagen Jetta has always been a small sedan for the majority. The GLI has a more potent engine (228 horsepower) than the rest of the Jetta family (158 horsepower), stronger brakes, a better power steering system, and a limited-slip differential for enhanced grip. Its suspension has also been improved.
For the 2019 model year, the Jetta had a total makeover, and for the 2022 model year, it underwent a substantial mid-cycle revamp. Besides what Volkswagen labels as “minor cosmetic changes,” which are hardly noticeable, not much has changed for the 2023 model year.
The Honda Civic Type R and its less expensive brother, the Civic Si, the Hyundai Elantra N, and the Subaru WRX are the closest rivals of the GLI, and all have more potent engines. The Type R, which has a lively 315-horsepower turbocharged engine, wins in terms of performance. It is also the most costly, with a price north of $44,390, including the destination charge. The Elantra N costs closer than the GLI at $33,999 and has a 276-horsepower engine. The only car in this group with all-wheel drive as standard equipment is the WRX, which boasts a 271-horsepower engine with a starting price of $30,600.
The GLI costs $32,680 when purchased fully equipped (including a $1,095 destination charge). The GLI stands out as the most fun alternative compared to the rest of the Jetta family, even though the competitors could have more power. It has sufficient horsepower and torque for enthusiastic off- and on-freeway driving. The Golf GTI hatchback is another unusual contender for the GLI. Their esprit de corps is palpable despite their apparent variations in physical type.
The GLI excels in fuel economy. Despite the enjoyable driving experience, the GLI has superior fuel efficiency ratings than its nearest rivals—for example, 30 mpg combined. Inside, there is little traffic or wind noise, so that travelers can relax. The inside is attractive to the eye, and the seats are highly supportive and pleasant. Everything seems sturdy and well-engineered, as is typical of most German automobiles. With a gratifying thump, even the doors shut.
With a comprehensive list of safety features, an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a “Good” rating in the majority of crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the GLI is equipped with plenty of protection. The giant infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster are simple to use and have sharp, contemporary graphics. The GLI will appeal to buyers seeking exciting performance, a luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology, and a subtle design.
Performance: Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta family’s athlete is the GLI. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the GLI produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while other Jetta models manage with a 1.5-liter 158-horsepower engine. While the GLI may not accelerate as rapidly from a stop as some of its rivals, it still delivers a good balance of speed, power, and handling. There is enough energy and pep for sporty driving.
The GLI distinguishes itself from the rest of the Jetta family. It has a more powerful engine because of its enhanced suspension with active dampers, larger brakes, sophisticated power steering system, and a limited-slip differential.
Despite having only one engine, the GLI has two different gearbox choices. A seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox is an additional $800 option, while a six-speed manual transmission is included as standard equipment. Unfortunately, the front-wheel-drive GLI cannot be purchased with the all-wheel drive since it would be good to distribute the power and torque to all four wheels for better traction.
Fuel efficiency: Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Despite having impressive power and torque figures, the GLI doesn’t use much fuel. Compared to rivals like the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Subaru WRX, it delivers much higher fuel efficiency ratings.
According to the EPA, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the GLI gets 30 mpg combined, 26 mpg in the city, and 36 mpg on the interstate. (Automobiles with manual transmissions have a highway fuel economy of 37 mpg.)
While the Civic Type R gets 24, 22, and 28 in the same parameters, the Elantra N gets 24 mpg combined, 21 cities, and 30.5 highway.) The WRX falls short with 21.5 mpg combined, 19 cities, and 25.5 highway.
Safety and driver support technology:
The GLI loses points despite having a comprehensive list of cutting-edge safety features as standard equipment since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not give it a “Top Safety Pick” rating. Instead, it receives a “Good” rating in all of the IIHS’s crash tests, except the revised side impact test, where it receives an “Acceptable” rating. It gets a total rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
To provide semi-automated driving, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and many other features, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE system, which is standard on the GLI, uses front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors.
Comfort and Space
The GLI has enough space for four people but not for five. On extended road journeys, the solid but comfy seats are a treat. However, an adult cannot utilize the middle seat in the second row for a long time because it is too stiff.
All four seats provide support and side bolsters that hold people in place during tight bends, so front-seat and rear-outboard passengers won’t have any problem finding a comfortable position.
Only black perforated leather seating surfaces with a red underlay are offered for the GLI. Other colors are not available. A memory function for the driver’s seat and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat are standard. There are heated and ventilated front seats.
Compared to competitors like the Civic Type R (42.3 inches), Hyundai Elantra N (42.3 inches), and Subaru WRX (43.1 inches), the GLI has reduced front legroom (41.1 inches). The Civic Type R and GLI have 37.4 inches of back legroom, while the WRX comes last with 36.5 inches. The Elantra N has the most considerable rear legroom (38.0 inches), followed by those two vehicles.
Infotainment:Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The computerized cockpit on the GLI is lovely. An 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless charging, two USB-C ports in the center stack, and one charge-only connector in the storage compartment are all included in the infotainment system. Unlike many cars in Volkswagen’s portfolio that use touch controls for critical infotainment tasks, the GLI still has some hard, albeit small, knobs to give it a more familiar feel. A digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch fully adjustable display and three perspectives, including full-screen navigation, is included as standard equipment.
Wireless Although they come as standard equipment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sometimes have issues. The improved BeatsAudio audio system has nine speakers, a subwoofer, and a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier as standard equipment.
Manual heating, cooling, and ventilation controls are underneath the 8.0-inch touchscreen display. This eliminates waiting for the touchscreen to start up before adjusting the temperature or configuring the seat heating and ventilation.
The steering-wheel-mounted controls are sleek and use haptic feedback instead of physical buttons (much like a smartphone).
Storage & Cargo Space: Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The GLI’s cargo capacity isn’t excellent. Due to its hatchback design, the Civic Type R stands out as having the most excellent trunk space (24.5 cubic feet); the Elantra N comes in second with (14.2; the GLI follows closely with (14.1); and the WRX (12.5) takes third place.
More miniature goods would undoubtedly find a place within the passenger cabin, but the GLI would benefit from more storage space for the many things we often bring on trips. For instance, the center console might be more prominent, and having a room just for sunglasses would be fantastic.
Design:Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The GLI resembles the Jetta family, except for minor aesthetic changes, such as a front end with a honeycomb design and a red accent strip, GLI badging, and distinctive 18-inch wheels. That may be advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on your level of satisfaction with a subtle design that doesn’t shout “high performance.”
The black perforated leather seating surfaces, red contrast stitching, gloss black trim, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and other aesthetic features make the interior a visual treat.
The doors shut with a firm thud, the fit and finish are immaculate, and all the knobs and buttons provide pleasant input. Volkswagen gives the GLI five exterior color options, but only one inside color option is black.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Is It Worth It?
The GLI costs $32,680 (with a $1,095 transportation charge) in a single fully equipped trim, which makes it a fantastic bargain. There is a six-speed manual gearbox included. The price of the GLI with the optional seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, including destination charges, is $33,480.
There are no other choices outside aesthetic upgrades like the “Black Package,” which, for an additional $595, adds black alloy wheels, a black painted roof, black side mirror caps, and a body-colored rear spoiler.
The GLI will appeal to customers searching for improved performance in subtle packaging. The Civic Type R, which has a more extroverted appearance (with a large rear spoiler and colorful interior colors), a lively 315-horsepower engine, and a price tag that begins north of $43,000, may be of interest to those seeking a little more sizzle and excitement.
How Much Does the Volkswagen Jetta GLI Cost to Insure?
GLI insurance premiums are on the expensive side. Our findings show that a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate paying an average bonus of $2,537 annually. The Honda Civic Type R is the most costly to insure, costing $3,200, followed by the Hyundai Elantra N, $2,379, and the Subaru WRX, $2,338.
Verdict
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in a single fully equipped “Autobahn” grade and combines technology, performance, comfort, and safety into a sleek, enjoyable-to-drive vehicle. The GLI’s turbocharged 228-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine provides quick acceleration while providing remarkable fuel economy figures, proving that performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of efficiency. The GLI small sedan is ideal for drivers who want a side-order of driving fun with their pragmatism thanks to its extensive list of sophisticated safety features and truly contemporary interior, which includes a fully digital instrument cluster and a sizable multimedia touchscreen.
