There's still a lot to like about the Jetta GLI. It's comfortable and spacious and includes plenty of standard creature comforts, in-car tech and driver aids. But if you're hoping the GLI would simply be a Golf GTI with a trunk rather than a hatch, you'll likely be disappointed. While it's still sporty and quick, it's not quite as nimble, capable or, frankly, as entertaining to drive as other compact performance cars.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Roomy and quiet interior
Comfortable seats and ride
Plenty of interior storage and a big trunk
High fuel economy
Cons
Low-quality cabin materials
Less entertaining to drive than some competitors
Doesn't look or feel very special
What's new
New 40th Anniversary Edition trim
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the more powerful and sportier version of the Jetta sedan. In a way, you can think of it as the Jetta version of the Golf GTI. It comes with a 228-horsepower engine (compared to the regular Jetta's 158 hp), a revised suspension for sportier handling, and a few other performance and cosmetic revisions. This year, a new entry-level 40th Anniversary Edition trim debuts, giving shoppers a less expensive alternative to the returning Autobahn trim level.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
One of the Jetta GLI's greatest attributes is comfort. There's ample room in any of the well-cushioned seats, and the smooth-riding suspension and quiet cabin help reduce fatigue on long drives. This current model is more lively to drive than the standard Jetta, but this GLI isn't nearly as sporty or entertaining as rival sport sedans. The interior is also rather disappointing with its liberal use of hard plastics and other downmarket materials. In the end, it just doesn't feel as special as many of its rivals, as pointed out in our Expert Rating below.
Competitors to consider
As the performance upgrade to the Jetta, the GLI competes against other midrange variants among compact sedans. These include the Honda Civic Si, Kia Forte GT and Mazda 3 Turbo. The Honda Civic leads the class and remains an Edmunds Top Rated pick for its overall excellence. The Kia Forte GT isn't as powerful or sporty as the GLI, but it will save you several thousands with few other sacrifices. The Mazda 3 is a stout performer and looks great, but it's the priciest choice in the bunch.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
There's still a lot to like about the Jetta GLI. It's comfortable and spacious and includes plenty of standard creature comforts, in-car tech and driver aids. But if you're hoping the GLI would simply be a Golf GTI with a trunk rather than a hatch, you'll likely be disappointed. While it's still sporty and quick, it's not quite as nimble, capable or, frankly, as entertaining to drive as other compact performance cars.
How does the Jetta GLI drive? The GLI is heavier and less powerful than VW's GTI, as well as sedans like the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX and Honda Civic Si. The GLI's 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds sits near the bottom of the class, too, and that's with the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic. Manual-equipped models will be even slower. The transmission can be lazy to downshift to pass on the street or highway. We used the shift paddles more than usual. Braking is not up to the standards set by some of the class leaders. The brake pedal required more effort than we would like and the brakes faded more quickly compared to the systems on other sport sedans.
One of the main causes for poor braking figures is the standard all-season tires. These tires hurt handling and steering too. Neither is bad. The steering is quick and weighted well, but it lacks feedback. The standard adaptive dampers do an effective job of controlling body roll, but the tires give up before the chassis reaches its limit. They simply don't have the grip of summer tires, even with the standard electronic limited-slip differential managing traction.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Jetta GLI? The GLI is one of the more refined sport compacts on the market. Its adaptive dampers do a lot of the work here. There's a distinct difference between the Sport and Comfort suspension, though even the stiffest setting won't break your back. The well-padded seats help too. There's not a lot of adjustment, but they provide plenty of lateral support. They have a sporty shape that doesn't feel too confining. The GLI is quiet on the road, with only a mild amount of wind noise on the highway. The exhaust has a bit of a growl, but it doesn't roar as loudly as other compacts.
The climate control system is fairly straightforward, with dedicated buttons and knobs for temperature, fan adjustment and more. The controls are mounted a bit low on the center stack, but they're still easy to reach. The standard heated and cooled seats work well, and the automatic climate control operates quickly and evenly without being overly loud. Unfortunately, the GLI doesn't have vents for rear occupants, a bit of an oversight in a modern sedan.
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How’s the interior? Despite the label, you really shouldn't think of the GLI as a compact car. There's room inside for adults to be satisfied in both rows. The rear offers sufficient headroom and legroom, at least in the outboard positions; the center seat is best for smaller occupants only. The seats themselves are comfortable too. The front is well padded and supportive, with sporty thigh and back bolstering that holds you in place without feeling too confining. The rear isn't quite as soft, but it's angled well and has some moderate bolstering. The driving position feels comfortable but sporty, with the seat and steering wheel offering an adequate degree of adjustment.
The driving position affords functional outward visibility. The mirrors are large, and the upright windows help reduce blind spots. The GLI uses Volkswagen's older infotainment system. It's fairly straightforward and easy to navigate, with clear labels and intuitive menus.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Jetta GLI uses an older version of Volkswagen's infotainment and navigation system, but there's still a lot to like. The map is smaller and lower-resolution than on some rival systems, but it gets the job done. And if you don't like the built-in navigation, the GLI comes standard with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something not all rivals can claim. There's a wireless charging pad and three USB-C ports in the car, but none are located conveniently for rear passengers. We occasionally had some audio issues with CarPlay, though the issue was intermittent. All GLIs come with a Beats audio system, and we think it's one of the better ones you can get in a compact car these days.
The GLI also comes standard with a number of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. What's here works well (though the capacitive-touch steering wheel controls aren't as good as real buttons), and it's nice to have both a manual transmission and adaptive cruise control.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? While it's not quite as cleverly designed as the Honda Civic, the Jetta GLI offers cargo space and interior storage that's on par with most sedans in this class. Its 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space is only slightly less than the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N offer. The trunk is relatively wide and deep, though we wish the trunk arms didn't impede so much into the cargo area. If you need more space, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split. In the cabin, you'll find functional door pockets that are large enough to hold more than just a water bottle. The wireless charging pad is located in front of the shifter and can be used for sunglasses or other small items.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The GLI has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 30 mpg combined with either the manual or automatic transmission. That's as good as or better than nearly every rival. Even better, we saw an impressive 33.4 mpg with the automatic on our real-world evaluation route, so we feel confident the GLI will hit its numbers.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Jetta GLI a good value? The Jetta GLI's starting price is comparable to most of its rivals and in general we think you get a lot for your money. It's not the most powerful model at this price, but it's one of the best equipped. Volkswagen includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty for the GLI. That's about average for this class. The automaker also includes three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance and two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The GLI has a handful of design changes that help set it apart from the standard Volkswagen Jetta. The front and rear bumpers feature a sportier design with larger intakes. There are red accents across both the inside and outside of the car, a theme shared with the Volkswagen GTI. The wheels are larger, and the side panels have some extra bodywork that helps it look even closer to the ground. The problem is that it still doesn't look all that different from the base Jetta. That's cool if you want a sleeper, but it doesn't feel all that special.
The somewhat reserved personality would be easier to swallow if the GLI was a bit more fun to drive. It's quick and handles well, but so does everything in this class. It's simply not as quick and doesn't handle quite as well as its rivals. Better tires will help, but it won't be enough to drastically change the fun factor.
Which Jetta GLI does Edmunds recommend?
Since performance has such a prominent role in the Jetta GLI's personality, we suggest passing on the new 40th Anniversary Edition and stepping up to the Autobahn trim. Its limited-slip differential and variable-ratio steering improve traction and responsiveness, and you also get several interior and safety upgrades for a reasonable price.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI models
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in two trim levels: the new 40th Anniversary Edition and the Autobahn. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) revs from beneath the hood, and you can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (called direct-shift gearbox, or DSG). The Jetta GLI comes only with front-wheel drive.
40th Anniversary Edition
Standard feature highlights for this base model include:
18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
Unique styling elements and badging
Sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension with adaptive damping
Red brake calipers and exterior accents
LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
Ambient interior lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated front sport seats
The GLI also includes these technology features:
Digital instrumentation panel
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
Car-Net connected services
Wireless smartphone charger
Standard advanced driver aids include:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volkswagen and the car in front)
Autobahn
Stepping up to the Autobahn trim adds:
Limited-slip differential for improved traction
Variable-ratio steering
Heated side mirrors
Panoramic sunroof
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Ventilated front seats
Beats Audio premium sound system
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
In addition to one extra-cost paint color and the DSG transmission, a Black package is optional, but only for the Autobahn trim. It offers:
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I love my new gli autobahn it's fun to drive and also great on gas I avg 40mpg in eco mode and when I want to have a little fun sport mode gives the car that extra power
Phenomenal!!!
5 out of 5 stars
MrNord, 05/12/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Something like this only comes around in the industry once every few years. VW nailed it with the new GLI. The fun factor is off the charts, especially in this price range. They struck a perfect balance between sporty and luxury, practical and exciting. Except for adding vents and a couple of USB ports in the rear seat area there isn’t anything I would change about this vehicle. If … you are in the market for a sporty sedan do yourself a favor and check out the VW GLI.
Update: Over 2 years in and I still love this vehicle! Not a single problem and still drives as nice as the day I bought it.
All the Tech You need & Fun to Drive
5 out of 5 stars
JTT, 05/13/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Alot of reviews say the interior is and tech is behind but that is incorrect. The 2020 Autobahn gives you plenty of it tech you need in a performance sedan and unlike the others in the segment there are ZERO rattles on the interior and cabin is silent down highway. It is what made me choose the GLI over over all the others I test drove.
This car kicks ass
5 out of 5 stars
VW owner, 05/30/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Just bought a Jetta GLI Autobahn and absolutely love it. The car is a firecracker with plenty of pep and great handling. I read about a substandard interior and that is simply not the case. Not sure how you much better in this price range. Great car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta GLI since its last redesign.
Maintains a safe distance to vehicles ahead and centers the Jetta GLI in the middle of the lane during highway drives.
Lane Assist
Makes minor steering corrections to help prevent unintentional departures from a travel lane.
Emergency Assist
Brings the Jetta GLI to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive and Lane Assist or Travel Assist is active. (DSG only)
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
133%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Poor
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Jetta GLI a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Jetta GLI both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Jetta GLI gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Jetta GLI has 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI:
New 40th Anniversary Edition trim
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Jetta GLI. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Jetta GLI's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Jetta GLI and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Jetta GLI gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Jetta GLI is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The least-expensive 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,085.
Other versions include:
40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $28,085
40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $28,885
Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $31,785
Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $32,585
What are the different models of Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the next question is, which Jetta GLI model is right for you? Jetta GLI variants include 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of Jetta GLI models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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