2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review: Hard To Fault

It may not be as powerful as its GTI hatchback sibling, but the Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides ample performance in a practical sedan body. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than the Honda Civic Si, and this goes some way towards justifying the GLI's higher price relative to its Japanese rival. The Jetta GLI delivers secure handling without compromising on comfort, and we love that it can still be bought with a sweet-shifting manual gearbox. The single Autobahn trim is also fully stocked. Perhaps what's most impressive about the Jetta GLI is that not a single VW crossover can deliver a comparable combination of performance and features at this price, so if you don't need the extra space, this is one of the most enjoyable VWs at just over $31,000, if not the most overtly sporty small sedan. That accolade goes to the 276-hp Hyundai Elantra N, but the GLI's less in-your-face styling will find favor with buyers who prefer the more restrained personality of the German.

What's The Price Of The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

At $31,980, the starting price of the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI sedan makes it just a few hundred dollars more expensive than it was last year. With the dual-clutch automatic transmission, the cost of the GLI rises to $32,780. These represent the MSRP prices for the VW Jetta GLI and exclude any options and the $1,095 destination charge in the USA.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Handling And Driving Impressions

We had the chance to review the Volkswagen Jetta GLI recently and found that there isn't much to complain about at all. Riding a little lower than the regular Jetta and with far more power, the GLI not only isolates occupants from scarred surfaces but also makes the average commute quite fun. The well-weighted steering delivers good feedback, and changes of direction are accompanied by only minimal body roll. With the VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential, understeer is kept at bay, with up to 100% torque able to be transferred to either side. It's yet another example of VW's superb tuning of its sporty front-wheel-drive models.

The GLI also has the XDS cross differential system that is an electronic substitute for a conventional mechanical limited-slip differential. Once again, this system limits understeer while also contributing to greater stability. The GLI also has a multi-link rear suspension and rear anti-roll bar. Four driving modes - Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Custom - are provided, and we quite enjoyed Sport with its more responsive throttle. Overall, the VW Jetta GLI covers all the bases and has no glaring flaws to disrupt your progress.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI A Good Car?

There is very little that the Volkswagen Jetta GLI range doesn't do well, and it is the perfect GTI alternative for a slightly more mature customer. The turbocharged engine delivers swift acceleration and works beautifully with both transmissions; the car is comfortable on the highway and fun enough when the road starts to twist. The interior of the 2023 Jetta GLI is spacious and is lifted by several sporty touches, and the most recent design updates add just enough aggression to the car's appearance. If this is the type of car you must have, the better-value Honda Civic Si and more powerful Hyundai Elantra N are absolutely worth a look, but the balanced GLI is far from outclassed.

What 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Model Should I Buy?

There is only a single GLI trim but the major decision is whether to go for the manual or the dual-clutch automatic. The latter is only $800 more expensive, so it isn't much of a stretch if you need an automatic, plus it'll be a little quicker. That said, we'd still happily go for the manual model with its more engaging nature. The $395 Kings Red Metallic works well with the GLI's fairly conservative lines, and that's the only option we'd add. With the destination charge, the Jetta GLI works out to $33,075 when specced in this way.