2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Test Drive Review: A Grey Suit With A Wild Side
Grown-ups can have fun too. While the Golf GTI has been Volkswagen's flagship symbol of performance for decades now, it has an air of youth to it that implies brashness and naivety. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI, on the other hand, looks more grown-up because it is based on an understated compact sedan, not a hatchback. But ever since the GLI was first introduced in the USA, it has always been hampered in some way compared to its GTI sibling. For the seventh-generation model, this is no longer the case.
The hot sedan segment has heated up recently with the Honda Civic Si, Kia Forte GT, and upcoming Hyundai Elantra N-Line. But the GLI goes into battle well-prepared. Powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot found in the GTI, the GLI sends 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential for better handling. A six-speed manual is still standard, thankfully, while a seven-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic is an option. The GLI may not have as much trunk and passenger volume as its Golf GTI relative on paper, but its long and large dimensions make it more practical in the real world. It is also far less expensive than the GTI and has a few unique features not found on the hatchback. Is it the best value in the hot sedan segment? Quite possibly. We spent a week in a 2020 GLI Autobahn with the manual to find out.
What's the Price of 2020 VW Jetta GLI?
In base spec, the Jetta GLI S trim is labeled with a starting price of $26,245 before a $920 destination charge. The slightly more premium Autobahn model has an MSRP of $29,945 before the same additional charge. Opting for the DSG transmission on either variant adds $800 to the final price, and a fully loaded GLI, which only adds small accessories, won't set you back more than $35,000.
2020 Jetta GLI Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
185.2 in | 105.6 in | 56.8 in | 70.8 in | 60.7 in | 60.4 in | 3,217.0 lbs |
2020 Jetta GLI Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The GLI may be as unassuming as a grey suit on the outside but it accelerates like a rock star wearing sparkly spandex. VW's VAQ differential virtually eliminates understeer, helping the GLI zip around corners without fuss. Even when you plant the throttle mid-corner, a typical recipe for disaster in a FWD car, the GLI puts the power down easily and carries on its way. We took an Autobahn trim level for a test drive, meaning it included the DCC adaptive chassis control. This suspension system can soften up in the Comfort and Normal Modes and stiffen up in Sport Mode to limit body roll. The GLI provides a comfy ride over rough roads and the stiffer suspension mode is easily noticeable.
Just like the GTI, all of the GLI's inputs like the clutch, transmission, and steering are light, making the car easy to drive quickly. We could fault the GLI for being slightly more numb than its closest competitors like the Civic Si, though some drivers might prefer the lean towards softness in their daily driver. The aforementioned Sport Mode livens things up a bit with sharper throttle response, stiffer suspension, and an enhanced engine note, but the other driving modes including Eco, Comfort, and Normal all felt pretty much the same.
2020 Jetta GLI Interior
2020 Jetta GLI Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 7 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 2 Years / 20,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI A Good car?
Save for a few minor details like the dashboard materials and lack of bolstered seats, the Jetta GLI finally feels like it is on par with the Golf GTI. Those deficits can easily be overlooked when factoring in the Jetta GLI's price, which is thousands less than an equivalent GTI. This comes at a time when the GLI is facing its toughest competition yet in the form of the excellent Honda Civic Si and new additions from South Korea like the Kia Forte GT and Hyundai Elantra N-Line. Volkswagen has come prepared with the most powerful engine in this group, the option of a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, impressive passenger and cargo space, and a reasonable price that's only moderately higher than its competitors.
The GLI doesn't feel like the sharpest driver's car in its segment but it does feel the most luxurious and comfortable and it is by far the quickest. Those who value power and performance over raw driving feel will find solace knowing that the GLI should blow the doors off the Civic, Forte, and Elantra when it meets them at a set of lights. There may be other options available but the Jetta GLI still feels like a highly compelling option if you are spending under $30,000.
What Volkswagen Jetta GLI Model Should I Buy?
The base Jetta GLI is a good car, but we'd opt for the Autobahn. With its large sunroof, up-sized touchscreen infotainment display, upgraded eight-speaker sound system, and adaptive dampers, the Autobahn adds impressive features for just over three grand more. In addition, this trim adds ventilation to the standard heated front seats and gets a gorgeous 10.3-inch Digital Cockpit digital driver display. The leather upholstery is another nice touch and helps elevate the Jetta GLI above more vanilla models with which it shares a seat design. We'd also stick with the manual, offering an engaging and fun drive with no delays on downshifts beyond your own arm speed.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Comparisons
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
We've referenced the Golf GTI throughout this review because the Jetta aims to be an almost identical vehicle with a trunk instead of a hatchback. While the hatchback has its benefits in a larger cargo area and better handling thanks to a shorter wheelbase, the increased length of the Jetta GLI means that rear legroom is considerably better. In addition, while the GTI has more supportive seats and a more appealing interior thanks to its classic layout, the GLI is almost two grand cheaper. In addition, the Jetta was redesigned more recently, and until the new GTI arrives in 2021, the GLI claims a more modern interior. Essentially, each of these vehicles has its own strengths and weaknesses and choosing between them will be tricky. If you want more space and a slightly more modern interior, the Jetta GLI is the one to go for. If you prefer wringing your car's neck and pushing the limits at every opportunity, the Golf GTI will likely suit you better.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs Honda Civic Si Sedan
The Honda Civic Si sedan is one of our favorite cars for its affordable base price ($25,200) and its astonishingly good handling and performance. With a 1.5-liter turbo-four, the Civic Si produces 23 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque less than the Jetta GLI. It's slower in comparison to the GLI too, with a top speed of around 137 mph versus the GLI's 155 mph. The Jetta is attractive to a wider range of buyers too, thanks to the option of a dual-clutch automatic whereas the Honda only comes with a manual gearbox. Nevertheless, the Civic Si is not to be ignored. It has a simple but attractive interior with supportive seats and boasts a willingness to be thrashed and cornering ability that the Jetta can't quite provide. If you're a serious driving enthusiast, the Honda won't let you down and will even save you money at the pumps. If you prefer a bit more luxury, the Jetta is a better all-rounder.