👉2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta continues to offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and German engineering at an affordable price point. The Jetta GLI, however, elevates the experience with performance upgrades, making it the enthusiast’s choice in the lineup.
Starting Price:
Jetta Base: $21,995
Jetta GLI: $32,715
Add $1,225 for destination charges
Key Changes for 2025:
Refreshed front and rear styling
Upgraded infotainment with a floating 8-inch display
Standard IQ.DRIVE safety features across all trims
GLI: Maintains its six-speed manual transmission option, a rarity in today’s market
2025 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
Standard Jetta Trims:
The base Jetta is available in S, Sport, SE, and SEL trims, offering a 1.5L turbocharged engine (158 hp, 184 lb-ft).
Jetta S starts at $21,995 and provides the basics: LED headlights, a digital cockpit, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Jetta Sport ($23,275) adds a sportier look with unique cloth seats and a blacked-out exterior.
Jetta SE ($24,975) introduces leatherette seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and keyless entry.
Jetta SEL ($29,000) is fully loaded with leather seats, navigation, and a premium sound system.
Jetta GLI: The Performance Model
The 2025 Jetta GLI is the sport-focused variant, designed to bring the fun factor while maintaining the everyday usability of a sedan.
GLI Performance Specs
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (TSI)
Horsepower: 228 hp @ 5000 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1700 RPM
Transmission Options:
6-speed manual (standard)
7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic (optional)
Fuel Economy:
Manual: 26 MPG city / 36 MPG highway / 30 MPG combined
Automatic: 25 MPG city / 35 MPG highway / 29 MPG combined
GLI Features & Upgrades
The GLI includes exclusive performance enhancements over the standard Jetta:
✅ Sports Suspension: Lowered 0.6 inches compared to the base Jetta
✅ DCC Adaptive Dampers: Adjust ride stiffness based on drive mode selection
✅ VAQ Limited-Slip Differential: For sharper handling and traction
✅ Mk7 Golf R Brakes: Larger 13.4-inch front brake discs for better stopping power
✅ Variable-Ratio Steering: Provides sharper response at speed while remaining easy to maneuver at low speeds
✅ Drive Mode Selection: Choose between Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Custom
GLI Interior & Technology
✔ Leather Seats with red contrast stitching
✔ Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
✔ 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro for a fully customizable gauge display
✔ 400-watt BeatsAudio System (pre-Jan 2025 builds only; later models get a 6-speaker system)
✔ 10-color ambient lighting
GLI Exterior Design
🔥 Honeycomb Grille with Red Accent Line
🔥 Unique 18-inch Alloy Wheels (optional Black Package includes gloss black wheels, black roof, and black mirror caps)
🔥 Dual Exhaust with a Black Honeycomb Diffuser
🔥 Illuminated Light Bar in the Grille
Technology & Safety
The 2025 Jetta & GLI come standard with Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE safety suite, including:
✔ Adaptive Cruise Control
✔ Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
✔ Emergency Assist (on automatic models)
✔ Front Assist (Automatic Emergency Braking)
✔ Blind Spot Monitoring
✔ Rear Traffic Alert
Jetta GLI vs. the Competition
2025 Jetta GLI:
228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque
0-60 mph in ~6.1 seconds
Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic
Starting price: $32,715
Honda Civic Si:
200 horsepower, 192 lb-ft torque
0-60 mph in ~6.5 seconds
Transmission: 6-speed manual only
Starting price: $29,000
Hyundai Elantra N-Line:
201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque
0-60 mph in ~6.3 seconds
Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic
Starting price: $28,600
Subaru WRX:
271 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque
0-60 mph in ~5.6 seconds
Transmission options: 6-speed manual or CVT
Starting price: $32,735

[@ImYoutubing247]

I prefer the GTI counterpart over this but glad they still offer a manual in the GLI. Great review as always Mike

[@KrulciferEdenfelt]

I love everything about this but I hate the headlights, my 2019 Jetta LED projectors and DRL look is way more appealing than the reflectors. If they could just fixed the headlights back, it’d be perfect.

[@tim3172]

I went to test drive a Golf R to replace my leased A4.
I was told I couldn't test drive it because it was a "special" model, which couldn't be test driven under any circumstances.
Baffled, I went to the Audi dealership where they bent over backwards so I could test drive an S3 and S5.
I wound up buying the S3. I guess a 44k car is more special than the 61/75k cars from the same parent company.
Darkening the doorstep of a VW dealer isn't in my near future.
The fact that they still make slower, thirstier, transmissions that pollute more (with a 7% take rate) an option is extremely on-brand for them, though.

[@kourakram3114]

A Vw Golf with the same configuration is much more affordable and enjoyable to use as a daily than those high performance sports stiff cars

[@konic40]

looks like a sneaker

[@attilakhan4606]

ugly car i do not prefer this trade