The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact four-door sedan that is available in five trim levels (S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI). It has a long history in the US and has traditionally been a best-seller for Volkswagen. Personally, I have contributed to three different Jetta purchases in my lifetime. The Jetta GLI is the performance version and is often referred to as a GTI with a trunk. The Jetta GLI first arrived in 1984 and has co-existed with the GTI ever since. It has seen seven generations with the current GLI model debuting at the Chicago Auto Show in 2020. For 2022, Volkswagen has given the Jetta GLI a mid-cycle refresh with new technology and updated styling. The GLI is offered in one fully loaded Autobahn trim that is powered by a 2.0L in-line four cylinder that generates 228 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and a seven speed DSG dual clutch automatic is optional. Prices start at $30,995 for the Jetta GLI. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra N Line, Honda Civic Si, Nissan Altima, Kia K5, Subaru WRX and Toyota Corolla. After a week in the GLI, here's what stood out...
Updated Styling (+)
The overall exterior style changes were minimal, but impactful to anyone who pays close attention to details. The front grille is slightly larger with an updated shape and a red accent strip that sits between the horizontal bars. The lower front fascia has also been modified with a wide lower valance that carries on with honeycomb detailing and red detailing. Projector LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard on all GLIs. The side profile remains generally the same with black window surrounds and distinctive character line from the front fender through the standard LED taillights. There is a longer rear overhang compared to competitors, which isn't as appealing to the eye, but is the reason the GLI has expansive cargo space in the trunk. Around back are new rear bumpers with a black honeycomb diffuser and a wider dual exhaust. Taillights and trunk remain the same. While I like the GLI overall, I would like to see the next generation with a wider stance, lower suspension, and lower roofline. The current model sits taller and doesn't visually stand out enough from the standard Jetta.
Wheels (+)
Standard 18-inch two-tone black and silver directional wheels fill the wheel arches well. An optional Black Package for $595 will swap out the standard wheels for 18-inch all black alloys wrapped in all season tires. This package also adds black side mirror caps and body-colored rear spoiler. Another alternative is a 5-twin spoke 17" Trenton wheel available in silver or black that provides good visibility of the brakes if you like to show those off. All designs compliment the GLI nicely for a high-quality sporty look. I would prefer to see some wider tires come standard for better road grip but understand that all seasons have a broader appeal.
Performance (+)
The GLI's 228-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder carries over and continues to offer both a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. Compared to the standard Jetta, the GLI offers an impressive 70 more horsepower for a much more engaging drive. The GLI will launch from 0-60 in approximately 6.1 seconds which rivals many other sedans in its class. By comparison the Honda Civic Si is rated at 6.8 seconds. In addition to the more powerful engine, the GLI also gets performance enhancements such as a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and adaptive dampers. The GLI also comes equipped with multi-link rear suspension in place of the regular Jetta's torsion-beam setup.
One thing I've always loved about the GLI is its crisp handling and steering. The adaptive dampers control body roll well in quick maneuvers. Although, be cautious of the aforementioned tires that are not ideal for any 'track' type of driving and tend to slip. Nonetheless, the GLI is engaging on the highway for passing while also maintaining a refined, comfortable ride found in standard Jettas. The ride is smooth with minimal road noise. The overall feel will adjust based on your preferred drive mode which include the options of custom, eco, comfort, and sport. While normal will be sufficient for most, sport mode enhances the driving experience. It boosts throttle response, prioritizes more aggressive transmission shifts, stiffens steering input and adaptive dampers, and allows for sportier response from the adaptive cruise control system and adaptive front lighting.
Manual or Automatic Options (+)
Both the manual and automatic are fun to drive, although as an enthusiast I'll always choose the manual. The DSG automatic is with the later smoothly shifting through the gears. The DSG automatic gives an immediate response as it shifts through the gears for a compelling drive. There's also the option of tapping into the shift paddles for some in between manual controls. While not the same as a true manual, the paddles worked well to still deliver a gratifying drive.
Updated Exhaust (+/-)
The GLI also gets an updated exhaust system for 2022 that will give it a more prominent sound compared to the regular Jetta. It's loudest when driving in Sport mode, which lets more of the car's new growl enter the cabin. The sounds are 100% a personal preference and one that I particularly like in the new GLI. The tones felt appropriate without being overbearing and were a way to let others know you were driving a different kind of Jetta. If it's something that is a turn off, opt for the normal driving mode to quiet the cabin when cruising.
Fuel Economy (+)
When it arrived with a full 13.2-gallon tank, it offered a range of around 430 miles. 2.0L manual models get an estimated 26/37 MPG city/highway while the 7-speed automatics are rated at 26/36 MPG city/highway. Regular unleaded fuel l is recommended. The GLI gets better than average fuel economy amongst its competitors.
Interior (+/-)
Despite this being a model nearly 10 years newer than my old 2013 GLI, the interior felt similar without much evolution. It's updated with an all-digital gauge cluster and haptic touch controls, but the rest lacks any pizazz to set it apart from competition like the new Honda Civic. The build quality feels good even with a fair amount of hard plastics. GLI models get red accents across the dash, in the leather stitching, on the steering wheel and on the gear shifter. Overall, it has a functional, clean design with some Audi vibes.
Technology (+/-)
At the center of the dash is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It wirelessly connects to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while also providing a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports. The infotainment system is intuitive and uses haptic touch controls as well as dials for volume and tuning. The system was a bit glitchy with audio not always working. On more than one occasion during my week in the GLI the audio would not turn on despite the display appearing active. I had to look up tips in VW forums to determine that holding down the power button for at least 10-15 seconds for a hard reset would fix the problem. This was frustrating, especially when it happened on more than one occasion. When it was working the sound quality was good as all models come standard with a Beats audio system.
Comfort (+)
The GLI exceeded all expectations for passenger room and comfort as a five-passenger compact sedan. Power adjustable seats with lumbar support allow passengers of all sizes to find a comfortable seating position. This was a big draw in my household as it's important for my 5'2" wife to be able to see comfortably just as much as it is myself. There is sufficient head, shoulder, and leg room up front. The back seats had plenty of headroom for taller adults and would comfortably fit two. All three of my kids fit with enough leg and shoulder room as well, but there's not much extra space to accommodate water bottles or snacks. Leather seats with red stitching are standard on all GLIs.
Cargo (+)
All Jettas have been known for their large, cavernous trunks and the GLI is no different as it offers 14.1 cubic feet. While the Jetta used to be a leader, it now falls short to the Civic's 14.4 and Elantra at 14.2. Nonetheless, it's still an impressive trunk size with a wide opening and deep storage. The rear seats also fold down in a 60/40 split.
Safety (+)
Standard on all models are driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with rear traffic assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (front assist), lane assist, automatic high beams, and pedestrian monitoring. It's a lengthy list for a single model offering for around $30k. NHTSA crash test ratings are five out of five stars in all categories except rollover ratings where it gets four out five stars.
Final Statement (+)
The GLI makes a strong case for the relevancy of sedans. It's fun-to-drive, affordable, offers good passenger space, and a long list of safety features. There's a lot of value that comes in this well-equipped package. It's a great option for someone looking for a little more fun behind the wheel. Ten years later and I'd still consider buying another GLI after my week in the 2022 model.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Exterior Color: Pure Gray w/ Black Roof
Interior Color: Titan Black Leather
Notable Options: Pure Gray Paint ($395), Back Package ($595)
Price as tested: $33,980 (with destination charge) |
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