This is the 2025 VW Jetta GLI and it’s had a mid-cycle refresh both inside and out. The best news is it retains its 6-speed manual transmission something the GTI has lost.

Despite strong demand for manual transmissions in the North American market, where 40% of Golfs sold were equipped with manual gearboxes, Volkswagen has discontinued manual options for the Golf GTI and Golf R models. This decision was not driven by declining domestic demand, but rather by the Golf’s status as a global model with lower manual take rates in other international markets. Fortunately, the Jetta GLI, exclusive to North America, has maintained a manual gearbox option. Hooray for the continued availability of three-pedal driving excitement!

So, What’s New and Different

The 2025 GLI model remains largely unchanged, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The exterior does feature some enhancements, including a more attractive front fascia and grille design. However, the addition of a red chinstrap at the lower edge is an unnecessary detail that could have been omitted.

The new unibrow light bar does connect the updated LED lighting elements, providing a cohesive look. While the 18-inch wheels have been revised, the choice of Hankook Kinergy GT 225/45 all-season tires is a bit disappointing, as summer performance tires would have better complemented the sporty character of the GLI.

On the sides, the model designation on the front fenders has been replaced by individual G-L-I letters on the doors, giving the car a more distinctive appearance. At the rear, there’s a new trunk lid and taillights that span the width of the back end, further updating the GLI’s design.

Overall, the 2025 GLI retains its core identity while incorporating some thoughtful styling updates, though a few of the choices, like the red chinstrap and all-season tires, could be seen as missed opportunities to truly elevate the model’s performance-oriented image.

Under The hood

The GLI’s mechanical specifications remain unchanged. It retains the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a no-cost seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential distributes torque across the front axle. Additionally, the GLI borrows the 13.4-inch front brake rotors and large floating calipers from the seventh-generation Golf R, as well as three-way-adjustable adaptive dampers. With this setup, the GLI accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 102 mph.

The Autobahn model features an adaptive suspension system (DCC) that allows the driver to select different drive modes: Normal, Comfort, Sport, and Custom. The Custom mode offers further customization, enabling the driver to individually adjust the exhaust, steering, and throttle response settings. However, these adjustments can only be made while the vehicle is stationary, as the system does not permit changes on the move.

Despite the performance-oriented nature of the GLI, it remains relatively fuel-efficient, with EPA-estimated ratings of 30 mpg combined, 26 mpg city, and 36 mpg highway. Even with my spirited driving over the course of a week, I still managed to achieve a respectable 25.2 mpg.

Driving

On my test route of deserted backroads east of San Diego, the Volkswagen GLI impressed me with its incredible performance for a front-wheel-drive car. This is thanks to the limited-slip front differential and the Sport/Individual drive modes, which allowed the GLI to hold its line resolutely without any noticeable understeer. Just like its GTI sibling, the GLI has virtually eliminated torque steer. It bites into corners, puts the power down early, and powers out with ease, ready for the next turn.

My only complaint is the standard all-season tires that Volkswagen equipped on this model. With all that power going through the front wheels, the GLI could benefit from more grip, even with the limited-slip differential. I would consider switching to some high-performance summer tires once the all-seasons wear out. The last GLI I tested came with excellent Dunlop Max-Sport tires.

One key difference I noticed is that the GLI has a softer suspension setup compared to the GTI, even in the most aggressive drive modes. There is noticeably more body roll, but this actually makes the GLI more engaging to drive, as it requires a bit more skill from the driver.

While the GLI can’t quite match the latest GTI for outright point-to-point pace, that doesn’t matter much when you consider how much more affordable the GLI is. What defines the GLI is its spirited driving dynamics, composed balance, and strong driver engagement.

Interior

The GLI’s interior has undergone modest changes. The dashboard now features a sleek new design that houses a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, the infotainment system retains the older, more user-friendly operating software rather than the still-developing system found in the GTI. Additional updates include an inductive charging pad and a heated steering wheel. However, the previously knob-controlled dual-zone climate interface has been converted to a touch-capacitive unit. While responsive and visually modern, this new climate control system requires some acclimation to operate as intuitively as the old dials.

The Volkswagen GLI features manual passenger seat adjustments without any height adjustment, indicating some cost-cutting measures. In contrast, the Autobahn GTI model offers powered passenger seats. If powered seats are an important feature for you, you may be disappointed with the GLI’s more basic seating options.

The cabin offers ample space for both front and rear passengers. However, the lack of HVAC vents and power outlets in the back seat is a notable drawback. On the positive side, the GLI boasts a generously sized trunk, providing 14.1 cubic feet of storage capacity.

Pricing

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is only available in the Autobahn trim, with a base price of $32,175. This model comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, as well as leather upholstery featuring red stitching. While the seats don’t offer the same level of lateral support as the GTI’s, they provide a decent level of comfort.

The Jetta GLI also includes a BeatsAudio sound system, a sunroof, and Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE driver-assist package. The IQ.DRIVE features blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

This particular Jetta GLI is equipped with the optional $650 GLI Black package and the $455 Kings Red paint, bringing the total price to $35,045.

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Verdict

The Jetta GLI faces stiff competition from the Hyundai Elantra N, the undisputed performance champion in this class. While the Honda Civic Si may not be as quick, it boasts the most precise shifter feel. And though the Golf GTI is a beloved hot hatch, the Jetta GLI delivers nearly the same thrills for a significantly lower price. Those savings could even cover the cost of a nice set of summer tires.

2025 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn Numbers

BASE PRICE: $32,715
AS TESTED PRICE: $35,045
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: Turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4,
POWER: 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
TORQUE: 258 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
CURB WEIGHT: 3,241 lb
0-60 MPH: 6.1 sec
EPA COMB/ CITY/HWY: 30/26/37 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 24.2 MPG
PROS: Gutsy and torquey engine, ride, and handling, cheaper than the GTI
CONS: Needs GTI seats