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

Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:24 What's new for 2025
2:40 Under the Hood
3:08 Cargo Space
3:26 Pricing
4:22 Rear Seat
4:41 Interior and Tech
7:03 Driving
14:52 Verdict
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 threepedal 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 18inch wheels have been revised, the choice of Hankook Kinergy GT 225/45 allseason 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On the sides, the model designation on the front fenders has been replaced by individual GLI letters on the doors, giving the car a more distinctive appearance.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 allseason tires, could be seen as missed opportunities to truly elevate the model's performanceoriented image.

Under The hood

The GLI's mechanical specifications remain unchanged. It retains the turbocharged 2.0liter inlinefour engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 258 lbft of torque. This power is channeled through either a sixspeed manual gearbox or a nocost sevenspeed dualclutch automatic transmission. An electronically controlled limitedslip differential distributes torque across the front axle. Additionally, the GLI borrows the 13.4inch front brake rotors and large floating calipers from the seventhgeneration Golf R, as well as threewayadjustable adaptive dampers. With this setup, the GLI accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and completes the quartermile 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 performanceoriented nature of the GLI, it remains relatively fuelefficient, with EPAestimated 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.

2025 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn Numbers

BASE PRICE: $32,715
AS TESTED PRICE: $35,045
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Frontengine, frontwheeldrive, 5passenger, 4door sedan
ENGINE: Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16valve inline4,
POWER: 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
TORQUE: 258 lbft @ 1,700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7speed dualclutch automatic with manual shifting mode
CURB WEIGHT: 3,241 lb
060 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