2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Overview

The first VW Jetta GLI rolled off the assembly line in 1984.  And since then, it’s been considered Volkswagen’s GTI with a trunk.

So, quick background.  The VW Golf GTI is the original hot hatch.  A 5-door sports car.  But hatchback.

And the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the Golf GTI’s sibling.  But a compact sedan.  Just as sporty looking.  More practical overall.

Plus it’s a great performer.  Afterall the GLI is the enthusiasts’ Jetta.  But, I’d never driven the 2020 VW Jetta GLI.

So, I picked one up from my friends at Ontario Volkswagen for this review.

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228 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque

VW’s keeping it easy.  Because this year’s 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI comes in just to trims.  And they’re very different.

The base model S comes with all the necessities.  It’s nicely equipped for a base model.

But boy.  Bump up to the Autobahn.  And well, you get it all.

Plus, when you go with the Autobahn trim.  You have the option of the Black package.  Sharp!  To say the least.

Go with the S.  Or, the Autobahn.  Either way, you get the same powerful engine.

It’s an inline 4-cylinder.  2-liter and turbocharged.  And it delivers 228-horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque.

18″ Alloy wheels

Manual and automatic transmissions are available.  Front-wheel drive either way.

Personally, I love manual trans.  And especially for a car like this.  But my test driver was an automatic.

It delivered plenty of fun.  Especially with available paddle shifters.

So, when you factor in time spent sitting in traffic.  The automatic transmission is probably the way I’d go.

One note.  The transmission will impact your curb weight.

With manual trans, GLI’s curb weight is 3,225-pounds.  And automatic transmission bumps that up to 3,294 lbs.

With the same engine.  And since automatic transmissions are so darn efficient these days.  The GLI’s fuel economy is nearly identical.

*City/combined/highway 

The 2020 VW Jetta GLI is bold and sporty.  At first glance, I’d say it was a midsize car.  Not a compact.

Because it looks big.  And frankly, it is.  But the EPA rating is compact.

105.6-inch wheelbase – overall length 185.2″

GLI has super-clean lines.  From the front and profiles.  And it has an athletic stance from any angle.

*All inches 

Inside the GLI provides lots of creature comforts.  And it’s unmistakeably Euro-DNA is visible and felt.

Spacious interior

From red stitching and pin-hole seats.  To the flat-bottom steering wheel and available digital cockpit.  The Jetta GLI satisfies the senses.

And it’s all accented with VW’s legendary attention to fit and finish.  The details!  And I love that.

Backseat legroom 37.4″

And that’s to that German engineering.  Jetta GLI’s backseats are beyond compact-car comfortable.

Even with five adults, a slightly extended drive is tolerable.  And, with just four adults?  Road trip ready!

14.1 cu-ft cargo space

Plus the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cu-ft of cargo space.  And that’s with the backseats up.

*All inches 

What’s the best tech function in the GLI?  Hands-down the available digital cockpit.

Customize your digital cockpit

Because it allows total customization.  Where instrument gauges are normally found.  You can create your own cockpit.

So you can put your navigation screen in the dashboard.  And more.  Plus you can save multiple profiles.

6.5 or 8″ touchscreens

Plus available BeatsAudio and driving performance monitoring, Volkswagen Car-Net, and wireless phone charging.

Are great additions to GLI’s great looks and performance.

2020 VW Jetta GLI – courtesy of Ontario Volkswagen

Looks good from the rear too!  For all your VW needs connect with my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.   Or email me and I’ll connect you to management directly.