The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the exact same outstanding driving attributes that make the Golf GTI a smash hit. Although the hatchback has a better interior, it’s actually the sedan that’s more useful, thanks to its roomier rear and bigger trunk. Both VW’s boast a potent 228-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder that mates to either an engaging manual transmission or a quicker-shifting automatic.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pictures
The car’s visual is much more sedated than its hot-hatch brother or sister, however at least it costs a reduced price, as the GLI costs thousands less than the GTI. Still, these two Vee-Dubs are similarly entertaining whether they’re looping racetracks or competing down back roads– which made it an easy-choice for our 2021 10Best checklist. Basically, the 2021 Jetta GLI is compact-sedan greatness.
What’s New for 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
Apart from a tiny boost in rate for both trim degrees, the Jetta GLI goes into the 2021 model year without any substantial modifications.
Pricing as well as Which One to Acquire
- S. $ 27,340.
- Autobahn. $ 31,740.
Although it costs a bit extra, the Autobahn model is the best depiction of the Jetta GLI. In addition to special features such as adaptive dampers as well as wireless charging, every Autobahn has an enhanced audio system, completely electronic scale cluster, larger touchscreen, natural leather furniture, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated pole positions.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pictures
All that devices actually boosts the car’s appeal, as well as none of it is offered on the base model. Nevertheless, the optional seven-speed automatic transmission is used on both trim degrees for an added $800.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reliability.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI shares its engine with the Golf GTI: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 228 horse power as well as 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is basic, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automated is optional. Despite transmission, acceleration is considerably improved compared with-the standard Jetta’s 147-hp engine.
In our testing, the automatic-was slightly quicker to 60 miles per hour. The stick-shift variation was very easy to row; our only problem with the automatic was its hesistance to downshift during spirited cornering. Mentioning edges, the GLI’s specially tuned suspension and sticky summer tires (a no-cost alternative) confirmed this Jetta is equally as sports as its hatchback equivalent.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pictures
In fact, the sedan really outran both the Golf R and GTI at our most recent Lightning Lap– many thanks mainly to its updated rubber. Furthermore, the Jetta GLI gives feelsome steering, solid brakes, and also a certified trip whether it’s on the conventional shocks or the adaptive dampers that are reserved for the top-tier Autobahn version.
Gas Economic Situation as well as Real-World MPG.
Because the Jetta GLI shares its turbocharged four-cylinder with 2 various transmissions, it obtains different EPA fuel-economy rankings. The standard 6-speed manual transmission is estimated to earn 25 mpg in the city & also 33 mpg on the freeway.
Designs outfitted with the optional seven-speed automated can anticipate to see 25 mpg city as well as 32 mpg-highway, according to the EPA. We examined a GLI with each gearbox on our 200-mile fuel-economy examination course and both accomplished a remarkable 36 mpg on the freeway.
Interior, Convenience, and Freight.
While the GLI has the very same basic roomy cabin as the typical Jetta, a couple of littles red trim spice points up somewhat. Also the base S model has attributes such adjustable ambient interior illumination, dual-zone automated environment control, warmed pole positions, and passive entry with push-button start.
The snazzier Autobahn version includes a 10.3-inch electronic scale cluster, a power-adjustable motorist’s seat, breathtaking sunroof, as well as ventilated pole positions. The sportiest Jetta is likewise a lot more spacious than its hatchback counterpart, with concerning 2 inches of added legroom in the rear. Similarly, the compact car has a huge trunk that took care of to hold more carry-on bags (7 total amount) than the five we fit behind the Golf’s rear seat.
Infotainment & Connectivity.
With either a 6.5- or 8.0-inch touchscreen, every Volkswagen Jetta GLI has an easy to use infomercial system that consists of Apple CarPlay, Android Automobile, a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as two USB ports. The Autobahn version gets the larger screen along with a 400-watt, eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system as well as cordless charging.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pictures
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Safety And Security as well as Driver-Assistance Features.
The Jetta GLI earned a first-class crash-test rating from the National Freeway Website Traffic Security Administration (NHTSA), yet just the routine VW Jetta has been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Freeway Safety (IIHS). While the GLI doesn’t have all the contemporary driver-assistance modern technology, it does boast more standard devices than direct opponents. Secret security attributes include:.
- Typical forward-collision warning as well as automated emergency braking.
- Requirement blind-spot monitoring as well as back cross-traffic alert.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Guarantee as well as Maintenance Coverage.
Volkswagen has an above-average restricted guarantee as well as below-average powertrain coverage. To offset the latter, the business provides some free maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50k miles.
- Powertrain guarantee covers four years or 50k miles.
- Free maintenance is covered for 2 years or 20k miles.