Used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 111 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating.

The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI stands out as a sedan with a close mechanical connection to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, but with its own personality and a different body style. It is especially appealing if you want something fun to drive with great handling and the option of a manual transmission.

The trade-offs are worth weighing: poor fuel economy is a drawback, and all-wheel drive is not available.

28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Jetta GLI is presented as a well-rounded performance sedan with strong driving dynamics and a solid equipment list, which supports confidence in everyday use. Its turbocharged setup and balanced chassis point to a car built for repeatable, engaging driving rather than novelty alone.

The manual transmission is described as light and positive, and the car’s handling is praised for being well-balanced and steady. The available DSG automatic adds convenience, but the manual is called out as the more satisfying enthusiast choice.

If you plan to keep a used one for the long haul, the main ownership risk is that you should expect to stay on top of maintenance and inspect the car carefully before buying.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a vehicle history report, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can confirm the car’s condition matches the listing. Focus on signs of wear that matter most on a sporty sedan: brakes, tires, suspension feel, and interior condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S model uses cloth heated comfort sport seats and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Autobahn adds leather seats, an 8-inch screen, and the Digital Cockpit.
• Powertrain: You get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, plus a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed DSG automatic.
• Safety package: Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard; Autobahn models add adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and high-beam control.
• Infotainment: Base S models use the MIB2 composition color unit with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while Autobahn models get MIB3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless App-Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
• Fuel efficiency: The manual model is rated at 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined, while the DSG model is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI trim should I buy?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is offered in 2 trim levels: S, Autobahn.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, but it still gives you the core GLI formula: the turbocharged engine, manual transmission, strong handling, and the standard driver-assistance features. It makes sense if you want the driving experience first and can live without the extra tech and luxury upgrades.
• Autobahn: This is the best-value trim because it adds the bigger infotainment display, Digital Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, leather seats, sunroof, and more. If you want the most complete version of the GLI, this is the one to target.

Autobahn models add adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and high-beam control.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 111 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 77.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,614, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's resale value?

The current average of $20,399 sits slightly below last year's $20,600.

That small decline suggests the market has been fairly stable, which is helpful if you plan to resell later. You are not looking at a model year with sharp price swings, so value retention should be easier to predict than in a more volatile segment.

For a future seller, that steadiness can work in your favor if you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition. A well-kept GLI should remain appealing to shoppers who want a sporty sedan with a manual transmission and strong handling.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI safe?

The 2021 Jetta GLI received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Jetta was rated “Good” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The GLI comes with a good array of standard safety features, including three-point safety belts for all seating positions, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-slip regulation, engine brake assist, electronic brake pressure distribution, hydraulic brake assist, electronic stability control, electronic differential lock, intelligent crash response system, automatic post-collision braking, a rear-view camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on both trims. Autobahn models add adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and high-beam control.

Should I buy a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 77.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its manual-transmission option, strong handling, and sedan body style.

Consider the 2022 if:

• It keeps the GLI’s enthusiast appeal while emphasizing everyday practicality and cargo space.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of price stability, enthusiast appeal, and available inventory, the 2021 is the better primary target. If your priority is a newer model-year alternative and you value practicality first, the 2022 is worth a look, especially if you find a clean example at a competitive price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.