Summary

• With 219 currently listed for sale and an average price of $29,195.00, 34.2% of 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLIs for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 5 / 5 stars.

• 95.9% of 2025 Jetta GLI models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI stands out because it blends everyday sedan practicality with a distinctly sporty character. Volkswagen refreshed it for the 2025 model year with a new front fascia and grille, plus new front and rear lighting designs that include a light bar at each end. The optional Black Package also adds black-painted wheels, giving the car a sharper look without changing its basic formula.

What makes the Jetta GLI appealing is that it still offers the kind of driver-focused hardware enthusiasts expect from the nameplate. It uses Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission is standard. The car also comes with a VAQ electronically controlled, torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and the front brakes are the same as those found on the Golf R. That combination helps the GLI feel more serious than a typical compact sedan, especially when paired with its sports suspension and lower ride height.

Inside, the 2025 Jetta GLI remains well equipped and easy to live with. Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, App-Connect smartphone integration, wireless charging, and a Digital Cockpit Pro configurable driver display. At the same time, it keeps the practical side of the formula intact, which is a big part of its appeal. The main tradeoff is that Volkswagen has discontinued the manual transmission option for 2027, so the 2025 model is especially notable for buyers who want the GLI’s performance with a traditional stick shift.

Other model years to consider

• 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

  • Average price: $20,311.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 37.6%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 101

• 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

  • Average price: $18,177.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 34.5%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 110

• 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

  • Average price: $25,766.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 33.8%
  • Total listings: 139

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.