2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a long-running sporty version of the automaker’s venerable compact sedan.
What’s New for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen refreshed the Jetta lineup in 2022, including the GLI. The car got fresh styling and new tech, and the front-end design came out of the update with a more aggressive grille and new LED running lights.
Design
The Jetta is a bit larger now than it was to start, but its compact sedan proportions are unmistakable. VW gave it a more muscular look last year, with a high beltline and sculpted sides, and the new front-end design makes the car look larger than it is, at least from a head-on angle. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels and gets a power sunroof at no extra charge.
Powertrain
Where the standard Jetta gets by with a measly 158 horsepower from a 1.5-liter turbo-four, the GLI gets a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter mill making 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and VW offers a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Jetta GLI’s performance isn’t on par with the Golf GTI's, but it’s head and shoulders above that of the standard car. Acceleration is quicker, and the car gets a limited-slip differential in the front to help manage cornering speeds and handling.
Interior
Though it's sportier, the 2023 GLI retains the Jetta’s family-friendly interior dimensions. The front buckets are deep and supportive, and they offer good space for adults. The rear bench is similarly supportive, though it’s best with two people instead of the advertised three-across. Leather comes standard on the Autobahn-only GLI, and heated/ventilated front seats come by default. The rear seats fold to open a larger trunk space, and the car comes standard with ambient LED interior lighting.
Technology
The 2023 VW Jetta GLI gets an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s paired with a BeatsAudio sound system and wireless charging. Volkswagen’s fantastic Digital Cockpit Pro system runs on a configurable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, which offers maps, audio, vehicle information, and more. Other standard tech includes SiriusXM radio, VW app connect, HD radio, and keyless entry with push-button start.
Safety
The Jetta did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) because of its performance in the headlight and updated side-crash tests. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
Pricing
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $31,585 before options, taxes, and destination.
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2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Beats by Dr. Dre premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.17 · Limited slip differential: front
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 10.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: aluminum with painted accents
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse