Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced1984-1992 |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$31,295 |
Listings3883 | Listings1156 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Reviews SummaryIn a perfect world, every driving enthusiast could afford the car of their dreams. In reality, where mortgage or rent payments are due, you’ve got kids to shuttle, and you need enough cargo space to carry groceries, bulk-packaged toilet paper, and road-trip luggage, it can seem as though no car can possibly satisfy your practical requirements and put a smile on your face at the same time. We have good news! The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is just such a car. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Leather Seats | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3355 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.9 in |
Length168.9 in | Length186.9 in |
Width81.6 in | Width70.8 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase105.6 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload915 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 1984-1992 |
MSRP | $32,445 | $31,295 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | In a perfect world, every driving enthusiast could afford the car of their dreams. In reality, where mortgage or rent payments are due, you’ve got kids to shuttle, and you need enough cargo space to carry groceries, bulk-packaged toilet paper, and road-trip luggage, it can seem as though no car can possibly satisfy your practical requirements and put a smile on your face at the same time. We have good news! The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is just such a car. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3355 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.9 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 186.9 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 70.8 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 105.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 915 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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