2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is that heated front seats and heated windshield-washer nozzles became standard. Otherwise, this is a light update with no major mechanical or styling changes.
About the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
5th generation Jetta/GLI (A5/Mk5), second and final U.S. model year for this standalone GLI sedan before the GLI name went away for 2010.
Volkswagen positioned the 2009 GLI as the sedan counterpart to the GTI: a small four-door that gives you turbocharged punch and sharp, German-tuned road manners without giving up rear-seat access and a real trunk. In the brochure, VW paired the GLI directly with the GTI and emphasized turbo power, sport suspension, and European design. In practice, its appeal was blending everyday sedan usefulness with a more serious driving feel than a typical compact car.
Volkswagen positioned the 2009 GLI as a practical four-door counterpart to the GTI, pairing everyday sedan usability with sharper responses and a European road feel. Its signature equipment includes a 200-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, a sport-tuned independent suspension, bi-xenon headlights, heated sport seats, and a 10-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Alarm System | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Fog Lights | |
| Power Moonroof | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Satellite Radio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The biggest change is standard cold-weather equipment. Every 2009 GLI has heated front seats and heated windshield-washer nozzles.
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI mechanically different from the 2008 model?
No, the 2009 GLI has no major mechanical changes from 2008. Its 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, manual and DSG transmission choices, sport suspension, and chassis design carry over.
Did the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI lineup change?
Yes, the 2.0T trim joined the Jetta GLI lineup for 2009. It uses the model's 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a major update over the 2008 model?
No, the 2009 GLI is only a light update. Its main advantage over the 2008 model is that heated front seats and heated washer nozzles are standard; the powertrain, suspension, safety hardware, and exterior design are essentially unchanged.
Was 2009 the final year of this Volkswagen Jetta GLI generation in the United States?
Yes, 2009 was the second and final U.S. model year for the standalone Mk5 GLI sedan before the GLI name went away for 2010.