“The Jetta GLI has nearly the same performance as a Golf GTI with a lower price point plus you can still get a manual transmission with the GLI. It handles well and with a adequate performance engine at a price less than $30k.”
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a full redesign and the first year of its sixth generation. Its biggest change is the move to the newer Jetta platform, paired with a 228-hp turbo engine and substantially upgraded performance hardware.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
6th-generation Jetta GLI, first year on the redesigned 7th-generation Jetta (A7/MQB) platform.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta GLI as a “GTI with a trunk”: a compact sport sedan that blends GTI-style acceleration and chassis hardware with the Jetta’s bigger back seat and usable trunk. Its core appeal is everyday practicality without giving up a manual transmission, sharp front-drive handling, and a more mature, understated look than many sport-compact rivals. In plain terms, it is the practical performance sedan in Volkswagen’s small-car lineup.
The S is the straightforward performance model, with heated sport seats, LED lighting, smartphone integration, and key driver-assistance features. The limited-production 35th Anniversary Edition adds adjustable suspension firmness and unique black exterior details, while the Autobahn focuses on comfort and technology with leather seats, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a larger touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new 228-hp, 258-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the previous setup. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Styling
The GLI gets the redesigned Jetta body and cabin, plus GLI-specific bumpers, grille, spoiler, and standard LED exterior lighting.
Safety
Standard safety equipment expands to include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and automatic braking after a collision.
Tech
Standard cabin features expand with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 10-color ambient lighting.
Structural
The GLI moves to Volkswagen’s newer Jetta structure. It also gains a lower sport suspension, an independent rear suspension, larger brakes, and a limited-slip front differential that helps the front tires put power down.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 Jetta GLI begins its sixth generation on the redesigned Jetta platform, with a new body and cabin, a stronger engine, upgraded suspension and brakes, and more standard technology.
What engine and transmissions does the 2019 Jetta GLI have?
The 2019 Jetta GLI has a 228-hp, 258-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It is paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What is special about the 2019 Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition?
The 2019 Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition is a limited-production model with adjustable suspension firmness, an extra Comfort driving mode, a black roof, black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and unique GLI 35 details.
How does the 2019 Jetta GLI Autobahn differ from the S?
The 2019 Jetta GLI Autobahn adds more comfort and cabin technology than the S. Its highlights include leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat with memory, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, and BeatsAudio.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Jetta GLI?
The redesigned 2019 Jetta GLI makes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and automatic post-collision braking standard.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
4.2
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
(29 reviews)
“The car puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Plenty of performance, but also plenty of comfort and fuel economy.”
“A lot of car for the money. A good value. Performance with economy. And a great warranty”