“The VW Jetta GLI is a great car for the price, but it does have some irritating design failures mostly on the interior options. Overall, I would buy it again because despite its failures, it has a combination of superior driving features that are otherwise completely unavailable in the market.”
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a light-update model, not a redesign. The biggest change is that the Autobahn trim makes adaptive suspension damping standard.
About the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
6th-generation GLI on the A7 Jetta platform, second model year after the 2019 redesign.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta GLI as the “GTI of sport sedans”: a compact four-door that borrows the GTI’s 228-hp turbo engine and serious chassis hardware but adds a bigger back seat and a real trunk. Its core job is to give buyers everyday sedan practicality without giving up engaging handling, strong braking, or the choice of a manual transmission. Compared with rivals, the GLI leans on usable space, mature highway manners, and genuine hot-hatch performance under a calmer body style.
The S is the straightforward performance trim, with a 228-hp turbo engine, a limited-slip differential, heated sport seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Autobahn adds a more upscale cabin and adjustable ride, including leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, upgraded audio, and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
Lineup
The 35th Anniversary Edition is dropped, leaving the S and Autobahn as the two regular trims.
Structural
Adaptive suspension damping becomes standard on Autobahn. The GLI’s core suspension, brakes, and limited-slip differential otherwise carry over.
Tech
A wireless phone charger becomes standard on Autobahn.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.1 cu-ft | 14.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The biggest change is standard adaptive suspension damping on the 2020 Jetta GLI Autobahn. It lets the suspension adjust its firmness for different driving situations.
Which trims does the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have?
The 2020 Jetta GLI lineup consists of S and Autobahn. The 35th Anniversary Edition offered for 2019 was dropped.
Did the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2020 Jetta GLI carries over its 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
How is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI different from the 2019 model?
The 2020 Jetta GLI mainly changes Autobahn equipment and the trim lineup. Autobahn gains standard adaptive damping and wireless phone charging, while the 35th Anniversary Edition leaves the lineup; the engine and core performance hardware carry over.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn have adaptive suspension damping?
Yes, adaptive suspension damping is standard on the 2020 Jetta GLI Autobahn. It was the headline equipment change for this model year.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
4.4
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
(24 reviews)
“Sporty drive with modern interior and safety. Very spacious interior for compact sedan.”
“I love my Jetta because of the exceptional acceleration and handling. I also appreciate the simplified, driver centric, cockpit.”