“- The Base S Model has the most important standard features - decent climate control, Apple CarPlay, comfortable cloth seats, great headlights, mirrors, and red GLI trim.- It's really fun to drive, but also a practical sedan with lots of room- Gas mileage is great in ECO mode-”
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a light-update year, not a redesign. The main change is an equipment upgrade for the Autobahn trim, led by a newer 8-inch touchscreen and more standard driver-assistance features.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Current A7 Jetta-based GLI generation introduced for 2019; 2021 is the third model year and the last year before the 2022 refresh.
Volkswagen presents the Jetta GLI as the sedan version of the Golf GTI: a compact four-door that blends strong turbo power, sharp handling, and everyday usefulness. The appeal is balance more than flash. It gives drivers real sport-sedan pace, but with a roomy back seat, usable trunk, and a ride that stays comfortable in daily driving. Against rivals, VW leans on the GLI’s limited-slip differential, manual-or-DSG choice, and polished road manners to make it a sporty daily driver.
The S is the simpler, driver-focused GLI, with a 228-hp turbo engine, a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic, cloth sport seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The Autobahn keeps the same performance core but adds adaptive suspension dampers, leather heated and ventilated sport seats, digital gauges, a panoramic sunroof, and the upgraded 8-inch touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Tech
The Autobahn gains an 8-inch MIB3 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced voice control, and SiriusXM with 360L. The S keeps its 6.5-inch touchscreen.
Safety
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and upgraded blind-spot monitoring become standard on the Autobahn. The S carries over unchanged.
2021 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 | 24 mpg | 24 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| 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 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The biggest change is the Autobahn trim's equipment upgrade. It gains a newer 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and upgraded blind-spot monitoring.
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI redesigned?
No, the 2021 Jetta GLI was not redesigned. It remains part of the generation introduced for 2019, with no meaningful styling, structural, or chassis changes for 2021.
Did the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI get a new engine?
No, the powertrain carries over unchanged. Both trims use a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.
How is the 2021 Jetta GLI Autobahn different from the S?
The Autobahn adds comfort, technology, and driver-assistance equipment while keeping the same engine as the S. Its key extras include adaptive suspension dampers, leather heated and ventilated sport seats, digital gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, and a broader safety suite.
Is the 2021 Jetta GLI meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Only the Autobahn is meaningfully different from the 2020 model. Its upgraded touchscreen, wireless phone integration, and added driver aids make 2021 more appealing for shoppers who want the higher trim, while the S and the GLI's core performance hardware largely carry over.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
4.3
2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
(32 reviews)
“This is a Fine car that provides a lot of fun and enthusiasm for people that like a sporty car with lots of pick up. It does have a lot of plastic which takes away from a luxurious feel.”
“Tiene la versatilidad de ser un vehiculo de uso diario y con gran poder para ser un vehiculo deportivo y divertido. Alta tecnologia y comididad en el interior.”