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2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front and rear styling. Volkswagen also updates the cabin, adds Travel Assist, and reduces the lineup to the Autobahn trim.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
7th generation Jetta GLI (2019-2024), mid-cycle refresh year.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta GLI as an accessible German sport sedan: GTI-like turbo power and sharper chassis tuning in a practical four-door body. Its core appeal is blending daily-driver usefulness—real rear-seat space, a large trunk, and a polished ride—with enthusiast hardware like a strong turbo engine, adaptive chassis tuning, and a manual transmission option. For most buyers, it is the grown-up, everyday performance sedan in the Jetta family.
For 2022, Volkswagen positions the Autobahn as the fully equipped version of its sport sedan, pairing a 228-hp turbo engine with adaptive suspension and an electronic limited-slip front differential for better grip. It also has leather sport seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio sound system.
What changed, by category
Styling
The front end gains a honeycomb-look grille and bumper treatment, while the rear bumper receives revised detailing. Inside, Volkswagen redesigns the steering wheel and shift lever and updates the red-accent seat trim.
Safety
Travel Assist joins the standard IQ.DRIVE safety suite on the sole Autobahn trim. It works with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping to help with steering, braking, and acceleration.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Touch Screen Monitor | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Power Driver Seat | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Remote Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle styling refresh. The 2022 GLI has a revised honeycomb-look front end, updated rear bumper detailing, and refreshed cabin controls and trim.
Which trims does the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI have?
The 2022 Jetta GLI comes only in the Autobahn trim in the US. Volkswagen dropped the lower S trim, leaving one well-equipped version with leather seats, adaptive suspension, a digital instrument display, and a BeatsAudio system.
Did the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI get a new engine?
No, the 2022 Jetta GLI keeps its 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Both transmission choices also carry over from 2021.
What safety equipment changed on the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
Travel Assist became part of the standard IQ.DRIVE safety suite on the Autobahn trim. The suite also includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, forward collision braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.
How is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI different from the 2021 model?
The 2022 GLI has refreshed exterior styling, a redesigned steering wheel and shifter, updated red-accent seat trim, and standard Travel Assist on its sole Autobahn trim. The lower S trim is gone, while the engine and transmission choices remain unchanged.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
4.3
2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
(3 reviews)