2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gets a light, late-cycle refresh led by updated exterior styling and a redesigned dashboard. It is not a full redesign, and its turbo engine, transmissions, and key handling hardware carry over.
About the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
7th generation Jetta GLI (2019-present), late-cycle refresh year.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta GLI as its most athletic sedan: a compact four-door that blends GTI-style punch and sharper handling with the everyday usefulness of a roomy trunk and comfortable highway manners. In plain terms, it is the practical sport sedan in VW’s lineup—the choice for someone who wants real performance hardware, a manual-transmission option, and a more upscale cabin without giving up daily-driver comfort.
For 2025, the GLI is Volkswagen's sporty sedan in one fully equipped Autobahn trim. It pairs a 228-hp turbocharged engine with adaptive suspension and a front limited-slip differential, which helps the front tires put power down when turning. The cabin includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What changed, by category
2025 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 | 36 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 | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Touch Screen Monitor | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Power Driver Seat | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Remote Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI fully redesigned?
No. The 2025 Jetta GLI receives a light, late-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. Its exterior and dashboard are updated, while the underlying platform and main performance hardware carry over.
What changed from the 2024 Jetta GLI to the 2025 model?
The 2025 Jetta GLI has revised front and rear styling, new lighting, a rear light bar, a new 18-inch wheel design, and a redesigned dashboard with a floating 8-inch touchscreen and touch-style climate controls. The 40th Anniversary Edition was also dropped, leaving Autobahn as the sole trim.
Did the 2025 Jetta GLI engine change?
No. The 2025 Jetta GLI keeps its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its front limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension also carry over.
Does the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI still have a manual transmission?
Yes. The 2025 Jetta GLI retains its manual transmission, while Volkswagen's DSG automatic also carries over.
What trims does the 2025 Jetta GLI have?
The 2025 Jetta GLI has one trim in the US: Autobahn. The prior-year 40th Anniversary Edition was discontinued.