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2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volkswagen Jetta GLI highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Agile handling
  • Storage options

Cons

  • Some interior finishing feels plasticky
  • Disappointing  infotainment system

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Year

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Turbocharged performance sedan

Shopping for an executive sedan with some performance flair? The 2020 Jetta GLI embodies excitement behind the wheel, boasting curb appeal and practicality. This compact sedan comfortably accommodates five passengers across two rows, and with two trim options available, you can pick a 2020 Jetta GLI that matches your preferences. Part of the seventh generation of the Volkswagen Jetta (2019 onwards), the 2020 Jetta GLI has no major changes. New-for-2020 standard feature additions include wireless charging and an adaptive suspension for the Autobahn trim.

All Volkswagen Jetta GLI years

What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

  • The 35th Anniversary trim has been discontinued for 2020.
  • Jetta GLI trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning and Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI trims

Curious how Volkswagen Jetta GLI trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

GLI:

  • No significant upgrades found on the GLI

S:

  • Includes all features available on the GLI
  • 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Defroster
  • View our Volkswagen Jetta GLI S inventory

Autobahn:

Volkswagen Jetta GLI photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

1. Impressive performance 

How about some exhilarating performance on your daily routes? The 2020 Jetta GLI has a turbocharged 2.0L engine producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, plenty of power for highway passes. Whether you enjoy the tactile benefits of the six-speed manual transmission or the ease of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the 2020 Jetta GLI offers an enjoyable ride experience with plenty of agility when required. There’s decent fuel economy too. With an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, you can say yes to more trips behind the wheel.

 

2. Exceptional comfort 

This sporty sedan is exciting to drive, but it's supremely comfortable too, and that’s something your friends and family will appreciate on regular routes and long-distance trips. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control are both standard features, while the Autobahn trim will take that further adding a panoramic sunroof for a bright cabin filled with natural light. Perhaps even more interesting, is the 2020 Jetta GLI’s customizable interior ambient lighting feature, with ten color options that you can match to the mood of your date night or sports game road trip. 

3. Space for everyone 

For your youngest passengers who travel in infant or child car seats, the 2020 Jetta GLI has two full sets of LATCH fixtures in the second row. Adult passengers will be comfortable in either row. Upfront, they’ll enjoy bucket seats as standard with 41.1 inches of legroom, while the rear row also gets a pleasing 37.4 inches of legroom. Your shopping bags and boxes are taken care of too, with the 2020 Jetta GLI’s 14.1 cu-ft of fixed trunk space. 

4. User-friendly technology 

The 2020 Jetta GLI has passenger-friendly tech to make every drive more enjoyable. Standard features include Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto smartphone integration for easy app, music, and calling connectivity. For parking maneuvers and highway driving, you’ll also get a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For a tidy way to power your devices on the move, the 2020 Jetta gains available wireless smartphone charging.  

5. Autobahn trim 

The subtle exuberance of the 2020 Jetta GLI sedan is elevated when you choose the 2020 Jetta GLI Autobahn trim, as it adds features and functions that will bring a smile to your face. These desirable upgrades include adaptive suspension for smooth handling, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio audio system, and leather upholstery seating. Find a 2020 Jetta GLI with the GLI Autobahn Black package, and you’ll also score a black trunk lid lip spoiler, black side mirror caps, and a black accent roof. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Volkswagen Jetta GLI features and specs

Autobahn 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Beats Audio System
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

228

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

105.6"

Overall length

185.2"

Width

70.8"

Height

56.8"

Leg room

F 41.1"/R 37.4"

Head room

F 38.5"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P225/45HR18

Rear tires

P225/45HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI FAQ

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