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2020
Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Starts at:
$26,245
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New 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • S Manual
    Starts at
    $26,245
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S DSG
    Starts at
    $27,045
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Autobahn Manual
    Starts at
    $29,945
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Autobahn DSG
    Starts at
    $30,745
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Notable features

Five-seat compact sedan
Turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine standard
Manual or automatic transmission
Performance-oriented GLI version available

The good & the bad

The good

Excellent multimedia system on higher trim levels
Automatic emergency braking available
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
Roomy interior, trunk
Comfortable, quiet ride

The bad

Interior quality falls off in rear seat
Steering needs more feel
Handling not as tight as old model
Interior design not as upscale as some rivals
Just OK multimedia on lower trims

Expert 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a front-wheel drive compact sedan that seats five, and it was completely redesigned for 2019. All Jetta trim levels are powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Impreza.

The performance-oriented Jetta GLI comes with a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. GLI competitors include the Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.  

What’s New on the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

All Jettas get an updated version of Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system and a Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required). Wireless device charging is available, and R-Line models now have a standard six-speed manual transmission.  

What Features in the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta Are Most Important?

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is included on all trim levels but the base S model, where it’s optional. Other available driver-assist features include blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity is standard. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

Last year’s redesign brought a Jetta that was improved in many ways, but arguably at a loss of some of the steering feel and sporty driving manners of the previous version. Driving enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that a manual transmission is still available as well as the sporty GLI version.

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a front-wheel drive compact sedan that seats five, and it was completely redesigned for 2019. All Jetta trim levels are powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Impreza.

The performance-oriented Jetta GLI comes with a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. GLI competitors include the Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.  

What’s New on the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

All Jettas get an updated version of Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system and a Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required). Wireless device charging is available, and R-Line models now have a standard six-speed manual transmission.  

What Features in the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta Are Most Important?

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is included on all trim levels but the base S model, where it’s optional. Other available driver-assist features include blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity is standard. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?

Last year’s redesign brought a Jetta that was improved in many ways, but arguably at a loss of some of the steering feel and sporty driving manners of the previous version. Driving enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that a manual transmission is still available as well as the sporty GLI version.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 20,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2020
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    $26,245
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    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
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  • 2023
    5.0
    Volkswagen Jetta GLI
    Starts at
    $31,585
    26 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
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  • 2021
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    Volkswagen Jetta
    Starts at
    $18,995
    30 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
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    Compare
  • 2021
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    Mitsubishi Mirage G4
    Starts at
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    33 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
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    Front-wheel drive
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    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.5
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Safety features better than any other we found.

    It is sleek, has the best safety features in it's class that we found, has front and back heated seats in it's cold weather package. Looks great is comfortable and has a very roomy large trunk.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Jetta GLI Autobahn 2020 impressive

    I absolutely love my new 2020 Jetta GLI Autobahn. So many features and extremely fun to drive. I would give it a 9 out of 10.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Autobahn (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI reliable?

The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI owners.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.5

Volkswagen Jetta GLI history

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