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2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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$26,245

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

28

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

185.2” x 56.8”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(2 reviews)

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

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

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

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.

Consumer reviews

(2 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.5
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 2 consumer reviews

Safety

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

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Volkswagen
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
84 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/20,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum 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 warranty terms
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 required
100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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