When the Volkswagen Jetta first debuted in 1979, it quickly earned the nickname “a Rabbit with a trunk,” highlighting its close relation to the Golf but with added practicality. Decades later, does the 2020 Jetta Gli, the performance-oriented variant, still evoke this description? Let’s delve into what makes this sporty sedan tick and how it stacks up against its hatchback sibling, the GTI.
Underneath the skin, the 2020 Jetta GLI shares significant DNA with the acclaimed Volkswagen GTI. Both models are built upon Volkswagen Group’s versatile MBQ platform, a foundation known for its balanced handling and robust engineering. Powering both cars is a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering an impressive 228 horsepower. Drivers can choose between a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission for a more engaging experience or a lightning-fast seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission for ultimate convenience and rapid gear changes.
However, subtle differences emerge when comparing the spec sheets. The Jetta GLI sports slightly smaller rear brake discs compared to the GTI, and it carries a bit more weight, approximately 100 pounds, primarily due to the addition of a traditional trunk instead of the GTI’s hatchback configuration. But how do these distinctions translate to real-world driving dynamics?
To gain a comprehensive perspective, we gathered insights from our team of automotive experts.
Driving Dynamics: Jetta GLI on the Road
JG Pasterjak, our Tech Editor & Production Manager, offers a concise comparison: “If you want to know how I feel about the Jetta GLI, go read my GTI review, then dial everything back by 10%. That’s the Jetta.” He elaborates that the Jetta GLI, when assessed independently, is “a near-world-class sports sedan with a great motor and a great chassis.” However, in the context of the GTI, with its shared chassis, engine, brakes, differential, and tuning, the Jetta GLI doesn’t quite reach the same elevated level of overall dynamism.
Pasterjak notes that the Jetta GLI’s 55-series tires, in contrast to the GTI’s 50-series, contribute to slightly less immediate steering response, but also a smoother ride quality with reduced harshness. Similarly, the seats in the GLI, while perhaps less aggressively bolstered than the GTI’s, offer enhanced ease of entry and exit. He summarizes, “everything about the Jetta kind of rules, but the GTI just sort of overshadows it with goodness.”
Interestingly, our Jetta GLI test vehicle was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the GTI was tested with the DSG. Pasterjak observed that while the Jetta’s manual gearbox is “nice enough by modern standards,” the DSG in the GTI proved to be equally engaging and even more efficient. This raises the question: in an era of increasingly refined automatic transmissions, is the traditional manual still the definitive choice for driving enthusiasts?
Despite these nuanced comparisons, Pasterjak emphasizes that his observations should not be interpreted as criticism of the Jetta GLI. He reiterates that it is “an objectively good car,” delivering a “truly premium experience at a comparatively modest price” within the realm of German performance sedans. The shared 228 horsepower engine, which feels “criminally underrated,” and the “world-class braking power and feel” are equally present in both the Jetta GLI and the GTI.
Interior and Practicality: Where the Jetta GLI Shines
Chris Tropea, our Associate Editor, approached the Jetta GLI with high expectations, stating, “I really wanted to like the Jetta GLI since, on paper, it is so similar to the GTI.” While acknowledging the GLI as “an extremely nice car that offers some great performance capabilities,” Tropea felt it lacked some of the intangible sporty essence of the GTI. He describes the GTI as feeling “like a fun and sporty car you could daily drive,” whereas the GLI felt more like “a regular sedan that Volkswagen slapped some go-fast parts on.”
However, Tropea also highlights the Jetta GLI’s strengths. He praised the smooth and engaging manual transmission and was pleasantly surprised by premium features such as cooled seats, a fully digital dashboard, and a BeatsAudio sound system. Notably, the Jetta GLI also inherits the GTI’s limited-slip differential and robust brakes. His primary critique centered on the interior materials, which he felt lacked the same premium feel found in the GTI.
One area where the Jetta GLI unequivocally excels is practicality. Tropea was impressed by the Jetta’s spaciousness, noting, “The trunk offered more storage than what was available behind the seats in the 5 door GTI and the back seats offer slightly more legroom, making the Jetta slightly more practical than the GTI.” For buyers prioritizing cargo capacity and rear passenger room, the Jetta GLI presents a compelling advantage.
Conclusion: Is the 2020 Jetta GLI Right for You?
The 2020 Jetta GLI stands as a testament to Volkswagen’s ability to blend sporty performance with everyday usability in a sedan format. While it may not possess the ultimate dynamic edge and hatchback versatility of the GTI, the Jetta GLI offers a compelling package in its own right.
If you are seeking a sporty sedan with a potent engine, engaging driving dynamics, and enhanced practicality, the 2020 Jetta GLI deserves serious consideration. It delivers a near-premium German driving experience at a competitive price point. Ultimately, the choice between the Jetta GLI and the GTI hinges on individual priorities: hatchback versatility and ultimate sportiness versus sedan practicality and a slightly more mature driving experience. For those leaning towards the latter, the 2020 Jetta GLI proves to be a highly capable and rewarding option.
