If I say “compact sedan” to you, your brain probably conjures up “Toyota Corolla” (“On the Road,” February 2020) or “Honda Civic” (“On the Road,” June 2025). Maybe Mazda 3 (“On the Road,” July 2025).
There’s one more strong contender you should consider, though – the Volkswagen Jetta. Yes, VW still makes the four-doors-and-a-trunk version of the no-longer-available-in-America hatchback Golf (“On the Road,” September 2021), and there’s also a Golf GTI equivalent – the Jetta GLI.
While non-GLI Jettas have 158 horsepower and are limited to automatic transmissions, the Jetta GLI bumps the power up to 228 horsepower and allows you the choice of a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.
That’s a bit less powerful than the GTI at 241 horsepower, but you’re unlikely to notice the difference in most driving conditions. Equipped with the automatic, the EPA fuel economy estimate is 25 city/35 highway. It’s a blast to drive, with 0-60 sprints in six seconds flat and terrific handling.
Volkswagen keeps the Jetta GLI simple, offering it in a single trim level called “Autobahn.” The base price is $32,715 ($33,940 with destination charges), and the standard equipment list is substantial: limited-slip front differential lock, cross-differential system, multi-mode adaptive chassis control, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights, front grille with integrated light bar, heated, foldable, power-adjustable side mirrors with position memory, rain-sensing wipers, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, red-painted brake calipers, power tilt/slide sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped heated sport steering wheel, tilting and telescoping steering column, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable and with memory on the driver’s side, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Vienna leather seating surfaces, red upholstery accents and black headliner, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, ambient lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights, illuminated metal front door sill scuff plates, stainless steel pedal caps, front and rear carpeted floor mats, configurable digital instrument display, keyless access, pushbutton start, remote engine start, anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L (three-month trial subscription), a premium Beats Audio system with subwoofer, wireless device charging, an electronic parking brake and a comprehensive suite of active safety features.
There were only two extra-cost options on our test vehicle – Kings Red paint with a Deep Black roof ($455) and the GLI Black Package (18-inch black-painted alloy wheels and black side mirror caps – $650), so the as-tested price was $35,045.
If you enjoy the sportiness of the GTI but really want a lockable trunk, the Jetta GLI is the answer.
