FIRST DRIVE: Is the 2025 VW Jetta GLI the BEST sport sedan for the MONEY?

[@KeithNauls]

2017 Jetta GLI @ 85K miles, still going strong! No problems. Love driving it.

[@mikes8809]

I guess you don't have the plastic enginee parts and oil pan 🤔

[@sleepy35th]

@@mikes88092019 GLI here 81k miles, I have the plastic oil pan and the car hasn’t seen a single issue. Stage 2 fbo since 29k btw

[@bruhhhhmoment4848]

I got the 2017 se with 72k miles wish I got the gli ngl

[@stanleycoichy5386]

Got my jetta since 2020, neva got a problem with it, even i got it use, that car make me happy every day

[@whatsup24_7]

Did you get the GED version?

[@stanleycoichy5386]

@@whatsup24_7 gdi yes

[@jeffbraden1048]

LOVE MY 24 Gli automatic and just ordered a New 25 gli manual! THESE ARE Really Awesome cars ! FAST Fun and excellent gas milage and dependable! Vw knocks it out of Park again !

[@loki_wolff]

Glad to see them still making these

[@GrayFox0047]

Definitely interesting how they decided to add 2 layers of bezel to that screen…. Pretty solid though overall for the price.

[@andybai5168]

Super smooth car especially for the price, great ride quality and power delivery. Car overall is very approachable and easy to daily drive. Great highway fuel economy. And since it's from the mk7.5 platform, aftermarket mods and tuning options are abundant to say the least.

[@RaitisRides]

You hit every nail on the head!

[@serdarozen8941]

​@@RaitisRides very nice review, but I was expecting you'd opt driving the 6spd manual GLI, not the dsg. Seriously asking, is it possble to get full parking sensors and the stock nav (as in SEL or in 380 Gti) system installed on the autobahn gli? Wonder why they dropped these two!

[@andybai5168]

@@RaitisRides Thank you sir. Just wanna share that I sent a buddy this video and he picked up his new 2025 black GLI with DSG this past week, exact same as this car, as his new family car instead of a small CUV. It was a love at first sight/drive. For just under 38k CAD (~27k USD), it's a hell of a bargain especially for such a capable platform. Hopefully he keeps the car for a while and start modding it at some point.

[@ericbeauchea8526]

Joe, you're the best car reviewer on youtube by far. I find myself watching reviews of cars I don't care about when you post them.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for saying that Eric it really means the world to

[@REALLYKALISTICKS]

Nah facts. Stumbled on this channel in 2020. Glad I did. Got my car after watching a review from him

[@mykidzyomouth9125]

Nah Doug’s better sorry

[@Fade2005]

No literally!

[@porfiriato84]

Apparently you've never watched savage geese or throttle house. Meat riding is strong with you! 😂

[@JOPYOUNGONEZzzz]

Omg i been wait so long for this video 🎉💯🙌🏾

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic to hear!

[@DAVIDCROUSHORE-j2k]

No trunk lid spoiler is a huge zonk! 100 percent agreed!

[@seymorefact4333]

ioniq5 will kil this pos VW!

[@crobiyt3346]

@@seymorefact4333You’re comparing a electric vehicle to a gas vehicle. Of course it’s goin to outperform it

[@runjdm_]

Looks to be a $300 addon.

[@Mike-wc3jo]

@@seymorefact4333ya but you gotta be seen in a Hyundai 😂

[@seymorefact4333]

@@Mike-wc3jo FOR SURE! the hyundais from the last 5 yrs have been home runs! 1000% over a vw! VW's are for people concern about their image while their jetta is being towed. 🤣

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

I own the GLI Autobahn black trim 2023 and I am telling you, this car is a blast, what you get for your $ is one of the best deal on the market. You will see really few GLI on the roads because people don't know this car, it's being snobed to the profit of the GTI which is overpriced. Again, the GLI is a really good car. I am at 22 000 km so far, zero prob. The performance is surprisingly good, comfort, you have everything you want in a Sedan + this can be turned into a sport sedan by the press of a button or two.

[@famasmaster2000]

Content lately has been pure gold ! I always have had a set spot for vw as I have owned a couple, they never let me down Excellent review again and great camera work 👍🏼 Out of the park again, well done 👏 ✔️

[@karengasnowden]

Watching your reviews has helped me a lot to decide what vehicle my wife and I want to get !!! Awesome job!!! God Bless!!

[@gramb5611]

Has a few zonks, but a nice looking everyday driver. Love the review. You guys stay safe this week 🤙🏼

[@Hercegovac.1]

The GLI only trim I would buy. It looks amazing ! Great review Joe 👍

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@kd6836]

We have bought an 18 Atlas, 19 Beetle, 19 Jetta and a 23 Taos for ourselves and kids. With about 20 total total years of ownership and over 200,000 miles, two vehicles have had one unscheduled trip each, under warranty. The 19s are under warranty for another year (6/72). I’ve had Hondas and Toyotas not do nearly as well. My wife and I are looking at getting a GLI manual by the end of the year. I’m sold on the quality. Go ahead and tell me I’ve been lucky or whatever. I changed a transmission in a Honda Pilot and Odysee under warranty years ago. Not these vehicles.

[@ZACH_95_]

You are lucky. Because VW’s are junk. Nothing but issues.

[@BrakRulesAll]

Similar experience. I'm on my 7th Golf in 41 years ('19 R), wife has a '22 Jetta GLI. Both manuals. Totally reliable. Great cars for the money.

[@dashii111]

You say it has no ventilated seats but it clearly has the button for it. Did they leave the button in without the function?

[@RaitisRides]

The heat got to me. Sorry about that

[@johntron7986]

i am the same way promptly admit when you are wrong, its a good car and people are interested

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

The Jetta GLI is like the sporty sibling of the regular Jetta. It's all about that turbocharged engine that gives it that extra kick when you hit the gas.

[@sebastianheine378]

Not mention independent rear suspension, electronic LSD, 6MT, Golf R breaks..

[@garymathe9863]

They're both turbo, but the GLI is 2.0 vs the Jetta's 1.5 Of course a stage 1 is mandatory.

[@xtnguyen7760]

Excellent review delivered, always spot on. Thank you Joe and your team.

[@austincoward676]

Confused by the no spare comment Raiti! From the GLI I test drove, it comes with a donut because that's where the subwoofer sits in.

[@karacha]

Great review, as always. I *really* enjoyed it. One question if I may: why do you always go with these titles... "Is this the BEST ______...?" or "Is this car BETTER than ____...?" I mean, I would understand if this was some kind of car comparison/head-to-head video, but in most cases it's just one car being reviewed. What's wrong with just "2025 VW Jetta GLI: (insert additional description or conclusion here)"? Genuinely curious. Other than that, keep doing what you're doing; you have one of the best car review channels on KZbin for sure!

[@RaitisRides]

I use what is called the essential question format. It is a teaching strategy I used to use when I was a teacher. I pose the question, you watch the review and you answer the question

[@Slimothy]

@@RaitisRides It's also for SEO purposes of course

[@alfanb]

The exterior is much better than the previous one. On the other hand, I prefer the former interior layout with the screen integrated in the dashboard. Bezels on the screen are gigantic, not my cup of tea. Rest of the car is amazing for the price. Thanks for the review, Joe!

[@tylerbricco7273]

Exact opposite for both zzz the 7.5 not only looks better but all the features are better driver suited vw which I love them took a HUGE L on this

[@omariwest9068]

I agree completely. I was thinking about upgrading my ‘21 6MT because they made some awesome changes to the exterior. But putting the pasted on interior screen was both unnecessary and just plain ugly. I’m keeping my ‘21 until they either upgrade the engine or return to their senses.

[@sleepy35th]

@@tylerbricco7273 the newer they get the less I like them

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Happy Sunday Funday Joe

[@RaitisRides]

Yes sir Chris! Same to you!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Good overall review of what the VW GLI has to offer.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man that really means a lot

[@jmr7river401]

Anytime you are considering buying a car, you must watch Raiti’s reviews first. I did it back in 2019 when I bought my Toyota Highlander. In 2020 when I bought my wife’s Mustang GT. I heard some rumblings he is a big fan of Mustangs. Then again in 2024 when I bought my 2022 certified 12k miles Volkswagen Arteon SEL… with the upgraded DSG transmission and upgraded engine with 300 hp. Thanks.

[@evoemperor3776]

This car is way better than civic si. Also engine has alot more in it and bigger displacement too. With optional dsg this is the best sport sedan. If civic si offers the 2.0 instead of 1.5 it would've been better but they got greedy so people will be forced to buy the type r.

[@ieatnails]

i have an si but id disagree the SI is literally a beast at handling like you can take some crazy turns at high speeds in these cars ultimate car for the canyons. The 1.5L cant take much hp in terms of tuning but you can still bump it up a little. its meant to be a great daily driver thats also fuel efficient. Might not have crazy power but still an amazing lil car!

[@operadad552]

Actually the front seats are ventilated, you went right past the button-but there were some GLIs where they dropped the ventilated seats.

[@chase3488]

Joe thank you for all the amazing cat content you provide us. Thinking of you and the state of Florida in this trying time

[@JonathanChow180]

I like the lights!

[@jesse1008]

I love the bit about trust 😂 Man but so true 👍🏼

[@richki.24]

I just recently bought a 2023 Camaro 1SS convert for my wife but I still want a Jetta GLI

[@teehenessy3020]

Smart man.

[@rudolfschenker]

That would be a sweet garage 👍🏻

[@dentoman1]

I sold my 2011 Camaro L2SS Convertable to buy my 2025 GLI Deep Black Pearl 6 speed manual . No greets .

[@Fade2005]

This is the channel is top tier, I love your videos Joe !!

[@henrymwape624]

this GLI Autobahn edition is bringing some sporty looks

[@100PROOF-G]

That's a great looking car!

[@Pyrrho_]

Test drove a 6-speed manual version of one of these earlier this year before buying a Si. I can deal with the rev hang -- outstanding car so far and no regrets.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Angelbonilla1982]

Love it!! Great review Joe!!

[@doctorrobert60]

Thanks for reviewing the last VW with a manual Joe. DSG works well with the GLI however. Agree with you would be nice with more power like the GTI since the GLI is often referred to as a GTI with a trunk. Not a criticism since you concentrate on the driving power and dynamics but you might incorporate evaluation of the sound systems in the cars. I know would make the videos longer but some of us might like to see how the sound systems perform. As always appreciate your honest reviews packed with great information.

[@allencrabbe8585]

It looks like there are ventilated seats, what’s the seat button right next to the heated seats that has a fan icon on it?

[@r3games1985]

Great car. I just saw it in person at my VW dealership. It has cooled seats. Love the new front end with those headlights. Needs a spoiler though. Now Joe I can't wait for you to test drive the new GTI mk8.5. I'm really thinking of upgrading but want to hear what you have to say first. Thx.

[@nathanminer6890]

You used to be able to buy a OEM VW lip spoiler for the Jettas. Should need to buy one but maybe you still can?

[@hmubtakir]

Thank you once again for an excellent review

[@bradfoster8146]

You released a blooper video some time ago, and it was hysterical. I'd love to see some more outtakes and bloopers

[@Supercat_2022]

Idk why VW keeps skimping out on the Jetta GLI. No visible rear seat vents still, no ambient lighting for the rear door panels, and no extra hp for 2025 as with the GTI. SMH

[@blakeemsick6576]

What would be a better option?

[@NOLAgenX]

They can’t put the GTI engine in it. It’s torque exceeds the 6 speed MT specs, and the MT is 40% of sales.

[@doctorjimmy7011]

Joe, love your channel. Keep up the good work. At this price point, all manufacturers make hard decisions and not having any vents or usb/usc/12 volt is one of them. You won’t find them in the Honda Civic Si either. I don’t think this compares to the Elantra N but, maybe the Elantra N-Line? That’s my thoughts. I actually like the grill on the back lower. Very Volkswagen-y to have understated flair. I do like the approach to cars in the segment and how different they are. Volkswagen is giving you a luxury sport. Hyundai will give you a more bang for your buck. And Honda is giving a purist car. I think, if you are buying a car in this segment, you are doing an injustice if you don’t drive all of them. You may start thinking that’s the one you want but, after driving another, you may find your car soulmate.

[@MickeyGeezz]

What is the button next to the heated seats if its not the ventilated seat button??

[@tblack21]

It is a ventilated seats button. Not sure why he said that.

[@RaitisRides]

Good eyes

[@RaitisRides]

@@tblack21the heat was getting to me

[@ROKRSDRIVECLUB]

I think this would be a great first car for a beginner car enthusiast!

[@RaitisRides]

I think you may be right

[@michaeldmckenzie]

I can do without the red trim on the lower front. Joe, the trunk lid does kick up just a little bit.

[@HadEnough745]

Out of the four sedans:Civic Si, Jetta GLI, Elantra N, or Subaru WRX, which one would you choose for yourself?

[@jamesskinner762]

Joe, while on throttle, have you ever had a wreck or gotten stopped by the police? I always worry someone is going to pull out in front of you or something.

[@masonarndt8703]

I’m pretty sure it has ventilated seats. The bottom was right by the heated seats

[@ogcabbage6213]

I bought a new 2013 gti and loved it . sense, then I've hated the way vw styling has gone, but this new gli is nice.

[@anthonyvigneault3389]

i love the new volkswagen jetta GLI

[@fortheloveofnoise]

The 1 step above base model with a manual is best bang for buck, but it is going away after this model year...Europe does not get the GLI so that makes it much cooler though. Honestly if I had to buy a brand new sedan, the Jetta GLI is what I would get...but I would modify it to put back in a manual parking brake like last gen had, and pull out all the tiuch screens and put in manual gauges and switches plus knobs. I am too poor for that, so I will continue driving my manual 98 Sentra...it does not even have a tachometer.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

but the si I would get if they gave us it in the hatch like Japan gets under a new name....since the car has a hatch but they wont give us it in the si form, out of spite I woukd get the GLI instead since the U.S. does not get the wagon version at all, so i can give them a little pass on that

[@ness___4397]

i love this video ! thank you

[@joelcazares9986]

Red NONBREMBO caliper looks TEMU. 25 inch screen, 4 inches of actual screen. I like the SONY Walkman deal. Memories!

[@andrewwedzik1655]

We trust you Joe ☝🏻

[@halloween_collector]

wait so how does it not have cooled seats even tho there’s a button right next to the heated seats for cooled seats?

[@Mistadontplay89]

I really like these GLIs. I love the subtlety and that iconic red trim up front. I'm surprised my much bigger Accord 2.0T is lighter than this car though.

[@v12kingV10]

Wow the Honda Civic ripped the Jetta styling right off

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Yes of course Joe and I would rather buy this.

[@davonne225]

Love those wheels, love the seats and floor mats, waiting to see what changes they make to the redesign

[@jeffs6090]

Well, now Milton is making a bee line to you guys. Projected another cat 4! Take care down there!!

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

It absolutely has ventilated seats. It absolutely has a spare.

[@jeffbrubaker3556]

Don’t forget to mention the armrest kick stands built in under the armrest lid.

[@socratespetrakos3593]

Thats the way the interior of the new 2025 Golf R should have been. Perfect infotainment system size and location, along with separate climate controls and an actual automatic shifter, instead of a little knob.

[@teejaylinton9277]

Not gonna lie Joe it’s definitely a looker! Great vid tho!

[@henrybrar]

Roger that, it's much better looking than Civic Si.

[@LuisUrbieta]

If you compare this Volkswagen Jetta to let's say a Genesis g70 is not quite on the level when it comes to features and equipment but for a mainstream vehicle I really really really love it. Yes you're going to compromise some features and equipment comparing it to more expensive luxury cars but the sporty nature makes up for it.​@@henrybrar

[@thabisomolelle2475]

Does the Autobahn trim come with a manual transmission??

[@DaleyGv_YT]

nice video, can you review, drive the 2025 kicks?

[@bfreeman]

You don’t even watch it lol

[@madskater5]

I drove a kicks once. Wish i hadnt.

[@NOLAgenX]

The reason they don’t have the new higher HP GTI engine is because they still wanted the 6 soeed manual to be available (stats are 40% of GLI buyers prefer MT). The 6 speed manual torgue delivery is maxed out with the GLI engine. Going bigger was not an option under those conditions.

[@jeffbraden1048]

MY 24 gli has vent seats and a spare tire with a sub in the middle ! It's in the trunk under carpet !

[@nmode22]

Manuel Elantra N all day! For what you get it’s 100% worth it at 34k. Best car in the 30k price range for sure.

[@Teotwobluntz]

Our guy Joe is hilariously entertaining

[@stevemartegani]

Has anyone heard when they are bringing back the lower trims for the GLI? Right now only the Autobahn seems to exist...

[@2minQuickie]

Now these are perfect for si to handle on a real quick 0-60

[@mattr9444]

I'm in Canada and my 2025 gli has vented seats and heated rear seats?

[@davidp2888]

I'd probably consider it when I'm ready to get rid of my Mazda 3.

[@RaitisRides]

Of wow that is a serious statement

[@MalevolentBite]

Do you have the mazda 3 sedan ?

[@Harriman2727]

To be fair it has a "hint" of a rear spoiler

[@kellyaustin7487]

My only three gripes....🫣 Im sorry Joe, I meant zonks 😅 are the lack of rear AC vents and USB ports and that red trim along the front lip. I mean if this was truly a black out package 🙄 One love.

[@concretewu]

So much better than the 2020’s Jettas by far. I have the mk6 Jetta s 2013

[@thumperjr100]

Owned one of these along with my 2024 Civic Si. Both cars, for the money, offer so much fun on the back roads.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great ownership input!

[@bondovwvw]

What one is your favorite?

[@ikeepsitreel]

Ha! Appreciate the walk down memory lane...

[@juve7]

Cool performance monitor...Boom.

[@ReyesRP]

Does it have adaptive cruise? That’s one of the things I think is wonky about the Elantra N. Lane keeping and cruise but not adaptive.

[@HungLe-oc8eh]

I think they do have ventilation seats next to the heating seats?

[@jamesm654]

Best in class in my opinion.

[@burnx45]

The GLI does have ventilated seats. The icon is right next to the heated seats. I confirmed on Volkswagen website.

[@anmac6910]

25 jetta GLI vs. 2025 civic Si....lets gooo pick one

[@axe2grind244]

Elantra N and Civic SI are great cars, but for everything considered this is the best, especially in cities with bad winters.

[@adamayliffe9511]

I am not going to zonk the rear for not having consol vents, since there are vents just under the seats. I have had both with and without console vent cars, again remember they all had under seat vents, and 99% of the time my passengers closed them as they were either too hot or too cold, since again, there were the under seat vents blowing as well.

[@zingwilder9989]

228 HP with superb fuel economy is very positive. The infotainment system could be better and no back seat connectivity isn't that great. Nonetheless. You're talking $35K, so it's not horrible.

[@carlow_fc1]

Idk man you could get a CPO MK7.5 Golf R for that price? Maybe a bit more, but it has more features than this and a better engine as well since the GLI uses a EA888.3

[@zingwilder9989]

@@carlow_fc1 I've never had a VW, but I did own a Sonata N-Line. In addition, I'm comparing it to an Elantra N, which I did take a strong look at.. This VW is somewhat on par with that, but far less powerful.

[@Nate-Aims]

@@carlow_fc1chances are, if you’re looking for a GLI, you’re wanting a sedan and not a hatch. Different market.

[@teerocsgt]

Wow, same Engine from 2013, Still Nice design.

[@KakashiKai-r2k]

I mean only thing I would say is the center console I hate the digital speedometers haha I like the analogue way better it just looks sportier and the center console thing I think looks cheap they should go back to how the 2013 Jetta is with it in the dash ! But bigger it looks dumb popping out the top and then the ac vents in the back besides that the cars perfect haha maybe a bigger engine like a v6 and awd would be nice

[@andyestrella14]

How many speakers and does it include a subwoofer?

[@scruss65]

It has heated and vented seats and a spare standard. You missed that one Joe. 😄

[@BJSuggs]

Alright Joe let's see what this GLI is all about! :)

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah brother

[@carloskaipers]

Agora sim ficou bonito o Gli aquele antigo com aquela grade gigante era tenebroso

[@andrewkustas]

Do you like the 2025 GLI autobahn or the 2025 Mazda3 premium plus better?

[@brado2273]

Joe, I seen the button for ventilated seats, next to the heated heats. Do it not work? Comes standard in Canada thankfully.

[@NPazdernik]

Good car! Best sport sedan for the money? It still falls short of the Elantra N, in the sport department. It has a bit more luxury though, which makes sense. If you don't need something as hardcore as the EN, this seems like a great choice!

[@runjdm_]

Whats the button next to heated seats if you are saying it doesn't have vented seats???

[@astronomicalsymphony59]

Joe, please level with me bud.. no way someone can recommend this over the Elantra N. Manual starts at 34k, automatic at 35.5k (about the same price as this). The EN is track oriented with way more power, torque, drive dynamics, and head turning ability. The only way you’re picking this Jetta is if you want a more casual ride with a little more oomf than a civic or a Mazda 3. At that point the sonata n line is about the same price as this anyway. It has more power, room, tech, and not too shabby on MPG. I think some people are not ready to accept Hyundai as a serious competitor in the industry despite their amazing work to catch up to the other brands.

[@oemj7147]

The Elantra N is the better sports car but this is a more refined ride that can still be considered a a sports sedan. The Sonata has no place in the sport sedan category.