Is the 2025 VW Jetta GLI 6-speed manual the BEST new compact sport sedan?

FIRST LOOK: The Jetta GLI is getting some changes from Volkswagen for 2025. On the outside you will discover a new color, revised lighting, front fascia, and red trim. On the inside you will be greeted by sport seats, digital gauge cluster and revised infotainment system. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Is the 2025 VW Jetta GLI 6-speed manual the BEST new compact sport sedan?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@illegalfreakTV]

“8 inches is plenty to have fun with.” 😂

[@Carfan678]

its true 😂

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

😁

[@EleasRedjet]

Dangit, so close

[@josephcorreia2168]

Keep up the great work Joe and team.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks brother! You got it man!

[@Throw_Down]

I love this new GLI. Sharp, sort of sinister looking, but subtle like only the Germans can do it.

[@MistaFaro]

Volkswagen finally pulled their head out of their ass's and designed the Jetta Properly! 👌

[@jpizel1070]

It's about time. Not sure how they seem to do a good job with the GTI but can't never get the Jetta right.

[@KeithSchwerin]

Now if only they kept it's engine on par with the GTI

[@hartmutthomas989]

Yes!

[@DH-og5yr]

@@KeithSchwerin less boost could mean better reliability long term.

[@thrasherx2k1]

This thing is mid 5’s 0-60. At least the DSG one is.

[@christopherg.1367]

We need more cars like this. Great job VW. #SaveTheManuals

[@notUrAvrgGamer]

looks very similar to hyundai N colors

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

There is imposter among us

[@Basic-Grunge]

You’re so right

[@christopherwalbourn2649]

Wheels very similar as well to the Elantra N

[@chimmychongaz]

Honestly thought this was a Hyundai N at first glance

[@BoostedGT2]

Huh weird, almost like they are trying to compete with the 22-24 Kia Forte GT like the one I have that blows the doors off GLIs

[@aaronbaird9444]

Always amazes me that a Kia Soul comes with hood struts, but premium top-spec vehicles like the Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, and Mazda 3 all use prop rods. Sharp looking Jetta.

[@GodlyLiving4me]

GLI over SI anyday

[@jpizel1070]

That SI engine is a dog. The GLI's power looks good on paper. Waiting on driving impressions.

[@Chumbucketsecret]

@@jpizel1070a downpipe & tune is 400whp.

[@juelz4516]

@@Chumbucketsecretyour high. 265-275hp maybe.

[@Chumbucketsecret]

@@juelz4516 you have google use it.

[@bumba711]

Sharp looking vehicle! I didn't think at 61 I'd go back to a manual transmission, but this GLI is seriously tempting me!

[@RaitisRides]

You can get an automatic

[@BrakRulesAll]

I'm 67, we have 3 cars in the garage - wife's '22 GLI, my '19 Golf R, and my '21 M2 Competition - all 6MT. DO IT!!!

[@donaldpiper9763]

I’am 69 and just ordered one . I think there good looking and no CVT transactions.

[@amill1563]

The last of the manuals for VW.

[@ltdasilva93]

They said that 4/3/2 years ago lol

[@amill1563]

@@ltdasilva93 Keep saying it and it will be true someday. Even if it takes another 30 years.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right Toby!

[@jtkent28]

@@ltdasilva93yeah but now that the GTI / R has gone manual only.. the Jetta being the last, you know the end is near. Glad I got my ‘23 GTI. I’ve never purchased an automatic car but my next GTI will probably be my first.

[@luisjalvareztorres8481]

Crazy that VW got rid of the 6MT in the GTI and R but decided to keep it for the GLI 🤣

[@moldie]

It might be because the GLI decisions are made by VW of North America, while the GTI and R are decided by the home office in Germany. But it is crazy that a manual is not offered in the new GTI. Insane, really.

[@Joe-cm9dn]

​@@moldieagreed. Stupid move.

[@rickjames6867]

Cool option for those who don't want to join the Civic club. Civic might be better than this in certain categories but this car still has a unique set of qualities that make it a formidable choice within the segment.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so spot on with your comment.

[@cooperbuch1953]

this car actually does outcompete the civic si in terms of hp and 0-60

[@thrasherx2k1]

This car blows the Civic away 0 to 60

[@beastmode1191]

VW ticked all the right boxes with the improvements and it looks sick. Love the front end, FUNCTIONAL air vents, rear light bar as VW is doing across many models now looks super modern and makes the rear end just pop. VW always known for their interior quality and so happy to see the black gloss door trim with the red lines gone…it looked so cheesy and cheap. This new interior is amazing and so thoughtfully detailed with the two tone leather seats and as Joe said the door panels are really awesome and sharp looking. Would have liked to see a HP increase up to at least the 240-250 range but looks like that won’t happen until a total redesign. All in all, fantastic job VW….can’t wait for your test drive vid of it Joe👍

[@andrewwedzik1655]

They should make it a hatchback like the A5.

[@RaitisRides]

Nah, just get a GTI

[@donaldpiper9763]

@@RaitisRidesNo manual on the 2025 GTI big mistake,so no thanks.

[@jimbean5672]

Joe literally has so many adult innuendos. This is why I love Raiti's Rides. It's kid friendly and adult friendly!

[@Jaybird563]

Notifications ON waiting for Joe to bring us that 2025 Civic Si👀🔥

[@Hercegovac.1]

It looks so much better than the previous model! Amazing review Joe 👍

[@EvendimataE]

its more beautiful than the previous gen

[@richardmichael59]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn’t call it beautiful. Borderline Sporty maybe.

[@EvendimataE]

@@richardmichael59 not really beautiful, its ok...im just comparing it to its previouse genereation

[@jpizel1070]

Previous pne was hideous. This one looks good but still looks a bit bulky.

[@RaitisRides]

You are right about that!

[@xianshep]

Same generation (MK7), but FINALLY with a snout that looks good rather than hideous.

[@bobbyjones2112]

I like it better without those two red outline vents. This one looks way better!

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

I used to love manual transmissions until I moved to S.F. - The only way you're not burning out your clutch is if you can do the parking brake maneuver.

[@TheModernPioneer]

Why not just throw it in neutral?

[@richardmichael59]

How do you move fwd in neutral? I don’t think you understand the e brake use on hills go forward. Some vehicles have hill holder feature on manuals.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

@@TheModernPioneer The issue is accelerating from a full stop on a 41% grade.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

@@richardmichael59 This vehicle did not have hill assist. The purpose of the hand brake is to prevent the car from rolling back before the clutch engages. The alternative is high rpm and drop the clutch. This is how you burn your clutch out. You can also hold the vehicle in the friction zone, but this isn't ideal either.

[@TheModernPioneer]

@@richardmichael59 if you live somewhere with hills, that also means you’re going downhill roughly 50% of the time, which is also easier on your clutch than if you lived somewhere flat.

[@mrch33sehed93]

"8 inches is plenty to have fun with" If they had an award for the best puns, you'd win 1st place 😅.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the laughs and cars with you!

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

NO CVT ! Yayyyy - You forgot this Joe unless I missed it ! MPG's from the internet Manual transmission - The 2025 Jetta GLI with a manual transmission gets an estimated 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Automatic transmission - The 2025 Jetta GLI with a seven-speed automatic transmission gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

[@RaitisRides]

Great for brings my thr stats

[@princevashishth9831]

4:16 wheels looks amazing

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with yoy

[@viccao8431]

everybody hates on black wheels but I love them. Makes the car look so much more aggressive and hihglights the brakes

[@PowerTom_kyle]

I was at the VW dealership 4 weeks ago to test drive a Jetta, they didn’t have any. I’m a GLI buyer with a Manual Transmission for sure!

[@bryanmauroner3347]

The GLI the Benchmark for 30 + years ❤️🇩🇪 I’m with Joe major Zonk in the rear missing air vents. In addition an option for side and rear sunshades are a must going forward. Also why haven’t we got a 4-Motion all wheel drive version? Over all I’m pleased with the overall refresh and would love to test drive one.

[@adamayliffe9511]

I have to say, the rear console vents don't bother me. My wife's Tiguan has them, my S4 has them, and anyone that rides in the back seat nine times out of ten close them, as they find it is actually too much. Remember there are under seat vents, and it's not a large car. I would have rather the door inserts and upper door were soft touch not hard plastic.

[@MrBazz26]

Hey Joe, the Mk 8.5 facelift Golf has just gone on sale here in Europe and it now comes in a colour very similar to that Jetta. It's called Crystal Ice Blue.

[@gramb5611]

Love the color and red accent ! Great review Joe and Lori 🤙🏼

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@davonne225]

love the color, wheels, and the blacked out roof. Very smart for Volkswagen to do that. Like the changes. The interior is nice. Waiting for the redesign though. This is another refresh. I would pick over the Civic Si though.

[@louisbarkley5326]

Looks like there trying to go back to the mk6 Jetta look just refreshed I like it ❤

[@tomneila8496]

Just make this AWD, it'd be a perfect sedan. Though I prefer a 7speed DSG.

[@JW-gj6kw]

I have owned 3 Jettas, I really like them. I currently drive a Volvo S60 and it is perfect, comfy, kinda luxurious. But when I see this particular GLI with the DSG and adaptive suspension standard, man this might be the best one yet and I kind of want one!

[@RaitisRides]

I think you might be right!

[@heffaazul]

This genre is so so good. Autobahn GLI MQBs are incredible. They make V6 pony cars, Si, and N lines feel like Temu toys.

[@RaitisRides]

I think you may be right!

[@RaceCarFriends]

This is the best Jetta VW has put together since the early 2000's in my opinion, hopefully they'll decide to offer the GTI and Golf R with manual gearboxes in 2025.

[@KeithSchwerin]

Only reason the GLI is manual is because VW America is in charge of it since it's not a world car like the GTI/R

[@RaceCarFriends]

@@KeithSchwerin Makes sense, Hopefully they create a subdivision at VW America for the GTI and Golf R.

[@r3games1985]

The color is called Alpine Grey. Great car but here in Canada you can get a GTI for $1000 less than this. It was a no brainer for me.

[@ohgeez1000]

I thought it was Monument Gray

[@clemsonguy99]

I have a mk7 GLI and love it. Really like the updates. Wish they would have upped the HP to what the GTI has, but that’s fixable with a tune. Would’ve also been really cool if they had integrated that 8 inch screen into the dash instead of doing what everyone else does, but I’m guessing they didn’t want to spend the money redesigning the entire dash. I do love that about my MK7. The dash looks very well thought out. Just a great car for the price.

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Such a beautiful car! Love the seats, red accents, calipers with gorgeous black wheels, and practical, solid engine. A winner all the way around!

[@arizonacolour8793]

Joe, you got a Roush Mustang coming any time soon? 🤔

[@tomdrummy4984]

Whoa, a sedan !! 😃 Awesome color 👍👍. Thanks Joe……thought GLI meant good looking Italian 🙃

[@RaitisRides]

You are freaking hilarious

[@islanddon865]

I always loved the Golf, from the R22 to the GTi to the base models. But the Jetta not so much. However, recently the design of the Jetta has definitely improved. If quality control could be improved, VW may rise like a Phoenix from its ashes here in the States.

[@concretewu]

Looks similar to the mk6 😮I love it

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are digging this one.

[@Robert-kb8rl]

Great review - I look forward to the road test video!

[@RaitisRides]

I can't wait to bring it to you

[@V8EngineSound]

I'm glad to see a review of this car, since Jetta is no longer sold in Japan. I like the exterior of this car so much, but I'm surprised that there are no AC vents and USB connectivity in the back seat. I wish the interior and comfort features were the same as the Golf R. But I'm impressed with the aluminum dead pedal.

[@SkywalkerPMs]

The door decal would be the first thing I removed. Awful. The wheels look like Enkei ts-10s

[@trixie9867]

@9:49 8" is plenty to have fun with

[@andymcpherson4896]

It certainly looks better than previous generations but what bugs me is no rear hvac vents or connectivity and still with the prop rod. Wonder if it has a proper spare tire. My 2015 GTI has rear hvac, connectivity, back seat pockets behind both front seats, spare tire and hood struts.

[@Tacurongcity2001]

The rear seats head rest are not adjustable since 2018 cost cutting ? No rear ac vents or power ports. Maybe the 2028 Jetta will have them .

[@pokerfred68]

Wish they did away with the prop rod…upped the HP to around 250-260…10” touchscreen with integrated nav…otherwise a sharp looking vehicle.

[@cmasupra]

Does it have built-in nav? The Jetta SEL has it, but the current GLI doesn't. I'm disappointed they still kept the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons as well. Happy to see the manual is still available, ventilated seats, and an improved front fascia, though!

[@loki_wolff]

The race wars comment 😂 Rip Jesse and his dad’s Jetta . VW nailed the exterior design 🔥

[@georgewilkinson1068]

Are Fog Lights available? And fuel requirements, Does it require premium gas?

[@nicoleferrell1579]

🎉 Joe you did again great review 😅

[@Don380s]

If the could put this infotainment screen in the golf gti/r..the golf would have been perfect

[@BrakRulesAll]

My wife has a '22. Great car. I like most of the changes, glad they're continuing the 6MT. It's a travesty that it's now gone from the GTI & Golf R.

[@Kevin-qz4eq]

Even if you dont touch gloss black, you'll be able to see every little piece of lint and dust on it.

[@RaitisRides]

That is such an excellent point!

[@cigarjefe]

I had a Jetta back in 1989 with gold three piece BBS rims.

[@Anamnesis]

Great improvement over the outgoing design. If VW North America wants to keep this model, they need to turn it into a liftback like the Integra. Crossovers thrive because the majority of the buying public want versatility and cargo space, and cars are so ridiculously expensive that people don't buy multiple task-specific cars. Liftbacks provide some of that crossover practicality without losing the sedan shape. These cars need to be more practical to be competitive and stay alive in the future.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@jcarh]

Can't wait to see it in that darker grey color scheme that the GTI comes in.

[@jamesm654]

Fantastic. I'd take this over the Si and Elantra N-Line.

[@yuolo9979]

That's a nice looking Elantra N .... ooops I mean Jetta GLI 🤣

[@jpizel1070]

🤡

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did did there!

[@richardlecco636]

Unlike the Elantra N, you can get a GLI with both the 6-speed manual AND the sunroof (which is only available with the DCT for some weird reason on the N)

[@yuolo9979]

@@richardlecco636 I'm thinking with the 6 speed Elantra N, it was meant for weight savings I guess to not include the sunroof. I'd still pick the Jetta GLI as it looks sleeker

[@andyk6796]

Love the new design of the Jetta! The new front end is what it should have been 6 years ago when this generation came out.

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you 100% Andy!

[@xxsickmo7lonzxx524]

10:50 funny thing, i was drinking the exact one of those as i was watching this lol

[@chalelu]

With those specs would you consider the 2.0T accord a performance sedan?

[@victorling9676]

It’s a 225/45/18 tire, not a 225/40/18. The GTI has the 40 series sidewall, not the GLI.

[@RaitisRides]

Are you sure? These are new wheels

[@dominickirkwood]

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

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are digging this one.

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

The GLI is fun to drive, easy to tune and relatively affordable. Without mentioning that the GLI outperform the Civic Si without breaking a sweat.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point!

[@loitersquadX]

I wish they added ac vents. I might get the gti

[@Oryx1014]

Ah another beautiful car I’ll never have due to my staggeringly low income at a dead end job.

[@Cire8425]

Awesome. Reminds me of the 2017 model. I may have to get another one.

[@kwillee93]

The headlights kind of remind me of the mk7.5 GTi headlights. The way they curve up instead of the GTi mk8 now with its droopy angriness

[@manuelcamomot5152]

I love those manual transmission.

[@zatenm]

Well done VW for a keeping a handsome bargain sports sedan with a manual transmission

[@En1337Rich]

If I could give you a pointer, if your looking in the trunk, always check to see if it comes with a spare. People want to see that.

[@tjkim382]

this looks really nice. Howz automativ transmission work? is it dct?

[@jackr6896]

No front or rear parking sensors?

[@madebymark1457]

The gti interior looks way better. I hope the price reflects that.

[@RaitisRides]

I think it will.

[@gryphon123456]

Its absurd how much the Jetta looks like the Civic SI!

[@alexd2630]

it looks great.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@williamc4353]

Can’t wait for the 25 GTI review best hot hatch out there.

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned william!

[@Jonathan00062]

Finally it looks good again. I was tired that always looked like a Dodge Charger. Now it looks like a sporty Jetta thanks VW.

[@wranglerlife4ever42]

No USB ports for rear passengers and no rear AC vents for rear passengers on the top model Jetta (GLI) is a major oversight. Come on VW! Also, the 8” infotainment screen surrounded by gloss black looks very 2015 not 2025

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video

[@mklphoto]

Have they fixed the water pump problems?

[@donhill4501]

I had a 2023 GLI and traded it for a 2023 Arteon, I always said the Arteon is what the GLI should have been. It should at least have 300 hp in it.

[@btchidz]

I love those wheels. Got me thinking I should get something like that for my Forte GT

[@RaitisRides]

Nicely done

[@KeithSchwerin]

Really needs a power bump. Im not sure why they stopped keeping it on par with the GTI

[@bikin2008]

Needs the evo4 motor and 265hp stock. But they know people just flash these to 300+hp

[@mikes8809]

how do you quantify the title, without driving it…

[@zm4242]

I would get it in Black color

[@18t4motion]

Front end like better but that color with red lipstick gives Hyundai N vibes

[@its_jayco491]

Waiting for the review of the Tiguan 😍😍😍

[@FrankDominguez-zy7up]

I will be buying this car.

[@LuisUrbieta]

Viva Volkswagen!

[@JonathanChow180]

Can you do a video with the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?

[@rydgevilla8643]

8 inch is plenty to have fun with…. It’s a lot 😅

[@rsurmonte]

The bugs 2:52

[@hardycase3474]

Si is best. You know how sick it drives.

[@thumperjr100]

Agree. I've owned a GLI, now have a 2024 civic Si. The Si is a blast to drive. I look forward to going to work now because of the 20-minute drive.

[@aschlect]

It's a shame they downgraded the headlights to Reflector LEDs. Please share this with your VW contact.

[@RaitisRides]

I will do that for you! Good eyes on that one.

[@aschlect]

@@RaitisRides thank you, and while you're at it, a sportier dark blue would look much better than that dull Monterey Blue! ...and the 10" radio that Mexico/South America gets would be nice to have.....and don't get me started on the lack of the rear seat vents....even the Taos has them.

[@MarkUnitedNam]

How does this vw cars not have eletric trunk opening..still manual like the 60s

[@seal4ever778]

I like the changes…looks great

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that I could share it with you!

[@JoeDirt7799]

That's dope it reminds me of my gti mk7.5

[@David-cr3pt]

I have a 2013 GLI and this new one is making me drool!! Love the new front end. The last model was ugly.