The 2025 VW Jetta GLI is the Most Underrated Sport Sedan!

[@AudiophileTubes]

The GLI is a great (and practical) driver's car! And VW's manual transmissions are flawless! I still have my now 22 year old 2003 GTI VR6 (with a 6-speed manual), and have never had to do anything to that tranny (never even changed the tranny oil even once), and it shifts like new! When it comes to reliability, if you get a VW with a manual AND a well designed engine, you are golden!

[@ftwtech]

Regular fuel, manual transmission, simple interior. Pretty cool. Price increase is unfortunate tho.

[@Realistick]

It’s a slight increase but you gain adaptive damping and I don’t remember the last autobahn having the heated steering wheel either. I wish they made a more stripped out version but they barely sell these😢

[@ECalland]

I personally love the new exterior face design especially the lights.

[@Realistick]

Agreed, I like that they got rid of the bright red circular air ducts too👌

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

The number of people who are clueless about this great car is staggering, to my greatest delight 🤗

[@mycool21]

I bought one just over 3 weeks ago, and I’m loving it so far

[@MrBones47]

Same! Loving mine so far. Do you by chance notice a slight rattle on cold starts? It goes away for me pretty much right away

[@JEdmund81]

Visually it looks a ton better but if only VW had gone with a subtler red stripe in the grill like the GTI rather than the lower number.

[@janoycresnova9156]

The Si hatch with this much power and interior comforts for mid 30k would be an instant buy for me.

[@HNRichard]

Sadly Honda won't make the Si hatch cause that would kill the market for the Integra and the upcoming Prelude

[@terrancemoore496]

I don't get your point the Jettta is not a hatch either. Unless you get a GOLF GTI, or a Honda Type R? I guess.

[@BudgetPhoenix]

Had a GLI now a GTI. Both are great cars

[@janoycresnova9156]

Gotta get R next.

[@mrjkstark]

@@janoycresnova9156Skip it and go straight to the RS3 😂

[@paulgemperlein626]

I'm a big fan of somewhat sporty cars that use regular fuel. I see cars that recommend or require premium as crossing over into impractical territory even if it realistically isn't that big of a deal. Yet another reason I'm excited for the new Prelude, which presumably uses regular.

[@terrancemoore496]

I thought the new Prelude also is going to be a hybrid? Well let me know when it comes out.

[@paulgemperlein626]

@ hybrid still needs gas, I'm hoping it uses regular gas

[@terrancemoore496]

@paulgemperlein626 yep enjoy!

[@GenXtra65]

Well said! Your review captured the essence of this car.

[@mariner3485]

I like VWs! I drove a new '98 Passat GLA 1.8T 5speed for 24 yrs. It got an APR chip (150hp became 200hp), new shocks/springs, a Neuspeed short shifter, .... (If I could do it again, I would have gotten the wagon, and maybe the fwd 6 cylinder engine/5spd) Like any German machine, VWs are great cars if you feed them a steady diet of spare parts.

[@joeschepis]

I bought the 2024 GLI with a manual, and for me way better than the Civic si and faster. I love it.

[@UnhingedMemescomp]

I think it really depends where you live at, in usa where the competition is cheaper its a hard sell but in Canada where the only competitor with the same price is the si, it becomes a fantastic choice. Wrx is at least 2 grand more for less options and the elantra n is 5 grand more, the si just has a better transmission. If you can handle the maintenance costs, its the best car out of the competition

[@Realistick]

Id say it still packs a lot more features/comfort than its competitors in the US too. Though it trades those things for handling and fun factor imo. Give and take, but at least it’s cheap too.

[@SamLed1111]

On my 7th GLI (and 11th VW since 1990, slight sabbatical in the early 2000's) and it always puts a smile on my face. Never had one issue with any of them. The GLI hits differently. It's sublime. The DSG is heaven. Is it perfect ? No. Typical VW quirks. It's stealth speed without the $$$$$. Only issue the dealer service network here in SoCal. They are horrible.

[@HoeplessAlexis]

glad to hear you have the DSG , i feel like no one ever talks about that version. What would you say are the top three quirks to you? if you don't mind sharing

[@SamLed1111]

@HoeplessAlexis weird interior buzzing including the rear view mirror. Fasten seat belt chime goes off for the passenger seat when no one is sitting in the seat, base stereo sounds amazing and much better than the awful "Beats" system.

[@mwmafia4549]

I just got the same exact trim and year this thing moves for sure yall!

[@vroomgc]

Same for me

[@matheus_palandi]

Conheço ninguém que subestime um jetta

[@mkadair]

Nice report Tyler!

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

The GLI SMOKE the Si...

[@mwmafia4549]

I just got the same exact trim and year this thing moves for sure

[@Offensively-normal]

Always a fun review. Can't help but smile when watching. My only question is for the OEM's Why? Why simulate engine sounds. What is the point. It's not a video game. Im glad VW is still making a car for regular people.

[@2040wagon]

As a former VW family owner I literally learned to drive a step shift on a new VW fox. The VW Jetta client for a manual are few in the US. The GLI is already a specialty sub class and the dual clutch is more reasonable for newer drivers. Anyone who remembers clutching around in traffic especially with occupants and the stress will know what I am referring to. That said I live very near VW dealer (3 blocks) and they sold GLi out (3). The trade in market is tricky with these since there are so few drivers of step clutch cars. Honda still rules around here with occasional WRX making an appearance. This a guy's car and I am happy that VW still makes it. Former Sciroco, Fox, Golf, and Quantum.and yes they all had one electrical issue or another but driver engagement and almost aspirational religion to things German carried them along way.

[@2040wagon]

Should say VW family after all cars listed.

[@Realistick]

Depends on the market, the manual VWs actually do just as well as the DCTs in the US by sales numbers (according to GTI sales data).

[@darkzmith3732]

Here in nyc there has been so many people buying jettas newest and back to the mk7 I’ve seen them on basically every block or parking lot

[@nyurkt24]

Another great review on a pretty decent car

[@ramonahumada4]

What’s the deference between the 24 vs 25? I just test drove a 24 with 2k miles on it with all bells and whistles with 2k miles on it for 29k. I was so tempted to buy it. I also test drove the GTI and it has less back seat room and the GLI felt to be a better daily!

[@Realistick]

If you were driving a 2024 autobahn (and not the 40th anniversary), the big difference is adaptive damping, heated steering wheel*, styling, and the capacitive controls. Might be some more nuances but that was all that I caught. 29k is good but you might be able to get a new one for 32-33k too (like the one in this video). Best of luck!

[@corsair3886]

I can't stand the grille light bar. It would be the first thing I'd disable if I got one. I do love the updated styling though.

[@drumflip1253]

It’s a nice car for sure. But if you’re an enthusiast and need 4 doors Elentra N more performance and superior car for under 2k more.

[@vroomgc]

Its more than 2k difference in Canada and its a harsh ride and cheaper interior but ya the N is faster

[@JamesXiaolu]

Well, JETTA GLI is from VW of GERMANY. ELENTRA N is from HYUNDAI of SOUTH KOREA. German or Korean? The choice is pretty clear to me!:-) (I got a VW 2024 JETTA GLI)

[@katiecannon8186]

The new design for the GLI is definitely an improvement. I like it a lot. The face lifted GTI is nice - except for the stupid giant screen. But I really don’t think the redesigned SUVs are an improvement. They just look like a Toyota or something. The clean German design is gone 🥹

[@jeffbraden1048]

Awesome car !

[@paulgemperlein626]

For capacitive controls, it's just such a sale-killer for me. A car is so expensive and maybe some people just don't care but I'd have a hard time pulling the trigger without physical controls for the regular functions. It's one of the biggest reasons I don't have a new Santa Fe.

[@Realistick]

That’s a personal one, I really like the new Santa Fe (new video soon), I’d love to have more physical controls and their low position makes them more annoying too but Hyundai didn’t do them AS bad as some brands have at least. I think my least favorite are the ones that require multiple steps to use (think Ford). I’m hoping the industry goes back soon as the best selling cars don’t use them.

[@Kenjis9965]

I wish the Si had an auto option and I still have no idea if I would be comfortable in the Elantra N's stripped out buckets (bad joint problems and stuff) I have a 24 40th anniversary I got under sticker and I love it. I have the adaptive dampers and stuff on it even which is quite nice to have. I had one minor glitch on the telecommunication module that was replaced quickly with no hassle by my dealer and other than that it's been bulletproof so far. Funny enough the 2 German cars I've had have been flawless

[@vroomgc]

I had an mk7 Golf R (tuned) for 6 years with zero problems.

[@zagrix]

its a nice car

[@Lisbonese]

Love the new GLI with a manual

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@duncanmclellan5479]

Nice review! While it might not seem like a natural competitor, for a daily driver that you plan to keep forever that prioritizes driver engagement, comfort, and efficiency, how would you compare this against the Mazda 3 manual? (Your review of that Mazda was what got me to become a regular viewer now subscriber to your channel.)

[@Realistick]

This gives you more speed and space, the Mazda gives you more quality and better steering. Without driving them back to back, I want to say the GLI had a slight edge in both handling and ride quality as the Mazda wasn't shooting for performance (and it doesn't have adaptive damping). Thanks for watching/subscribing!

[@duncanmclellan5479]

@ that’s interesting about steering feel. I want to like the Elantra N, but for the daily grind, I believe I’d be telling it to “calm down” more than I’d like. Jetta seems like a good middle ground. Love the channel; best for continued success in 2025!

[@vroomgc]

@@duncanmclellan5479 Agreed the N will start to wear on you after a while with the harsh dampers and cheaper interior

[@andrewbaker7717]

Have you driven the Kia Forte GT?

[@andyk6796]

I have a 2025 SEL and I agree, the Beats audio system is not impressive. The Fender system offered in the Tiguan is much better.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Have Beats ever made anything impressive?

[@r3games1985]

Built in Mexico. Still pretty good for the price though.

[@mrjkstark]

My Mexican built mk7 was rock solid for 8 years and was stage 2 tuned for 7.5 of those years. My Germany built mk8 has had so many electrical gremlins in the first 6 months it’s not even funny…

[@jpack85]

I have the previous gen GLI, and while I'm fine with its performance as a daily driver, I HATE the seats. They are cheap & unsupportive. Has that been fixed in this gen? I have the 6M transmission and I love being able to throw my own gears. That said, and regardless of the seats, I won't buy a new one because I also hate having a traditional trunk. I previously had a TDI sportwagen with a 6M and I miss it every day! As far as problems, I did have to replace my infotainment system after only 20K miles, and I chose NOT to replace it with VW OEM.

[@tylerengborg1750]

I have the cloth seats on my mk7 2020. They're okay, nothing special. I did drive one with the leather seats, which I found to be quite good - some of the best leather seats I've ever sat on. That may be personal preference though.

[@Trollberg]

are they still loud AF inside?

[@Realistick]

Decent amount of road noise at highway speed. For a compact, it’s not wild. Kind of like the Civic Si if i remember correctly.

[@vroomgc]

Definitely not loud, try taking out an Elantra N

[@amadocruzmortera2674]

Best Mazda 3 awd turbo 🔥🛤️

[@chickenfarm09]

Is there any VW still made in Germany?

[@Realistick]

GTI and ID Buzz

[@ericdolby1622]

Bring back knobs and gauges and get rid of the TV screens

[@chrissimmons9969]

This is probably the only VW product that I would own. Well maybe this or the Golf R.

[@stackpack1498]

Thanks I was waiting for this

[@seb5945]

German Elantra N vibe.

[@markw4012]

“Easy to obtain”!? (10:57) Depends where you live. Closest one I can test drive is 200 miles away. 😢

[@Realistick]

Ouch, that's unfortunate, though at least the lack of markups make them easy to buy!

[@alfonsolopez929]

elantra N vibes

[@tygs]

Does anyone else think that the infotainment screen look cheap

[@Jaubie]

Mazda 3 manual blows this out the water

[@KEVIN88GT]

No heated steering wheel at this orice in any of the trims? Ooooof....

[@Realistick]

Heated steering wheel is standard on the US cars!

[@vroomgc]

@@Realistick And the Canadian gli too

[@mahcheeksajiglin6540]

VW is trying really hard for this to look like a KIA

[@shamalabadingdong]

A specced out gli is more than an Elantra N and the Elantra N runs faster lap times than a golf r. That's probably the hardest sell. If you want a more comfortable car with a nice interior, there are better cars than the gli too (Mazda 3 turbo or something). As a performance car, it's not competitive

[@vroomgc]

Mazda 3 turbo is slower with a crap transmission and less interior space. Spec'd out gli ? The car comes fully loaded , no options except for paint color

[@HernandesPires-tw3yj]

Tenho um Gli 2023 é muito mais bonito e chamativo que esse novo modelo do Gli

[@tyhyhh]

the red is so ugly also the tall gearing ruins this car as a manual trans

[@goethe3290]

Not available in germany! BUMMER!

[@egorlike1324]

Did anyone ask for them to replace excellent physical buttons and dials with the capacitive "buttons"

[@janoycresnova9156]

Cost cutting

[@vroomgc]

Ya I wish my cell phone had buttons and dials too

[@mistigeweersbesie]

Don't understand why VW can't manufacture fuel flaps....At the local dealer here in Canada, EVERY SINGLE NEW VW in the lot has a fuel flap that is not aligned with the body of the vehicle. That goes for the Atlas, Tiguan, ID4, Golf R etc. Freaking embarrassing.

[@JMUNKHNASAN]

1st

[@jamesnicol3831]

Your money your headache down the road

[@vroomgc]

I had a mk7 golf r for 6 years and it was tuned, I has zero issues with the car

[@paisleyplastic]

The problem is that it's the NPC enthusiast car. It's only going to be bought by balding white men with glasses that weren't in style since 2010.

[@richardmichael59]

Reliability rating is not impressive. Pass.

[@markallen2984]

VW is nobody's first choice. Generic looks and subpar reliability.

[@vroomgc]

lol

[@AC-io8qs]

Gets handily beaten by a Sonata N-line in every category and the Hyundai is cheaper.

[@devn3813]

The Sonata does not have a limited slip or leather seats

[@janoycresnova9156]

Sonata has no manual and costs $3k more.

[@justindavis3332]

It's still a much better performance car, even without an LSD.

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

Oh, ojay

[@mrjkstark]

Sonata engine will even blow up faster than the GLI! So cool.

[@chrissimmons9969]

Word on the street that sound system is a complete abomination especially as compared to other cars and its price and class.

[@Realistick]

It sounds like it was tuned by Mr. Dre

[@richardmichael59]

Which could easily be modded for $400

[@mariner3485]

@@richardmichael59 Absolutely. But that's the problem w/VWs - they need upgrades (ie suspension) bcuz VWofA wants to sell Audis.

[@gd2bking1]

2023 interior looks SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!