The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Remains an Extremely Fun Car to Drive | MotorWeek Road Test

[@kevinbarry71]

Thanks for the 1979 reference, now I feel old.

[@bobobobobobo4597]

32 mpg combined is incredible at this weight and power

[@mediocreman2]

It's not a great looking car, but it's not a bad looking car. Perfectly inoffensive. Sometimes those are the cars that age the best. Love that is has a manual as standard. If I could buy 100 of every car that is still made in manual, I would. Just so they keep making them. 😁

[@Radek3887]

I like that about Volkswagens. Their styling usually ages very well. In five years that car will still look good. The flashy / trendy stuff looks out of place after a while. But, I guess that's what brings people back to the dealership.

[@xp50player]

Always love this “The Price Is Right” showcase voiceover style.

[@tomwebber5094]

It would be nice if they brought back the coupe version of the Jetta and the 2-dr version of the GTI. Not everyone wants or needs 4-doors.

[@nitroforce87]

Although it would be nice, it doesn't make sense from a business standpoint and _TRUE_ 2DR coupes are a dying breed, the recent victims being the Civic Coupe and S-Class Coupe

[@sultanniazi2394]

Would take this over a civic si

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Why?

[@thrasherx2k1]

@@BkBk-gy6vr because someone who’s married might have a wife who might need to drive it from time to time. Most women can’t drive stick

[@dohc1067]

I like the driving dynamics of VWs' cars, but in this case I prefer the styling of the rear and sides vs the front.

[@audieconrad8995]

I Generally prefer the styling of most rear ends ...

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

I just got a 2019 GLI S DSG on Friday, my third Volkswagen. It is an incredible car. For those saying the numbers are bad, they are not, they are underrated. VW starting around 2019 started rating the hp numbers based off wheel hp. Someone dynoed their stock 2019 GLI and made about 230hp to the wheels. Translate to crank, that’s about the 250-260 range. So yeah. I’d say the numbers are more than adequate. Kia and Hyundai are doing the same thing with their vehicles now. Elantra N is a prime example

[@seedub8560]

I can verify this is definitely true. (2020 GLI Autobahn owner here).

[@CristianHernandez-xh7bz]

2021 S reporting in, mine is manual. I think it is a little underwhelming honestly. The best part that I can tell with it is definitely fuel economy, avg 34 mpg on my commute. One thing I hate about it though is the motor sounds quite shrill 70+ MPH, which I guess is common among 4 poppers

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

@@CristianHernandez-xh7bz I do love the mpg as well. Super fun yet fuel efficient. Although I’ve found especially in hot weather, I get the best mpg and power with premium gas. Just is a better overall car on premium compared to regular

[@erichuie3329]

I've have the same car for 2 years and I love it. It's tuned and lowered. Fast, tight, fun, and still gets up to 37-38 mpg on the highway

[@bandwagon240]

My condolences.

[@tapper701]

2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI looks good inside & out ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@Holmesson]

Skál 🍻

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Inside? Looks a little outdated.

[@kingdingaling781]

VW should just put the Pretoria wheels on all of the GLI/GTIs. They are the only ones that don’t look like they need to be replaced with aftermarkets right away.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

I agree. I plan on getting a set for my summer wheels next year on my GLI

[@FoodFolksandGuns]

The voiceover at the very beginning of these videos makes me think of a plate of warm oatmeal cookies.

[@autolounge3171]

fr

[@jayh6900]

The MK7 GLI was a performance bargain a couple years ago when a new base S could be purchased for $21k and an Autobahn for $25k. At $33k and likely no discount, the value isn’t there anymore.

[@CristianHernandez-xh7bz]

Even with the MSRP being so much higher now, the interior quality isn’t that great. Plus it’s sad they got rid of the S.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

Pretty much no car is a bargain anymore in this market unfortunately.

[@nixaeagle141]

Exactly

[@sergsrt8]

Lmao if u think 33k today is expensive you're in for a rude awakening. Still a bargain

[@thrasherx2k1]

You’re wrong, the S with auto was like $29,000 in 2019, you can get a 2023 autobahn for $34,000 with auto. Sounds like a steal still to me

[@B9M3]

Been watching Motorweek off and on since the 80s. Have they ever not gushed about a vehicle in their reviews?

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

They started gushing about every vehicle only in the 2000s! Before that they were quite cautious. Especially in the 80s.

[@pokerfred68]

Can cut about a second off the 0-60 time with the DSG.

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

Yeah that’s why my DCT equipped 20’ model feels so much quicker than the manual I tested. It just pulls and pulls without any effort

[@VeganRod]

Please don’t have music playing over top of your commentary.

[@steveberry3664]

Totally agree

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I wonder how long it'll be until the aftermarket produces replacement steering wheel controls that use physical buttons instead of that haptic nonsense...

[@jralphroman]

Never going to happen

[@kingdingaling781]

The haptics in my GTI are awesome. No issues and wouldn’t want them any other way. Have you actually used them or are you just parroting some crap you heard on a forum?

[@stevemcgowen]

Never. It would be expensive and void the warranty…

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

@@kingdingaling781 When EVERY SINGLE REVIEW of the new GTI calls out VW for the problems with the haptic controls and even MW speaks negatively about something, you know there's a problem. I'm glad you like them though

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

I feel like people hate on the haptic due to it not being buttons. I’ve tried the buttons once in a mk8 GTI at a dealership. I loved them

[@billmalec]

Best buy in cars, the Jetta. 2019 Jetta S $16,995! Couldn't buy it fast enough. Averaging over 38mpg and it rarely see the interstate. The S is a blast. Can't imagine what the the GLI is like.

[@thejake8099]

I live in Houston and I have never seen the GLI on the streets...those tail pipes would be unmistakable.

[@dante437]

Plenty around Houston. Get out more lol!!!

[@maciejszumny6919]

I’m visiting Houston till Saturday. Now I’m going to play GLI game.

[@thejake8099]

@@maciejszumny6919 welcome to hot and humid 🥵..

[@maciejszumny6919]

@@thejake8099 I’m visiting from Nuevo Laredo. To me it’s actually not that hot 😀 But humid - yes. What I like a lot of places welcome my dog inside. So far haven’t noticed any Jetta GLI, but surprisingly quite a lot of Aston Martins 😀

[@thejake8099]

@@maciejszumny6919 GLI's are like unicorns here..now regular model Jetta's sure. Heck I've seen more Lambo's than GLI's.

[@jerperderp]

Does anyone know the name of those 18" wheels? I prefer those over the all black Sevilla.

[@jeffbauer3425]

I hate black wheels.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man that new Jetta looks beautiful!👌🥰👍thank you VW!

[@NGMonocrom]

Take a closer look at the numbers in terms of length and width. That's a mid-size Passat wearing a Jetta mask Halloween costume.

[@jakob9292]

They really need to make a jetta r. Such a missed opportunity

[@barsaf9989]

Europe gets all the cool VW's. But this GLI is cool too.

[@rebeltvr6046]

Jetta R will be a HUGE hit over here, might even take on the incredible Civic Type R.

[@grantmills4184]

I’d say the Audi s3 is the closest thing to that

[@gunnardeross]

Audi S3 is basically the closest thing you’ll find to a Jetta R

[@barsaf9989]

@@gunnardeross Spot on. Especially the new one since it's bigger than the previous s3.

[@paulg11552]

why does the same engine in Tiguan only have 180 HP making it a slug

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

The Tiguan uses the same engine but detuned and “Budack” cycle. The Tiguan in this market was given the worst powertrain combo while in other foreign markets you could order a new MK2 Tiguan with the GTI power plant (220HP engine mated to a 7-Speed DSG transmission). While the Budack cycle 184HP in the US Tiguan is barely adequate is anemic with a fully loaded vehicle. The Tiguan is a very heavy SUV and needs to have over 200HP to move all that mass well.

[@EA-vj4yb]

Lower entry price?

[@Trance88]

What a great performer. I'm more of a hatch guy, but this is one super nice sedan. The only thing that really makes me bite my nails is long term reliability and upkeep costs.

[@waynerogers6621]

I think they'd sell more as a hatchback in this SUV age

[@sleepy35th]

if you spend money on proper upkeep the car will pay you back with full power at 200k miles with no issues

[@kowalski5599]

Why does the GLI not have the same power output as the GTI? Just curious, no snarky comments required.

[@paul5683]

A sportwagon gti/gli would be so cool!

[@beb1527]

Another publication claimed 0-60 in under 6 seconds. After test driving this car, I would agree with Motorweek’s numbers.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

I was able to achieve 0-60 in the mid 5s with the dsg launch control

[@blackericdenice]

I need this engine in my 2004 Golf.

[@bbb12345]

Add the 4-Motion system and this car will be perfect.

[@Juan-nf2my]

Just get a s4

[@jralphroman]

@@Juan-nf2my or a WRX

[@bbb12345]

@@jralphroman just sold my 2016 WRX. Don’t like the CVT and there’s no manual transmission in Brazil. :-(

[@bbb12345]

@@Juan-nf2my it’s more expensive than the Jetta right?

[@ADHski]

@@Juan-nf2my lmao for 60k? no thanks.

[@mistamaog]

I'm glad this car exists but worry that there may not be a next generation when they're done with this generation.

[@scottyk329]

Please test the 2022 BMW M 240i xdrive.

[@andy42x]

Previous generation was so much cleaner looking.

[@josemontano7767]

I owned a 2013 GLI great car until around 70k and then it started to fall apart the carbon build up got so bad i had it fix twice out of warranty. I’m looking for a fun car now. Hopefully they fix the carbon build up issue.

[@donjohnson2428]

Just give it an italian tune up once and a while…

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Surely you put cheap gas in it😂

[@terminatorcoyote6319]

That drag track has less grip than a virgin road 😂

[@NGMonocrom]

Jetta?? This is a mid-size Passat masquerading as a compact Jetta. Quite frankly, doing an unconvincing job of it. Here's something else that's 18 inches.... The difference in length between the GLI and the GTI. Now, VW claims that the GLI is a GTI with a trunk. And maybe 18 inches doesn't seem all that much. You'd expect the sedan version to be a bit longer compared to its hatchback variation. _However,_ the difference in length between a Mazda 3 sedan is only 8 inches compared to its hatchback version.

[@th3namesadam968]

they added an extra gear for the automatic transmission for 2023

[@schmo7777]

Cobalt turbo in 08 had 280/320 from factory with factory tune upgrade. Cheap at 24k. Lsd. Why is there no good competor to that?

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

Huh? You mean THE Cobalt?, a notoriously unreliable hunk of shit car succeeded by the equally unreliable and less exciting Chevy Cruze, which is no longer in production? Terrible comparison…

[@crackdog69]

I agree that Cobalt was a good value/performance equation! It’s just not in same league as the latest GLI in terms of build quality, refinement, styling interior appointments, etc…

[@Gromitdog1]

touch controls? Who thinks these things up?

[@swanblake]

Elantra N is just a better car in everyway

[@DEVILTAZ35]

What is the silly red plastic at the front about? . It looks ok apart from that. It looks stupid on wheels and looks just as dumb here.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

They ruined the look with the update. Looks like a clown car on the front.

[@johannjohann6523]

Hopefully it's better to drive than look at. "bland" is the only word that comes to mind with that less than engaging body style. Looks like an older Corolla. The wagon version looks better than the sedan. But have to say the interior looks good with the exception of that steering wheel.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Older Corolla?😂 Go drive one and we’ll takk

[@WSNO]

This is the car for you if you have an out-of-control egg addiction

[@mercuryoak2]

Be better in fuel economy with the tdi which is still available overseas just this damn country screwed that up.

[@rootsmanuva82]

Diesel is $5.71-$6.88 a gallon. Let's suppose the better fuel economy of the TDI negates the higher cost of diesel...the TDI makes 148 hp vs. the GLI's 228 hp. Most people would take the GLI.

[@mercuryoak2]

@@rootsmanuva82 you can thank the gov again for that bs. And most people like to speed which is retarded.... Just enjoy the drive and geez mine gets more fuel economy then this gli far superior... End of story.

[@Mac10Daddy]

The TDI is not a sports sedan. Like the comment above me, nobody wants a diesel that makes 148 horsepower in a car like that

[@mercuryoak2]

@@Mac10Daddy your generalizing that everyone agrees with you with is just typical of this country...

[@stevemcgowen]

@@rootsmanuva82 torque is what matters and the tdis are torque monsters…

[@isaacfalvey]

Same price as an Elantra N. 🤔

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

Piss on Hyundai. Yeah It’s demonstrably faster bone stock, but tuning potential for the N is cost prohibitive and parts interchangeability is almost non existent. Unlike the MQB platform GLI which has numerous and fairly inexpensive aftermarket tunes and bolt-on mods readily available from a multitude of sources. A simple $600.00 stage 1 tune with no other mods and the Hyundai’s superior price point is easily forgotten.

[@waterloo123100]

@@nelsonvanvickle8862 Hyundai builds cars that catch on fire but still has Everything the kids want. Vw and Honda still hold the cake for me

[@nixaeagle141]

VW really lost their way forcing you to buy Audi priced cars , not what they were built on . Younger drivers could get a base 21k turbo & modify it how they see fit & no 38k gti plus gti insurance rates .

[@elliott4299]

The only thing is that modifying a base model will hurt any future resale value since the average buyer is looking for a reliable cheap compact sedan, whilst a modified GLI might fair better when reselling. Also since they have two different engines, with one being a engine that has a abundance of mods for and the other being a less used platform. And a GLI while priced close to the cheapest Audi model at MSRP (Audi A3 @ 34,000 USD), the GLI makes more power and also has that cheaper repair bill compared to its Audi brother. Also the more comparable S3 (Due to it being the sporty version of the A3) is at 45,000 USD which is way above the GLI. Also a young driver should opt to buy a used Jetta from previous generations as insurance will remain cheaper and then they aren't having to take out a loan for a new model.

[@nateisright]

All sedans should be liftbacks.

[@taurussho86]

Styling is dated

[@crisantogarcia6646]

I really like the GLI but with other manufacturers offering hybrid AWD models, it’s last on my list.

[@josiahdabotYT]

i have to say, this disappointed me really bad

[@bandwagon240]

If a yawn could be unreliable, it would be a VW.

[@windwalker121]

Well it's not a diesel, so there's at least some chance that they won't lie about the emissions, among other things.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Just like BMW, Mercedes, etc did. They ALL had their hands in the proverbial cookie jar.

[@shaun7126]

Dodge and Ford had a baby and it looks like a pinky toe

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

🤡

[@mathieucossette9019]

This front design is an ugly front design language... makes me want to throw up

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Says the guy with poor fashion sense😂

[@Mr99Burns]

Overpriced

[@CoolStefanlol]

2nd

[@scottsporowicz4621]

The front grille looks clumsy and cheap

[@jamessephar9458]

Slow.

[@Canadian_Gamer]

It's too soft. The MK3 was more hardcore and esthetically pleasing. This looks more like a fart in the wind

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

MK3?

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

A fart in the wind. Too much gaming has fried your mind😂

[@Dontgo5]

i cant take a front wheel drive car seriously, sorry

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Ok it’s not 1990 anymore😂

[@93remix]

Performance #'s on this GLI are sad... Might as well save up and purchase an S3 or S4 AUDI. But since they're all part of the VW group, I bet that's what they want u to do anyway, I'LL PASS

[@stevemcgowen]

It’s a 4 door economy sedan, not a race car…

[@ADHski]

The motorweek test yielded 5.6 to 60 and a 14.1 1/4 mile in the 2019 test of the GLI. So many factors beyond, it does x time.

[@mbd501]

@@ADHski That must've been with the DSG. Those are always faster.

[@jshch1415]

100 mph trap speed. This car has a lot more in it than 14.9. Probably had traction issues.

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

Hey guess what. VW now rates their power with wheel hp. Someone dynoed their stock GLI and it made 230whp. The crank was nearly 260. And the wrx makes the same if not less to the wheels. And the fact I beat a stock wrx in a race with mine, I’d say it’s perfectly fine. Numbers do not tell the whole story.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Driving a VW is a absolute no go. They over complicated stuff, have very bland and no passionate exteriors and interiors. Just so much better long term options. Any brand that can also have a model in the top 10 most unreliable cars or is in the top most unreliable brands should automatically be black listed from every buyer. And the. Of course you can also look at the nightmares VW owners are having on Instagram and you can asked them their stories. Don't buy another from the VW group. Even a lease is over complicated.

[@waterloo123100]

stay off instagram

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@waterloo123100..?

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

Lol. You haters are so transparent. I’ve had six VW’s, all incredible cars and extremely reliable. No major mechanical issues with any and my 06’ Jetta had 157k on the odometer when I sold it. The ownership experience with ANY car is subjective. Exactly what is “passionate” about a particular cars exterior or interior styling is ALSO subjective and a matter of opinion. And you know what they say about opinions, right? 😂😂

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

You definitely hate too much. I’ve had 3 VWs., including my 2019 GLI. All were very reliable. I’d say vw is one of the more simple yet elegant options out there. The people that have nightmares don’t maintain their car. If you want over complicated, feel free to check out the new Kias and Hyundais

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@nelsonvanvickle8862 Well as I told the other guy. You can just look up the statistics and see that the vast majority of folks have issues. It is what it is. And if you want a car that looks like every other car from its brand and zero identity that's up to you bro.

[@michaelmancini5773]

Eh, doesn’t excite at all