2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: More Spectacular, Efficient and Smart

The GLI, the sporty version of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, has a redesigned front end, a more efficient engine, notable technology upgrades like the IQ Drive package… and a significant price increase.

One of Volkswagen's strengths is its ability to build reliable cars that are comfortable for everyday use, but with a sporty spirit that satisfies those who love to drive. By far the best example is the timeless Golf GTI. But the same approach applies to other models such as the Jetta GLI. We got to test the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and here we summarize its most outstanding features.

El Motor Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2022

The first thing to note is that the 2022 Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (16 valves). This engine produces 228 horsepower, so we have a car that is very different from the "regular" Jetta, which has a 1.5-liter engine and 158 horsepower. I mean the GLI adds 70 horsepower to the world in terms of throttle response. The Jetta's maximum torque is 184 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm; The Jetta GLI achieves 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm.

While the GLI's engine is the same as the 2021 version, Volkswagen has achieved better efficiency. The 2022 Jettal GLI gets 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. That's 2-3 mpg better than the 2021 GLI. (By the way, the 2022 Jetta engine is new and different from the 2021-liter 1.4 engine.)

Following the tradition of Volkswagen sports cars (), the Jetta GLI is offered with both a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission that allows up and down shifts using paddles on the steering wheel. Even for those of us who love manual transmissions, it's hard to argue that Volkswagen's automatic DSG transmission, found in other models like the Golf GTI and R, isn't a marvel of engineering.

2022 Jetta GLI design

The appearance of the new Jetta does not change much compared to the model that is currently on sale. At the front, a facelift has been made, in which new red vertical air intakes stand out. The grille, bumper and headlights have been minimally changed, with the horizontal red line wider and better aligned with the bottom of the headlights. But front LED lights have been added as standard.

The side is pretty much the same. Only the wheels have been changed, which are now black instead of chrome and 18 inches. The disc brake is still visible and painted red as before, but it stands out more on the new model. And when viewed from the rear, the car looks exactly the same as before, with dual exhausts and red GLI lettering.

The interior stands out with the use of perforated leather and, again, the inclusion of red accents that set it apart from the regular Jetta, contributing to a "sporty" air, as well as chrome pedals. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, has also been redesigned and, in addition to the GLI logo and red detailing, includes buttons to control information shown on the driver display.

Technical updates and IQ Drive package

One of Volkswagen's recent prides is its IQ Drive technological advancement package. It's offered as an option on all models, but on some, like the 2022 Jetta GLI, it's standard. Includes adaptive cruise control for the vehicle ahead, obstacle-to-obstacle braking assistance, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, rear-traffic alert, and emergency assistance that takes control of the vehicle—until you bring it to a stop completely - in case the driver faints.

In addition, the GLI includes other enhancements such as automatic windshield wiper sensors, a rearview mirror that automatically dims to avoid reflecting light from a car following us, a 10-inch touchscreen, wireless cell phone connectivity, and wireless charger, ambient lighting in 10 colors, heated and ventilated front seats and sunroof.

feeling behind the wheel

On a test drive of the 2022 Jetta GLI (with manual transmission), we were able to verify that it had enough power for a car weighing around 3,300 pounds, as well as improved suspension and brakes (they are the same as the 2021 Golf R). The different driving modes it offers are also useful. Its handling on the track was excellent for a midsize compact, but on winding mountain roads it is no match for its Golf GTI cousin and far from the Golf R, of course. But to be fair, they are different cars. and the Jetta GLI is slightly cheaper than the Golf GTI.

Price 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Something that surprised us a little was the price increase, certainly caused by the inflationary situation in the current economy and global production and distribution problems. The 2022 Jetta GLI starts at $30,995 (manual) and $31,795 (automatic). That's nearly $5 more than the current asking price of the 2021 Jetta GLI, which is advertised at $26,345. It's true that the 2022 GLI comes with a lot of extras included in that price, such as -inch alloy wheels and the IQ Drive technology package (which is worth the bucks on its own), but the price jump is quite attractive.

One detail: according to Serban Boldea, director of product marketing for Volkswagen North America, the Jetta has been the German house's number 1 selling car for years. In other words, during the brand's most difficult moments in the US, the Jetta was "the one that kept the lights on". It currently ranks third in sales and overall continues to offer good value for money with low maintenance and efficient consumption.

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