Updated and upgraded! _ 22 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review

Hi, I'm Chris Wardlaw for CarGurus, and this is the updated and upgraded 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. Though the most popular Volkswagens are SUVs, the Jetta far outsells all of VW's car models combined, and it's no mystery why. This so-called compact car delivers plenty of interior room, a big trunk, good crash protection, and impressive efficiency, all at an affordable price. But what makes it stand out from other models in its segment? Why should you consider a Jetta instead of a competitor, let alone the similarly-priced Volkswagen Taos? If you're a driving enthusiast on a budget, one of the answers is parked right behind me. So let's take a closer look at the fun-to-drive 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The company simplifies the lineup, shrinking it to five trim levels and replacing the R-Line with a more affordable new Sport model. All but the GLI get a larger and more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and every 2022 Jetta benefits from minor styling, interior, and wheel design changes. Additional technology is standard, too, helping to explain a price increase that puts the base Jetta S over the $20,000 mark. This review, however, focuses on the top-of-the-line Jetta GLI, which starts at $30,995 plus a destination charge of $995. Our test car has the standard six-speed manual gearbox instead of the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which helps to keep its price down. However, the flat gray paint job and the black package push the test model's window sticker to about $33,000, including destination. You'll need to look closely to see the 2022 Jetta's styling changes. On the GLI, they include new front and rear bumpers, a restyled grille with a wider red bar running across it, rather obnoxious-looking red air intake rings, and larger exhaust outlets. The GLI badge gets redesigned, too. Our test car has the optional black package. It adds gloss black wheels, black mirror caps, a black roof, and a black rear spoiler for an extra $595. In standard spec, the GLI's wheels have a machined finish, and these other items are body color. Inside, the biggest changes for the GLI pertain to standard Audubon trim with leather seats, a new red underlay that adds a tint to the leather's perforations, and added stitching to the door panel inserts. The GLI also has a new steering wheel that is better to grip, but the gloss black touch-sensing buttons suffer from reflections and don't always respond properly to inputs. What Volkswagen didn't fix are things I complained about with the previous GLI. The front passenger seat still doesn't have a height adjuster, and backseat passengers still don't get any air vents or USB charging ports. Especially at the GLI's price point, such omissions are hard to accept. Nevertheless, on cool and gray fall days, the Jetta GLI is a comfortable place to spend time. Switching now to some tech talk, Volkswagen reserves its best infotainment system for the Jetta SEL and GLI, each of which run VW's latest software and have a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. However, unlike the setup in the Jetta SEL, the GLI does not have an embedded navigation system. Instead, you'll need to use the wireless App Connect technology to access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The GLI also has a wireless charging pad, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services. Three different Car-Net plans are available, with features ranging from remote engine starting and an Amazon Alexa skill, to safe teen driver alerts via Family Guardian technology. Emergency assistance and automatic collision notification are also available, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. With an active data plan via the Car-Net hotspot subscription, you can upgrade the Jetta's available navigation system with an extra cost add-on called Plus Speech. Plus Speech is a natural voice recognition technology. Since the test car did not have navigation, it also did not have Plus Speech, so I could not evaluate it. Siri worked great, though, no problems. Overall, I find the Jetta's infotainment system agreeable to use, though it sure can take its sweet time to load when you first start the car. Aside from volume and tuning knobs, it works much like a smartphone, but with proximity sensing controls that show on the screen only when your hand is close to it. You can swipe and scroll to find the features and information you seek, and while I prefer Volkswagens with Fender premium sound systems, the Jetta GLI's 9-speaker Beats Audio setup is adequate. With regard to safety technology, every 2022 Jetta includes a basic but effective package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. New this year is IQ Drive, which adds two important new features. The first is Travel Assist, a hands-on semi-autonomous driving aid meant for highway use. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance to make long-distance trips easier. The second is Emergency Assist. If you have the Jetta's available Lane Assist system turned on, Emergency Assist will activate if the driver lets go of the steering wheel for more than a few seconds. First, it warns you that you need to take control. If you don't, then it will slow and stop the car in its lane of travel with the hazard lights flashing. Volkswagen includes something called Automatic Post-Collision Braking, a standard equipment on every 2022 Jetta. It brings the car to a halt as soon as is possible following an initial collision and airbag deployment in order to avoid secondary crashes that might occur after the airbags deflate and in turn can no longer offer further occupant protection. Also, the Jetta gets good crash test ratings, though the car's not class-leading in this regard. Okay, let's talk about what it's like to drive a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. In short, it is an absolute blast. Any driving enthusiast who's on a tight budget and needs the added practicality this car offers will not be disappointed in this choice. Starting under the hood, you get a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This is VW's EA888 engine, making 228 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque starting at just 1,500 rpm. It is a smooth and refined power plant that delivers effortless acceleration, now accompanied by a throatier exhaust note thanks to improved acoustics. The test vehicle has the GLI's standard 6-speed manual transmission, but you can get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. All Jetta GLIs are front-wheel drive, but VW's XDS cross-differential system and a torque-sensing differential are both standard to ensure the maximum amount of the engine's output translates into acceleration. Additional go-fast goodies include progressive variable ratio steering that delivers quick response and sharp accuracy, stout brakes from the previous generation Golf R performance model, and an adaptive damping sport-tuned suspension. The GLI's 18-inch wheels wear modest 225-45 Hankook Kinergy GT all-season performance tires, and they supply better grip than you might expect. Multiple driving modes are also available. Drivers can select from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Custom. Using the Normal and Sport modes, the GLI returned 29.9 miles per gallon on my test loop, essentially matching the official EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon in combined driving. On the highway, the Jetta GLI suffers road noise. Otherwise, the car is quiet, and the engine is so creamy smooth that it's easy to forget to upshift into a higher gear to conserve fuel. Around town, the progressive variable steering makes parking, maneuvering, and whipping around corners a delight, and it's easy to see out of the Jetta. The adaptive damping suspension offers a commendable ride quality, too. The car really comes alive on twisting mountain roads. Switch to Sport mode, and you'll notice a subtle difference in throttle response, steering weight, the exhaust note, and suspension tuning. These traits, in combination with a light clutch, silky shifter, the XDS and torque-sensing front differential, and a seemingly endless supply of torque all make the Jetta GLI a blast to drive fast. Sheer joy comes in the form of the GLI's accurate steering, stout brakes, remarkable grip, and overall dramatic sense of the road. The car's size, weight, tossability, and predictable, unflappable nature all boost the driver's confidence in the car, and the new steering wheel perfectly supports enthusiastic driving, providing thick places for the driver to grip, even if you prefer to shuffle steer like I do. Ultimately, the Jetta GLI delivers an exhilarating driving experience, free of surprises. This car is all about calm, cool, and collected speed without the boy racer design cues, a loud and farty exhaust, or a brutally stiff ride. In other words, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is one of just a few sport compact cars made for grown-ups. When it comes to cars, most people think practicality and fun are mutually exclusive concepts. They're not, and the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI proves it. The GLI faces some serious competition, though. Rivals include the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Kia Forte GT, Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, and Subaru WRX. Those last two also offer all-wheel drive. And let's not forget about VW's own GTI hatchback, which is all new for 2022. Obviously, there is no shortage of great sport compact cars. The updated Jetta GLI, though, earns its membership in the club. Be sure to read my full review of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI at CarGurus, and if you found this video helpful, please don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. For all of us here at CarGurus, thank you very much for watching.