The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the enthusiasts’ Jetta.  It’s a compact four-door sedan that seats five.  Aka the Golf GTI with a trunk.

And if you’re looking to drive with more power, tuned suspension, and overall sportiness.  Then the GLI Jetta is for you.  GLI stands for Grand Luxury Injection.  And a little more background bit for you.  Volkswagen introduced the Jetta to the US market in 1980.  Then they followed with the Jetta GLI in 1984.

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New For 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The biggest news for 2024 GLI is that the enthusiast model is being offered in two different trims.  There’s the 40th Anniversary and the Autobahn.

GLI now includes Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive driver assistance technology on all automatic transmission models.  And that’s now standard.  Also new for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a nicety on the Autobahn models.  Because they now come with a heated steering wheel standard.

228 hp & 258 lb-ft of torque

Trims And Prices – 2024 VW Jetta GLI

For 2024 the VW Jetta GLI is coming in two different trims.  You have the option of the Autobahn or the 40th Anniversary Edition.

It’s worth noting that the 40th Anniversary Edition GLI costs slightly less than the top-of-the-line non-GLI Jetta for 2024.

Engine, Transmissions & MPG

Under the hood is where you’ll find a big differentiator between the Jetta and Jetta GLI.

Because the GLI comes with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with 16 valves.  It’s turbocharged and intercooled.  Putting out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  That’s a big step up from its more tame sibling.  The non-GLI Jetta offers a 1.5L 4-cylinder putting out 158 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque.

GLI comes only in front-wheel drive.  But automatic or manual transmission is being offered on both GLI trims for 2024.  The manual transmission is standard equipment on both trim options.  And the automatic transmission upgrades to a seven-speed dual-clutch.

MPG with the manual is being estimated at 24/35/28 – city/highway/combined.  And with automatic transmission GLI’s estimated MPG bumps up to 26/36/30 for the same.

7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual trans

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – What Does It Look Like?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI continues its athletic and sporty appearance.   Immediately recognizable are the red GLI badging and accents.  But if you miss the VW badge, you might easily mistake GLI for an Audi.  And being the brand’s luxury brethren, that makes sense.

Curiously Volkswagen groups the GLI and Jetta in the materials it shares with the automotive press.  However, the engine, suspension and, appearance are all different when comparing the two.  Even the exterior dimensions differ – albeit slightly.

Inside The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Going inside the 2024 Jetta GLI you find the sporty accents continued.  Red GLI branded highlights and stitching adorn the gear shift column, seats, and more.  The stainless steel pedal covers further the sporty motif.   Plus 40th Anniversary Edition trims get a special steering wheel and seat tags.  A common signature differentiator VW adds to various trims and models.

Controlling both trims for 2024 is a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  The automatic transmission, of course, includes paddle shifters for taking control of the RPMs.

Also coming with GLI is either an aluminum or leather gearshift knob.  Aluminum comes with the standard manual transmission.  And leather comes with the manual trans.

Heated front seats come on both trims.  But if you want them ventilated as well then you have to go with the Autobahn trim.

Jetta’s overall passenger volume comes in at 95.7 cubic feet.  While its trunk space checks in at 14.1 cu-ft.