2019 VW Jetta GLI Review
The long-anticipated 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has officially made it to dealers like our partner in the Los Angeles suburb of Ontario, CA - Ontario Volkswagen. And we took it for a test drive to bring you this in-depth 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review.

The GLI is the enthusiasts, sporty model, of the Jetta.  Volkswagen updated its standard line of Jetta's in the previous year.  So, with these 2019 models, Volkswagen marks the 7th generation of GLIs and Jettas.  And actually, in VW-lingo that's 'Mark 7 or Mk7.'

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Top-3
1. Exterior Styling.
2. The Drive.
3. Warranty.

My friends at Ontario VW gave me a Jetta GLI for a day recently.

Here's my complete report after running around Southern California's Inland Empire and getting a feel for the all-new 2019 VW Jetta GLI!

May 7, 2019

Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has historically been compared to its VW hatchback (hot hatch in VW-lingo) sibling the Golf GTI.  Why?

Well, they're both Volkswagens and both the sporty/enthusiasts trims of their respective models.  Personally, I like both for different reasons.  I'll contrast the two vehicles, only once, in a moment.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition driver front

With the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI being in its 7th generation that equates to 35-years here in the United States.

And those 35-years are honored in one of the trim options for the 2019 VW Jetta GLI.  And, it just so happens that, my test-driver was a 35th Anniversary Edition GLI.
Jetta GLI & Golf GTI
So here's the cool comparison I'm going to give the 2019 VW Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition and the 2019 Golf GTI Rabbit Edition.

Volkswagen's stylish, yet in-the-know and subtle seat tags.

'19 VW Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary seat tag

Okay, one other comparison, with the GTI and the GLI both being the sporty trims, is the very cool red line across the grills of both vehicles.

'19 VW Golf GTI Rabbit Edition seat tag

It's in all sorts of pics.  BTW, wondering what GTI and GLI stand for?

2019 VW Jetta GLI badge

Those are acronyms for Grand Touring Injection and Grand Luxury Injection.

2019 VW Golf GTI badge

So to put the comparisons of the Jetta GLI and the Golf GTI to rest, at least for this post, the Golf is going to be sportier and a hatchback.

Whereas the Jetta GLI is a sedan and slightly less aggressive.
Trim Options & Pricing
The '19 VW Jetta GLI is offered in three different trims.

2019 VW Jetta GLI Trims & MSRPs:



S (base model) $25,995
35th Anniversary Edition $26,995
Autobahn $29,195

As always, don't worry about the MSRP - manufacturer's suggested retail price - for two reasons.  First, you need to get your '19 VW Jetta GLI equipped to your specifications.

And more importantly, go see my friends at Ontario Volkswagen.  Beyond putting you in the car you want and at the best price, they're not going to play any of the old school (or new school!) games.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary front

The guys and gals at Ontario Volkswagen are my friends and I'm happy to personally introduce you.  Just email me tom [at] idrivesocal [dot] com.
Powertrain & MPG
Volkswagen's 2019 Jetta GLI comes with the same engine across all three trims.

That's a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 228-horsepower with 258 lb-ft of torque.

2019 VW Jetta GLI 35 passenger profile