By: Krish Persaud
Photos By: Josh Coish
February 26, 2025
Since its debut in 1980, the Volkswagen Jetta has remained a staple in the compact sedan segment, offering German engineering in an approachable package. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, first introduced in 1984, has long been the enthusiast’s choice—blending everyday usability with a playful, sport-tuned character. For 2025, the Jetta GLI returns with subtle refinements. Volkswagen Canada provided us with a week behind the wheel of a Jetta GLI Autobahn, finished in Kings Red Metallic with a Black Roof and featuring Grigio Leather with Red Contrast stitching inside.
At the heart of the GLI is Volkswagen’s proven EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Our test vehicle came equipped with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, delivering rapid and precise shifts. However, the available six-speed manual remains the enthusiast’s choice. Peak torque arrives at just 1,600 rpm, ensuring strong mid-range pull for effortless highway merges and passing. Throttle response in Sport mode is sharp, while Normal mode offers a more relaxed city drive. With an estimated 0–100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, the 2025 Jetta GLI is quick enough to entertain without feeling overly aggressive.
Where the 2025 Jetta GLI continues to impress is in its ride and handling balance. The standard adaptive dampers provide a noticeable difference between drive modes. In Comfort, the suspension absorbs bumps well, making it a comfortable daily driver. Switch to Sport, and the chassis tightens up, giving the car a planted, confident feel through corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, though on the lighter side. Brake feel is strong, with a reassuring initial bite that enhances its confidence-inspiring nature. While it may lack the raw edge of some competitors, it delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience.
Subtle yet effective design cues distinguish the 2025 Jetta GLI from the standard Jetta. The honeycomb grille with red accents, dual exhaust outlets, and gloss-black rear spoiler hint at its performance focus. The Kings Red Metallic paint with a contrasting Black Roof gives it a striking presence, while the standard 18-inch wheels complete the aggressive stance. While the updates aren’t dramatic, the GLI strikes a balance between sportiness and everyday appeal.
Inside, the 2025 Jetta GLI’s cabin is driver-focused, with Grigio Leather sport seats that offer excellent bolstering while remaining comfortable on longer drives. Red contrast stitching and gloss-black trim add a sporty touch, and the overall material quality is solid for the segment. However, some areas, such as the lower door panels and center console, feature hard plastics that feel out of place at this price point. The 8-inch digital gauge cluster is functional but feels a step behind some rivals that now offer larger, more customizable displays. That said, the 10-inch infotainment system is responsive and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
One area where the 2025 Jetta GLI falls short is its BeatsAudio sound system. While it delivers decent clarity and punch, it lacks the depth and richness of the previous Fender-branded system. The bass response is adequate, but the overall sound quality doesn’t feel as immersive or well-balanced, particularly at higher volumes. It’s good, but not great, and considering the 2025 Jetta GLI’s positioning, a more refined audio experience would have been a welcome touch.
Fuel efficiency is solid, with the DSG-equipped 2025 Jetta GLI rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway. During our testing, we achieved a combined 7.6 L/100 km. The manual version is slightly less efficient, with ratings of 9.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, though the difference is minimal.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn comes in at $34,995 CAD, available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic at the same price. Standard features include adaptive dampers, heated front seats, and a 10-inch infotainment system. While the feature list is generous, a more modern digital cluster and slightly improved interior materials would have been welcome additions at this price point.
The 2025 Jetta GLI remains a strong contender in the sport compact segment, offering an appealing balance of performance, comfort, and daily usability. While its styling may not be the most aggressive, it presents a well-rounded package that delivers an engaging drive. With a suspension that strikes the right balance between sportiness and comfort, the 2025 Jetta GLI is a compelling option for those seeking a fun, capable sedan that can handle both spirited backroad driving and everyday commuting.
