2025 VW Jetta GLI: It’s got power, but driving poetry takes a back seat

The era of manual transmissions may be fading, yet Volkswagen continues to offer a glimmer of hope for enthusiasts with the 2025 Jetta GLI. This sporty sedan not only retains a traditional gear lever, but it also features a third pedal, ensuring that driving purists still have a connection to the road. Meanwhile, fans of the Golf GTI are lamenting the shift to paddles only, as the 2024 model year marked the end of an era for manual options in that hot hatch. The 2025 Jetta GLI showcases a refreshed design, highlighted by a new grille, sleek LED headlights, and stylish light bars that extend across both the front and rear. A distinctive red accent stripe adorns the lower front fascia, adding a touch of flair reminiscent of playful character but devoid of any sinister undertones. However, in terms of visual appeal, the Jetta GLI may not stand out as much as the Golf GTI, drawing some comparisons to the 2017 Honda Accord design. Equipped with the Black Package, the test model features blackened wheels and side mirror caps, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. The Monument Gray color option, paired with a black roof, might be appealing in many regions, although it could pose challenges in hotter climates where vehicles tend to heat up quickly. Under the hood, the Jetta GLI houses Volkswagen's enduring EA888 2.0 L engine, a powerhouse that has been around since its debut in the 2007 Audi A3. Now in its fourth turbocharged iteration, it offers an impressive output of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque—quite respectable figures given its compact size and modest displacement.