Ah, the power of alliteration. It's why a small hatchback with relatively high performance is called a "Hot Hatch." Swap the hatchback for a trunk, and the vehicle becomes a "Sport Sedan." There are no "Hot Sedans" and no "Sport Hatches" — those terms simply aren't used. Another rule of thumb is that the Volkswagen GTI enjoys icon status, while its Jetta GLI counterpart is a lesser-known sidekick, despite having the same drivetrains and essentially matching in performance.
Volkswagen has been very pleased with the current 2026 Jetta GLI, which is now entering the seventh year of its seventh generation. Like the legendary Beetle, Volkswagen has kept the vehicle current with yearly updates. Car and Driver tested this 7th Son of a 7th Son, and Team Gillman Volkswagen shares what they found.
Like the GTI, the 2026 Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an iron block and aluminum head, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can choose to pair that engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as a no-cost option. Despite their slogan of "Save the Manuals!", the publication decided to test the dual-clutch version this time. The starting price for their test vehicle was $34,970, with a $650 Black Package added, which includes black 18-inch wheels and matching outside mirror caps, bringing the total to $35,620.
Car and Driver found the GLI matched the GTI in acceleration, with a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and reaching the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at 103 mph. This was about 4/10 of a second quicker to 60 and 3/10 of a second quicker in the quarter mile than the 2025 manual model they previously tested. They also found the Jetta GLI achieving 35 mpg on the highway, which matches the EPA estimate. However, it is nine mpg short of the conventional 158-hp Jetta, which is a bit of an overachiever in fuel economy.
For the sake of fun, Car and Driver still prefers the manual despite its lower performance. Still, they found the Jetta GLI to be a "…great drive. No, its acceleration won't flatten any wrinkles, but unlike the many absurdly high-powered cars on sale today, you'll use everything the GLI has every day. The three-way-adjustable adaptive dampers give it a wonderfully smooth ride on the highway. The electronically controlled limited-slip differential distributes torque where you want it while buzzing up an off-ramp."
With the GTI having been updated to an eighth generation, they found the cabin is where the Jetta shows its age, but adds that it isn't necessarily a bad thing, particularly when it comes to no-nonsense physical controls for the climate and other systems, rather than tossing everything into a big screen. Inside, the driver is treated to an attractive tri-spoke steering wheel and digital driver display. Metallic surface pedals and red stitching throughout the interior make the GLI's sporting intentions visually apparent. The front seats are supportive in proper German fashion and feature both heating and ventilation. Back seat passengers enjoy a generous 37.4 inches of rear leg room.
The Jetta GLI provides sport sedan thrills that you just won't find in a crossover, while also providing practical everyday transportation at a good price. If that seems too good to be true, see for yourself with a visit to Team Gillman Volkswagen and a test drive of the 2026 Jetta GLI.