Is the 2020 VW Jetta GLI a BETTER performance car than the Civic Si?
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- The Jetta GLI has some big surprises. Under the hood is the GTI's 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 228HP & is mated to a 6-speed manual or 7 speed DSG. On the outside the Jetta GLI features special trim pieces, unique wheels and dual exhaust. On the inside you will find a high level of materials for a compact car. Is the 2020 VW Jetta GLI a BETTER performance car than the Civic Si?
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Yes, Lets bring back the sports sedans.. enough with these SUVs.
I totally agree with you!
And more wagons.
Jetta V6
@@clothestravel they have an arteon wagon which isnt coming to the states
@@DaLizMs passat v6 lol
- Me at the dealer "Throw in the family jewels and a couple boxes of Twinkies and you got a deal."
- Dealer "What?"
8
Lmao!
LMAO
i guess Im asking randomly but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost the password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
@Imran Graham Instablaster ;)
Got the ‘21 GLI Autobahn (6MT) in pure grey and I absolutely love it! It throws down when you need it, gets around a bend with aplomb. And yet it’s totally comfortable, spacious, well appointed (beats audio, heated/ventilated seats, leather, sunroof - fully digital dash) and….great on (regular) gas!!! This car is totally unfair. It’s a grown up car - I can pick up a date in it without getting slant-eyed looks -:) and yet, you can definitely behave like a kid when no ones looking.
I’ve never been impressed with a steering wheel or even thought about that until I bought my Vdubs. They are great feeling.
I have a 2019 GLI/35th edition with the DSG. Great performer and a lot of fun to drive . Nice review .
i drove a 2016 gti to 70k miles. loved it and ran fine. couple recalls during its lifetime but never broke down on me. traded it for a 2020 gli autobahn 1 month ago. love this thing.
I’m planning to get a 2020, how is it so far ?
@@danielredziniak2996 it's the same platform as the mk7 gti but in sedan. It drives great. I love German engineering.
@@baddarkfaller4568 no big issues? I heard water pump goes bad alot.
@@danielredziniak2996 nope. No water pump issue. Only issue I had was my Bluetooth microphone was creating an echo when on the phone. That's literally it. 30k mile in. Driven from Cali to Texas, Texas to Colorado, Colorado to Arizona. Never 1 problem.
Picked up a 2020 GLI Autobahn with the driver assistance package in Pure Grey. Fantastic and fun to drive!
Just in case you're still watching, how are things 10 months later?
@@hanksta34 Hey I still love the car as much as the first day I got it! first VW too. Its a little rocket on wheels.
How much did you get it for?
Joe, been watching your stuff for awhile, just wanted to say how great your videos have gotten as you've gotten more comfortable with your style. Love it, keep it up!
Thanks for saying that! I am grateful for your support!
LOVE my 2017 GLI. No issues. 60K miles of driving fun.
Please give us an update in 37 years. I want to compare to an early 80s Chevy pickup with original 305 engine, transmission and paint that is working flawlessly hauling loads as needed.
Just went and picked up a 2019 GLI! Was dead set on getting the Accord 2.0T but the GLI was a pleasant surprise.
Really? You picked that over an Accord 2.0T? Well good luck lol
@@jamesgand828 Accord is 100x more reliable, especially the electronics. VW is great but over-engineered
@David Wayne I agree, I test drove both as i was in the market for a daily driver but certainly wanted something sporty as well, The honda was no where near as sporty as the GLI. The GLI surpised me with it's handling. If u got the 2019 then u have the good warranty.
Ryan Matthew well, in my opinion, reliability is more important if you’re planning to buy the car and keep it for about 10+ years. But if you’re planning to lease, then I see nothing wrong with choosing a European over a Japanese. You’ll return the car in about 3 or 4 years BEFORE all of the electrical problems start anyway. 🤷🏻♂️
David Wayne believe they took that Warrenty around this year.
I have a 2019 Jetta SEL Premium. The interior is so loaded with features for $28,000. I had a 2012 GLI with the six speed manual. Both have been fantastic cars. Keep up the good work, Joe!
Best car I ever had, a Jetta GLI 1984, a company car manual 5 speeds that I bought in 1987 with 90,000 miles on it for $4,000 CAD. A city bullit and on the highway 90 miles an hour (with a radar detector) and steady as if on rails !!!!
Been following your channel for over a week and I’m hooked.
Awesome Job!
Thanks for having my back! I appreciate that!
It’s so nice to see this channel grow since I started watching it! This channel convinced me to buy my first car (the 2019 Honda Civic SI) and it has a nice unique style which is why I think it’s grown so much despite the other major car channels. Keep up the good work!
I drove a MK4 1.9 TDI, then a MK6 1.8 TSI, now I have the exact same car- it's my first new car ever, and I absolutely love it- fun to drive, roomy and comfortable; and when you want to let it rip- it's outstanding...absolutely a MK7 GTI with a trunk !
Volkswagens are pretty reliable if you do regular maintenance on them I have a 2015 stage 1 gti with 70k miles on it. The only issues were needed an stage 2 clutch since stock wouldn't hold the over 300 ftlbs of torque. Then it had a limp mode issue due to a water pump and thermostat fault. It was about 1200 bucks to fix. I'm pretty sure it was a recall but since it was modified I just had my shop do it and don't want to deal with the dealership. Otherwise no issues even with 300 hp and 300 torque.
I also have a 88 gti that is on its second motor and has over 750k on the chasiss. And a 98 vr6 glx with 250k miles.
VWs last if you take care of them.
Thanks for sharing that great input and perspective!
With your VWs do you use synthetic oil and do you ever do any gas treatments or use premium gas and are you in US thanks
@@Whizite94 I use synthetic oil and 91 octane fuel. For these cars it's mostly the auxiliary parts that break plastics,interior,bushings etc. But the engine generally will get you to A to B maybe a loss in power after you go over 150k miles but that is normL. Some have cooling problems but that can be fixed. I have 3 vws with over 250k miles on them.
That flat gray color is awesome.
Even though I'm not old enough to drive I think the 2020 VW Jetta GLI is hands down better than the Civic Si. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
I own a MK7 GLI and Ive watched almost every review of it and yours is my favorite. Actual critique of the driving dynamics from someone who understands driving dynamics really well.
Thanks man!
Can one of you tell me the differences between the autobahn edition and the GLI s ?
Autobahn is top of line (leather, moonroof, beats audio, suspension, digital cluster and larger screen).
My girlfriend has the 2019 GLI Autobahn with the 6 speed manual. She loves it. Tons of power, handles well, and pretty comfortable for long trips. The manual makes all the difference in the world. I'm a Honda guy myself. Just picked up a new Honda Insight last week for my work car. I travel over 750 miles per week and need the gas milage. Both cars are great.
Mine just got one today! I’m like you man, I have a Civic Si myself but I absolutely love the GLI as well.
I am always loving the snack comments 🤣🤣 I am actually going back to previous videos just to hear the snack comments to fit in the car. Another awesome video!
You are so awesome Rafael! Thanks for your great support!
“You can take some of the mini slim Jim’s and pop em in there” this is the best review I’ve ever seen
I had a 1986 Jetta GLI. I loved that car. Now I have 1 994 Audi S4. The S4 is a special car.
You are so very right Michael!
joe deserves more subscribers for real.
I appreciate you saying that!
IsolestiK he is relatively new but building a loyal base very quickly.
There are a lot of pros and cons I seen in the video-
the manual trans is a plus- for me at least. The dash looks great and best in class I believe. Much needed.
Haven’t seen a review of a Jetta so it comes as a surprise to see the interior and how much it has improved.
However, The rear passengers need something to keep when quiet and content and not cantankerous during trips. Ac vents and charge ports much needed. Seemed like they spent too much seat time in the front improving and not enough emphasis on the rear section.
All in all it’s great to see how this may foil a consumer when choosing other vehicle in this class.
👍🏻😷
Great review
It has vents under the front seats. I will add a rear USB to mine when I get a chance. Its pretty easy to do.
gorgeous and I'd upgrade from my '17 SE but bills, bills bills! thank you for review because I can drool over it!
I totally know how the bills things goes. I am so glad that you like this one.
While shopping for a leftover Sportwagen, this gray GLI was in the showroom. It was really a great looking car in that color. Now for a GLI wagon!!
Nice!
'I have to put my banana on your side, and you may not want my banana on your side.' Give this guy a medal
Thanks Andy for saying that! You have to have some laughs, right?
Joe isn’t known for sharing his banana.
I don’t know why so many manufacturers are putting a seat pocket on one chair only. 😬
Gareth Hood save $3
Definitely enjoy seeing these sport compact sedans - keep up the great content!
Just picked up this exact one but black edition with black rims and blacked out roof! -1 Zonk!
Your reviews are great and really helped me land on this Jetta GLI which Im sure I wont regret. Thanks Joe!
#Savethemanuals
Superior choice🤝
went from a 2015 Jetta to a 19 F150 3.5 ecoboost. Still miss this car and still want a GLI!
Joe, your excitement comes through loud and clear! I’m all over the GLI 6 speed but my beautiful wife of 50 years is more of a DSG girl ;)
I love your videos and I feel your pain when you review the puny no balls cars with the dreaded CVT. :(
Great job Joe!
I paid $22,400 for the 2019 GLI S with DSG. That was at 0% financing for 72mos and no payments for 6mos. I promise nobody can show better car for the money with a 72mos bumper to bumper warranty.
You did very well Eric!
Hell of a purchase
Congrats on the purchase man! Thats a great deal, enjoy the car!
My first time watching your video just cuz I own one and wanted to see what's up with newer ones, great video. I know that "undisclosed location" you're at though lol. My parents don't live too far from there, no worries, won't spoil it but it just blew my mind to see you using that road. Kind of a really understated gem for those that know it lol.
Thank God!!! I was soooo concerned about my abacus. What a relief.
I am glad that I can bring the calm piece!
My bro Joe coming through with this manual Jetta GLI... love the color on this and the clean lines. Great review my dude. On throttle tiiiiime!!!👍 🚗💨💨💨💨
Heck yeah! Thanks man for being so supportive!
You know it man!!!
My 2009 jetta 2.5T has 237K miles on it! Fantastic car! Thx for your review! Always great!
Original engine and transmission??? My 2010 has 139K, no major issues
I can't tell if his subtle innuendos are deliberate, but they are funny nonetheless! Love it Joe Raiti
Love that vw keeps the car clean and simple. Test drove this on the wonderful upstate NY roads and rode great.
Most thorough review I've ever seen. The constant twinkies thing was kinda wierd but good work.
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
Way better than Civic si and more fun to drive 💪
2 years ago today! Might try to get it dude.
20 k
Now
Raiti’s Rides is the best! Always putting out great videos, helpful thorough info on all car makes especially w/ Volkswagen n AUDI, and an entertaining style that cracks me up 🤣🤣. Keep it up Joe and Raiti’s Rides family! -V
@Raiti's Rides if you hold the traction control button for 10-15 seconds it disables all the assists giving the driver the raw feel of the vehicle.
Thanks for the heads up Seth!
Oh shit NICE just picked up the 2021 gli autobahn and i’ve been looking for cool hidden tricks like this
Joe your reviews are fantastic and spot on. I'm struggling to decide between GLI Autobahn DSG vs 330I for daily drive.. I think im going to go with GLI
Joe I can tell you really enjoy driving that Jetta GLI!
This is a stick so if one of us automatic specialists buys the car we are looking at $31k to $32k. Not liking the red stripe going across the grill but love the exterior color. Victor/Tom - Who gets cameraman of the year? We can tell you like this one Joe. You glossed over a few zonks. 😀 Excellent review once again. I’m with you on this one. You get lots of bang for your buck.
Handsome car! Better lines than most in its class.
AGREED!
Love my 2019 GLI Autobahn. Other than the wireless charging, the 2020 looks more or less the same.
@@shawnmorris9460 The 2021 is quite the step up in all honesty. Touch screen button and really nice sound with the “beats by dre.” audio system, it comes with a subwoofer 🔊that is mounted on top of the spare.
Audi starter car. Nice job Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
AGREED!
Great review as always Raiti! I always appreciate your positive attitude and happy disposition in your reviews. You manage to give your honest impressions with appropriate constructive criticism. Too many reviewers these days are far too negative and bash all these awesome machines coming out these days.
I Wish My 206 ND Miata Was That Color!!! That "Nardo" Grey is an Awesome Shade of Grey...
I totally agree with you Timothy1
Interesting part of this I'm actually planning on getting this car. I also have plans on modifying as well with a stage 1 tune, coilovers, exhaust, wheels, brakes, and tires, and have have at least 300bhp.
Just do a DP and have over 300WHP
Great review and a fun ride to drive! 👍😎
Thanks Ronald. I appreciate you taking the ride with me!
Absolutely love my GLI Autobahn.
Thanks Shawn for sharing that based off of your ownership experience!
Thank you for this review! Reminds me when I was a teenager driving my 64 Beatle! I’m so glad VW brought back the manual transmissions! I need one of these, but I still love my Passats! I may have to get one of these since the Passats are at the end of their life cycle here in North America!!
They're done period.
Would you buy a 2021 Jetta GLI Autobahn or a Honda Accord Sport 2.0t? One of the features pushing the GLI over the finish line for me are the ventilated seats.
Autobahn for sure I got a 2020 last week.
after having both, think id go with the accord again. it has waaaay more space
VW>Honda
I ended up getting the GLI and I do not regret it at all!
It's a fun daily driver, unlike most of the other vehicles in VW's lineup. Overpriced, but worth a look if you need something a little fancier feeling than the Civic Si,
Got mine for 23K OTD
purchased one after watching this video great review
I got my son a 2019 GLI 35th with a six speed in white for his 16 birthday. He’s had it for a year and has only 5,000 miles on it. We love the car but he hates the black roof because it gets so dirty so quickly. I will often steal it and let him drive my bmw 640i. I might ask him to give me the Jetta and I’d give him my 640!
You have a very lucky son.
Spoiled!
I call BS
Update: We lowered the car by an inch, put wheel spacers 12mm in the front and 15mm in the back as well as a exhaust and a power boost to 300hp. I mainly drive it as my daily and my son drives the 640i. My weekend car is a ‘10 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti OTO. The BMW was too comfortable and felt like a boat unlike the Jetta which is sporty and fun. I love manuals and he has the only one in the family. I’m teaching my 15yr old daughter to drive manual as well. My son doesn’t mind the BMW or the Jetta. Once his sister gets a license she gets the Jetta and I’ve got a Range Rover SVR in order for him.
Vincenzo Sciortino okay poser.
Love this channel so much I never been this early!
Really impressed with the gli. Overall fun car with daily usability.
Love these types of cars, the daily 5 seat sports cars
Very nice! I was looking at an A4 or A3 and then checked out the Jetta. It's basically the same engine as the A3 45. i don't care if Honda might be more reliable I miss having a VW and I'm part German lol. I have a Mazda now so I'm ready to switch :). Definitely would get it tuned for sure.
You are so very right Jon.
Gotta have all wheel drive. How can it hook up? My Passat 1.8t would spin the tires before I got the APR stage one. Now the traction control cuts power and the car sounds like it’s farting when the wheels spin.
this car has a limited slip differential in the front. it puts the power down pretty well, better than any other fwd car ive seen. it still smokes the front tires from a dead stop but woth any kind of roll it puts power down great which is why its so good.
Honestly I LOVE MY 2019 35TH ANNIVERSARY GLI
Also Manuel 😉
In Canada, the autobahn trim is the only one available, and can be paired with the 35th anniversary styling for an $700 cad or so. All the nice features of the top trim plus much nicer dark wheels, fully blacked out roof and mirrors, and nice badging. Also heated rear seats.
This reminded me of how much I enjoyed my 1998 Jetta GLX. The current GLI is the only Jetta trim level that I like, and I wish they would have made this a sportback. Please give us this shade of gray on the GTI!
Thanks for letting me share it with you Martin!
Raiti's Rides I might have to try out one of these, but I’m leaning GTI.
@@martinn4186 test drive it and you'll own it. That's what happened to me. The amount of money saved over a GTI is well worth it
Just a heads up, in the description it should be a 7 speed transmission instead of 8. Love your channel!!
I appreciate you saving my bacon!
So many of these new VW’s are 8 like mine. Good catch on this DSG
@@2004cyrus How to you like the 8 speed?
Alex Kaseta I was initially worried when I bought the Tiguan 11 months ago but it’s been flawless. It shifts quickly and smoothly.
@@joshua9073 dsg problem is a thing in the past
I get mine delivered on Saturday at noon I can't wait. White Autobahn
I don't usually like gray cars, but, man, that car looks good!
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
This seems a very solid option in this price range. I'd definitely consider it with the manual transmission.
I’m on month 3 with my 2020 GLI! Absolutely fucking love it.
Great looking car out on the road, especially that back-end, VW nailed the subtle performance look! I would definitely consider one for a lease, don't trust VW enough in the long-run to buy....
The transmission was manual...but Joe was on Wild mode...
I just picked up this car, i love it!!! Fun to drive and more practical than a gti. Loved my gti though fun car aswell.
Being that I cannot find a Genesis G70 with a manual, I was really considering this car. However, the only aspect of the interior that impresses me is the digital gauge cluster and the steering wheel. It just seems like a sea of hard plastic. The exterior is classy/clean, and that grey color is pretty awesome too. I'll have to take it for a test drive regardless. Awsome video as usual!
Great review Joe. I think the GTI of this gen looks quite a bit better than the GLI but overall I really respect the car.
As useful as hatchbacks are, I’ve seen a grand total of just one of these in the wild and would get it over a GTI for that reason.
I know what you mean. I purchased my 2017 in 2018. There were only 3 choices within reach for me. All of which were at least an hour away from me. I am also sad to say that it was totaled on Sunday. Looking for one now and the market is bonkers. What I paid for my CPO GLI was a steal compared to the offers I've seen online today.
Please put the AWD golf R chassis under the GLI body. I would kill for one
Bought this partly based off this video. Thanks for what you do!
Remember the Dodge Omni GLH? "Goes Like Hell" lol I drove one way back in the day and a Rabbit GTI, Loved them both. Makes me sorry for people who hate driving and think it's a chore.
Great review! Volkswagen and Honda still providing with manual transmission very rare nowadays.
You are so very right about that.
Nice review and good driving bro
TTZ (Time Til Zonk): 2min 49sec
Another fun video as usual! I will be saving my family jewels. Lol Is big Tom alright??
Yeah, He is working on a side project.
I'm debating between a 2021 GLI autobahn and a 2021 Accord 2.0 Touring. I am just so indecisive! It would be a lease.
accord is more spacious!!
I drive a 2010 Jetta with 140k miles on it with nothing done but regular maintenance (oil changes, set of brakes and one ignition coil) in the 2 and a half years I’ve owned it
Those vents in the front grill are acually real they just have tiny openings
I'd take the Jetta. I don't really care for the design language of most Honda's these days.
Gary Gee agreed
BTW, Joe: Did you mention that this car has a lowered stance? It’s about an inch lower than standard Jetta’s... In fact all GLI’s , from the S to Autobahn trims are lower!
Base A3 costs exactly the same. This car made some sense at $27k but not at $34k The Autobahn is the only one being offered no more cloth seats. GLI has a Manila but that will get old quick if you drive a lot.
Great job as always 👍👍 entertaining and informative
I have a 2017 GLI, they didn’t bring them back in 2019. Still love ya though!
Thanks man!
Are they reliable
They did bring back the GLI in 2019, later in the year but as a 2019 model.
@@dailyblankscreen7938 VW is reliable as long as you sell it before the warranty expires, lol
I don't believe they had a 2018 GLI, so they kinda did "bring it back" after a 1 year hiatus
So good to see some twistys...flat and sorta boring but at least they're twistys. Soooo many drag race videos any monkey can do. That motor/chassis/brakes package can hang with more powerful cars in MANY situations. Excellent car.
I have 2014 Jetta TDI.. yep a diesel and 40 to 45 mpg still.. ITS A GOOD CAR... mine and this car needed front fog lamps though to make it better looking...
Definitely a nice car. VW builds quality and if VW can #savethemanual why can't Audi? Same company No? Great review Joe!
I totally agree with you Sully!
Sully same yes but hardly anyone drives manuals
@@2004cyrus I wonder why VW still makes them for the GLI, GTI, Golf R and Audi has all the S and RS models which are perfect for manual transmissions. I understand not many people drive manuals but VW has kept building them along with a few other car manufacturers.
Sully I think because VW Group is huge and can afford to offer them and they still sell lots of them in surprise. I read that manuals are 4% of the VW sales mix.
Great review!! I own this exact car. (Well actually in Canada, we get Navi & wireless charging ) but it’s amazing. Great value over the GTI and super fun now that it has the GTI powertrain.
Thanks for sharing your ownership input on this one.
Awesome ride! your review is spot on
Joe you are a good guy! You sharing the wealth! Adidas shirt and shoes and Nike shorts! Way to go Joe! 😆
Great review. I own a 2017 GLI. Your comment that VW re-introduced the GLI in 2019 isn’t true, unless they maybe skipped a year in 2018. But a great daily driver and the newest in Autobahn is sweet.