I had reservations about this car because of the haptic feedback "buttons" on the steering wheel that EVERY car reviewer complains about in their takes on this car. But I bought one anyway and have had ZERO issues with the haptic feedback. I have pretty much the same button layout in my Atlas but they're real buttons and I don't even really notice a difference. So, real world car review right there for what it's worth.
@@johnp5771 after owning the car for almost 1.5years I can honestly say it’s a very big down grade. You’re giving up that heavy luxury car feel and the quality of the touch surfaces, quiet cabin, superior sound quality. Plus Qattro….My reason to downgrade was because I work in a less desirable area. If money isn’t an issue, stick with Audi or another luxury brand.
This car is awesome! I’ve owned it without any issues. And it pushes way above its class as far as performance and speed. This is way way more worth than a civic SI
@@jayczyzyk9707 it beats the SI in handling, reliability has been just fine, and this isn’t 2000 where people are obsessed with reliability and resale. Many people lease and even if they don’t the 5-10 period is what they keep ANS the Mk7 will do just fine. It’s on its 4th revision and the 2.0 Engine is way more reliable than that soulless SI. As far as handling goes, it beat the SI across the lap at lightning so stop Spreading lies. And we all know what it does to it in a straight line
@@brobob52 I’m getting 36 highway and I’m TUNED. The worse thing about my car was the stock exhaust and how high the car placement was. . Even the 2016 Jetta sport was lower in placement in stock form than the GLI so from the rear it looks like it’s pointing upwards until you get some lowering springs or bigger and wider tires. THE STOCK tires are also pretty horrible? But my version came with summer tires luckily as free optional. Apart from that I really have nothing to complain because of the price I got my car at BRAND NEW. My car is running 12.1 in the 1/4 with 3k worth of mods and i bought the car brand new in 2019 for 26 thousand. It’s hard to find a new car with a reliable tested engine at that price so it was perfect for me. I also got it in 2019 the “ 35th ANNIVERARY model” and mine came with 6 year warranty. 2020 onwards it’s 4 year warranty which kinda sucks but the car is on its 4th revision as far as internal goes so it’s pretty reliable. I haven’t really had any issues with it mechanically even tuned. I just do oil changes much earlier
My wife just got the Base model this Sunday 7/10/2022, But to be honest, I Love it... Very comfortable drive and it respond better then it Looks. I absolutely Love it.
CORRECTION: It does have a mechanical front limited-slip differential, on top of the electronic brake-assisted one. That's what makes this car so compelling against other competitors.
Volkswagon hasnt been very specific with it for some reason. They have an electronic one and xds and the mechanical one however they dont explain it well. For awhile i thought the mechanical lsd was bs because it has an open diff in the transmission and the diff feels very different when in sport mode. Which wouldnt be mechanical. (Thats the ediff). But theyrs also a diff locker in the bevel box for launch control. Its a cluster funk of information poorly laid out. It has all of though🤣
In Canada this car costs pretty much the exact same but in Canadian dollars. So basically it's about 20% cheaper here with all the same equipment. My wife just bought one in that red. Unfortunately we have to wait until March for it to arrive. Can't wait though. She is pretty excited
@@Silvane911 my wife has wanted a red car her whole life but it never worked out. The color is why she went with this lol. This car will never be driven more than 50% of its abity by her
Hi Steve. Thanks for your comment. It says you left your review here 9 months ago, so how long have you had the 2022 VW Jetta GLI now? I'm about to sign up for getting one on a lease.. so do you have any complaints about it in regards to reliability since you've had it?
@@charlesbannab2786 I had a 2017 jetta for 4 years and not one problem. I traded it in for a 2022 jetta last november and I haven't had any issues so far. I'm waiting for the dealer to get a GLI. They said at the beginning of November
I may be in a minority, but I really hate those digital gauges replacing the analog ones; they look much cheaper and will most certainly not last as long. I would've been much happier if VW had kept the analogue gauges for things like speedometer, tachometer, etc. and limited the digital screens to a small one in the instrument cluster between the analog gauges plus the main one at the top of the center console. Same for the Golf, whose interior is a major downgrade compared to the previous model imo.
@@waterlevelroute well, maybe. Just not cars. My classic Camaro has all original parts.( gauge cluster)We can’t say the same for cars nowadays, especially 20- 30 years from now. They should of stuck with analog. I’m just old school. My friend’s vw dealer charges 148.00 labor and sure that’s pretty much of of them. So for a person with very little knowledge of stuff like this plus the part itself this is damn expensive.
They do/did. Up until 2020 they had the s and 35th which had analogue gauges. Knowbody liked it though. For the 2k more the autobahn was much much better. The gli has very very good digital gauges. Could be much worse.
Whomever came up with the no button design should get a demotion, amount of money they saved by these is not worth the word of mouth going around especially about the 2022 GTI, its just crazy how that cars dynamics are ruined by the absolutely unacceptable frustration the cars controls brings to the experience.
Thank you so much for doing a review with NOT the manual version. Seriously was starting to get angry at literally all the other reviewers on UA-cam who apparently like to pretend that the GLI is a manual-only vehicle.
VW doesn't pipe fake noise in through the speakers, like BMW and others do - the fake sound is created by a mechanical device called "Soundaktor" that mounts to the firewall, and uses the windshield to resonate the fake noise through the cabin. I don't like fake noise of any kind, but comparing the 2 ways to do it, this is far better IMHO. Also it's easily coded out with OBDEleven or similar software & dongle.
Imagine having rear vents and heated seats in a GLI, along with parking sensors, that would be an update at some point and then everyone will want one. :D
It's one heated steering wheel away from being perfect to my personal needs haha. An AWD option would be nice, but they'll always save that for the R trims. Imagine a Jetta R/R-Line...
Same, they are hideous. They also draw attention to a totally unfunctional inlet, in a place where the car should have fog lights or daytime running lights like in other specs of the Jetta. Why draw attention to that? Very sloppy indeed
@Kathi Jordan are they actually? I’ve heard conflicting things from reviewers like Redline and Raiti’s. I’ve chatted with fellas in the GLI subreddit and most have agreed they aren’t functional
On mine I pulled the All-season Hankooks off and put on Kuhmo Performace tires for the summer, and Continental Viking Contacts for the winter. Huge difference
I have the kinds red metallic se!!!! They didn’t have a GLI when I was in the market but I’m more than happy with my super fuel efficient sedan with a big kick!
So happy I got the 2021 model! They ruined the GLI this year, hate the exterior and interior changes. Those steering wheel buttons would drive me nuts and looks way cheaper altogether.
I agree my 2021 GLI S has the perfect steering wheel, they also dropped the S model which honestly makes the GTI S the better buy. Since you get more power and slightly better handling.
I wish Volkswagen would use an 8-way power seat in the upper trims of the Jetta vs. the 6-way it has. It helps with thigh support for us long legged folks. Hate piped in fabricated engine/exhaust noise in the sound system of cars. Its a car, not a video game.
After driving a MK7 GLI for a few months, I don't mind it honestly. It's a little fun factor, no one outside hears it. Fits the "sport mode" just fine.
@@NEWNATURE777 I like both of them. It’s just this year for the piece, the SI is not worth it. It’s going for 37k with mark ups. THERES so much better options than an SI and GLI at those prices.
@@najminmalcusis15 totally agree. I rather until I'll I get a deal on a pre-owned SI. Hondata flash Pro and tweaking the fuel trim system, that's All!😃
@@NEWNATURE777 The pre-owned SIs are just as expensive as new, but at least you can find one on a lot. My dealership told me I'd wait a year for an Si.
I was going for this car but the touch buttons on the wheel, the red dots on the seats, the ugly "red wood" thing on the interior, the front fake red air intakes made me give up. Too many ugly things for my taste.. This was supposed to be a sport car for people that want to go unnoticed. The exausts are OK tho
I have to agree with some others. Compared to the 2001 Jetta GL 5 sp manual I kept for 15 years this 2022 VW GLI has cheapened the interior too much. It use to be VW was the affordable euro car. Now the interior, especially the dash, looks like a playskool toy. For the money today Genesis/Kia/Hyundai are hitting the mark. A Genesis G70 with a better warranty for slightly bigger payment or cost would be my choice. Great review.
The only problem with this car is the awful infotainment bs. Touch sensitive controls, even on the steering wheel, naturally all glossy black plastic - wtf.
Me as well... Leaning toward the Forte gt in manual of course. Test drove a recent model GLI and it did have more power, then I thought "when do I need this much power?" it would just be a speeding ticket or accident or I'm speeding up to red light essentially. The Forte also had better sound system and the clutch was lighter. Also runs on 87 gas and 10 year warranty and much cheaper. The new GTI is out of the question because of their "updated" all digital controls which would get annoying. The SI would've been nice but no Honda dealer will sell at MSRP at least this year and probably next. Called around some dealers did mark up the Forte GT (4k increase!) but most did not, straight up Msrp which is nice.
@@joeyschmoey9138 yeah bro I think I'm settled on the kia gt especially for the price 🤔 but I'm gonna wait to see the 2023 models because I have a feeling tje interior is gonna be even nicer and more advanced features 👌.
Any positive review of VW ignores the fact that by 36 months into ownership you have a money pit on your hands. Lease one for 3 years & move on. Do not attempt long-term ownership.
VWs are not as unreliable as people make them out to be, at least in my experience. Which is 6 years and ~75,000 miles. Only had two issues, gearshift switchboard which was recalled and a sway bar link breaking. I don’t see my current GTI going past 250k miles or anything but you need to understand and maintain your VW much more so than any other non-German car.
I've owned roughly 55 cars in the last 25 years, all makes and models. 2 of the three cars I held on to the longest have been VWs. a 2001 Passat wagon that I put about 100k miles on in 4 years and a 2014 Jetta TDI that I put a little over 100k miles on in 3 years. Sadly, both met untimely ends at the hands of other people. When properly maintained, a VW will last you just as long as any other car.
I have owned 5 VWs made in Mexico and NONE of them have had any quality issues. Over 800,000 miles driven between all of them. So tell me, what models have you had? Because otherwise I’m assuming you are regurgitating the stereotypical opinion of the Mexican made cars. 🫢
I had reservations about this car because of the haptic feedback "buttons" on the steering wheel that EVERY car reviewer complains about in their takes on this car. But I bought one anyway and have had ZERO issues with the haptic feedback. I have pretty much the same button layout in my Atlas but they're real buttons and I don't even really notice a difference. So, real world car review right there for what it's worth.
Thank you!
People actually try to find problematic about this car, but there's none. I assume they don't like VW.
I just downgraded from a 2020 A4….Wanted to keep German and get something with a tight sporty feel. I’m pleasantly surprised.
Also have a 2020 A4. Considering the same move. What’s the major gain and major give up with the switch?
@@johnp5771 after owning the car for almost 1.5years I can honestly say it’s a very big down grade. You’re giving up that heavy luxury car feel and the quality of the touch surfaces, quiet cabin, superior sound quality. Plus Qattro….My reason to downgrade was because I work in a less desirable area. If money isn’t an issue, stick with Audi or another luxury brand.
This car is awesome! I’ve owned it without any issues. And it pushes way above its class as far as performance and speed. This is way way more worth than a civic SI
Not in handling or reliability or resale
@@jayczyzyk9707 it beats the SI in handling, reliability has been just fine, and this isn’t 2000 where people are obsessed with reliability and resale. Many people lease and even if they don’t the 5-10 period is what they keep ANS the Mk7 will do just fine. It’s on its 4th revision and the 2.0
Engine is way more reliable than that soulless SI. As far as handling goes, it beat the SI across the lap at lightning so stop Spreading lies. And we all know what it does to it in a straight line
@@glistud8178 hows gas mileage given ur daily commute. What would u say is the worst thing about the car
@@brobob52 I’m getting 36 highway and I’m TUNED. The worse thing about my car was the stock exhaust and how high the car placement was. . Even the 2016 Jetta sport was lower in placement in stock form than the GLI so from the rear it looks like it’s pointing upwards until you get some lowering springs or bigger and wider tires. THE STOCK tires are also pretty horrible? But my version came with summer tires luckily as free optional. Apart from that I really have nothing to complain because of the price I got my car at BRAND NEW. My car is running 12.1 in the 1/4 with 3k worth of mods and i bought the car brand new in 2019 for 26 thousand. It’s hard to find a new car with a reliable tested engine at that price so it was perfect for me. I also got it in 2019 the “ 35th ANNIVERARY model” and mine came with 6 year warranty. 2020 onwards it’s 4 year warranty which kinda sucks but the car is on its 4th revision as far as internal goes so it’s pretty reliable. I haven’t really had any issues with it mechanically even tuned. I just do oil changes much earlier
@@glistud8178 beautiful. Cant wait to get mine.
My wife just got the Base model this Sunday 7/10/2022, But to be honest, I Love it... Very comfortable drive and it respond better then it Looks. I absolutely Love it.
Long time VW owner/driver v here. I have the 2021 Autobahn version. And I love it. Thanks for a great review.
Dude! Great review. Your voice is perfect for review.
CORRECTION: It does have a mechanical front limited-slip differential, on top of the electronic brake-assisted one.
That's what makes this car so compelling against other competitors.
Volkswagon hasnt been very specific with it for some reason.
They have an electronic one and xds and the mechanical one however they dont explain it well.
For awhile i thought the mechanical lsd was bs because it has an open diff in the transmission and the diff feels very different when in sport mode. Which wouldnt be mechanical. (Thats the ediff). But theyrs also a diff locker in the bevel box for launch control. Its a cluster funk of information poorly laid out.
It has all of though🤣
In Canada this car costs pretty much the exact same but in Canadian dollars. So basically it's about 20% cheaper here with all the same equipment. My wife just bought one in that red. Unfortunately we have to wait until March for it to arrive. Can't wait though. She is pretty excited
I'm soooo disappointed they got rid of the Pyrite Silver for '22 :(
@@Silvane911 my wife has wanted a red car her whole life but it never worked out. The color is why she went with this lol. This car will never be driven more than 50% of its abity by her
@@stevehuk902 I also just ordered the grey, the Same thing with the wait, I'm excited though.
Hi Steve. Thanks for your comment. It says you left your review here 9 months ago, so how long have you had the 2022 VW Jetta GLI now? I'm about to sign up for getting one on a lease.. so do you have any complaints about it in regards to reliability since you've had it?
@@charlesbannab2786 I had a 2017 jetta for 4 years and not one problem. I traded it in for a 2022 jetta last november and I haven't had any issues so far. I'm waiting for the dealer to get a GLI. They said at the beginning of November
im happy i got the 2021. i think they OD'd on the red accents for this one. and the steering wheel controls...nah
I may be in a minority, but I really hate those digital gauges replacing the analog ones; they look much cheaper and will most certainly not last as long. I would've been much happier if VW had kept the analogue gauges for things like speedometer, tachometer, etc. and limited the digital screens to a small one in the instrument cluster between the analog gauges plus the main one at the top of the center console. Same for the Golf, whose interior is a major downgrade compared to the previous model imo.
@@waterlevelroute wondering how long it last till replacement is needed, I’m sure that’s a hefty price with labor.
@@waterlevelroute well, maybe. Just not cars. My classic Camaro has all original parts.( gauge cluster)We can’t say the same for cars nowadays, especially 20- 30 years from now. They should of stuck with analog. I’m just old school. My friend’s vw dealer charges 148.00 labor and sure that’s pretty much of of them. So for a person with very little knowledge of stuff like this plus the part itself this is damn expensive.
They do/did. Up until 2020 they had the s and 35th which had analogue gauges. Knowbody liked it though. For the 2k more the autobahn was much much better.
The gli has very very good digital gauges. Could be much worse.
Whomever came up with the no button design should get a demotion, amount of money they saved by these is not worth the word of mouth going around especially about the 2022 GTI, its just crazy how that cars dynamics are ruined by the absolutely unacceptable frustration the cars controls brings to the experience.
Thank you so much for doing a review with NOT the manual version. Seriously was starting to get angry at literally all the other reviewers on UA-cam who apparently like to pretend that the GLI is a manual-only vehicle.
VW doesn't pipe fake noise in through the speakers, like BMW and others do - the fake sound is created by a mechanical device called "Soundaktor" that mounts to the firewall, and uses the windshield to resonate the fake noise through the cabin. I don't like fake noise of any kind, but comparing the 2 ways to do it, this is far better IMHO. Also it's easily coded out with OBDEleven or similar software & dongle.
Can you turn the fake noise off? It’s so loud in sport mode
@@bernardandoh2444 Yes. It can be coded to 0% with VCDS or OBDeleven, or is also easily disconnected.
I got the impression that the fake engine sound can be turned off simply from the front panel. Is this not correct?
Imagine having rear vents and heated seats in a GLI, along with parking sensors, that would be an update at some point and then everyone will want one. :D
It has rear assist
Legit. Rear parking sensors will get this even closer to being perfect (along with a better reso cam!!)
It's one heated steering wheel away from being perfect to my personal needs haha. An AWD option would be nice, but they'll always save that for the R trims. Imagine a Jetta R/R-Line...
Nice,im happy with my 2020 GLI autobahn black package love it ,,great job DSG
Aw. They downgraded from the 180mph speedometer to a 160mph.
That may seem pointless but tuned they easily go over 160....
Not a fan of the 2 red fangs on the front.
Why
Same, they are hideous. They also draw attention to a totally unfunctional inlet, in a place where the car should have fog lights or daytime running lights like in other specs of the Jetta. Why draw attention to that? Very sloppy indeed
@Kathi Jordan are they actually? I’ve heard conflicting things from reviewers like Redline and Raiti’s. I’ve chatted with fellas in the GLI subreddit and most have agreed they aren’t functional
@@NashKetchum from everything I have read, they are functional.
Gotta get snow tires if I get this. Very nice review 😎😎
On mine I pulled the All-season Hankooks off and put on Kuhmo Performace tires for the summer, and Continental Viking Contacts for the winter. Huge difference
Have it since august 22
Happy like a kid driving that car
I have the kinds red metallic se!!!! They didn’t have a GLI when I was in the market but I’m more than happy with my super fuel efficient sedan with a big kick!
Honest review.
I hate those red things on the bumper.
I have a 20' autobahn and one of my biggest complaints is there's no rear ac vents. The golf/gti has them so why not the gli?
So happy I got the 2021 model! They ruined the GLI this year, hate the exterior and interior changes. Those steering wheel buttons would drive me nuts and looks way cheaper altogether.
I agree my 2021 GLI S has the perfect steering wheel, they also dropped the S model which honestly makes the GTI S the better buy. Since you get more power and slightly better handling.
Same. Mine was completed October 2021 and picked it up November.
Why this model doesn't have a heated seat at the back? Mine is 2022 as well but I got head seat buttons.
I wish Volkswagen would use an 8-way power seat in the upper trims of the Jetta vs. the 6-way it has. It helps with thigh support for us long legged folks. Hate piped in fabricated engine/exhaust noise in the sound system of cars. Its a car, not a video game.
After driving a MK7 GLI for a few months, I don't mind it honestly. It's a little fun factor, no one outside hears it. Fits the "sport mode" just fine.
I don’t get why people hate the haptic steering wheel buttons so much. I don’t mind them on mine and I have never accidentally pressed something 🤷🏻♂️
Great review
Problems with the bottom of steering column being in the way upon entry? Have heard this is an issue, especially for those of us who are above 6’0.
No problem for me
Thanks for the review….So, what would be your choice between this and the Sonata N-line?
It’d be tough. The Sonata N Line is the better car imo, but the styling is pretty wild.
Lol, hyundai or VW? No contest. VW.
Hyundai, lol
Beautiful car 👍
What's with those wierd red things on the front. In other colors is awful looking
Did they get rid of the fog lights for the GLI?
They never had fog lights
The MKVII Jetta GLI never got them, but the MKVI did.
Volkswagen's lovers: 2022 GLI
Honda's lovers: 2022 SI
Both are great economical sport sedan car👍
GLI is way better than SI in every way
@@najminmalcusis15 I'm guessing you're a GLI's lover 🤔
@@NEWNATURE777 I like both of them. It’s just this year for the piece, the SI is not worth it. It’s going for 37k with mark ups. THERES so much better options than an SI and GLI at those prices.
@@najminmalcusis15 totally agree. I rather until I'll I get a deal on a pre-owned SI. Hondata flash Pro and tweaking the fuel trim system, that's All!😃
@@NEWNATURE777 The pre-owned SIs are just as expensive as new, but at least you can find one on a lot. My dealership told me I'd wait a year for an Si.
I was going for this car but the touch buttons on the wheel, the red dots on the seats, the ugly "red wood" thing on the interior, the front fake red air intakes made me give up. Too many ugly things for my taste.. This was supposed to be a sport car for people that want to go unnoticed. The exausts are OK tho
Check out the 2021 version
Yeah, but how does it drive?
I have to agree with some others. Compared to the 2001 Jetta GL 5 sp manual I kept for 15 years this 2022 VW GLI has cheapened the interior too much. It use to be VW was the affordable euro car. Now the interior, especially the dash, looks like a playskool toy. For the money today Genesis/Kia/Hyundai are hitting the mark. A Genesis G70 with a better warranty for slightly bigger payment or cost would be my choice. Great review.
VW is stupid for not releasing it already, they lost a customer for lagging!!
Everyone has shortages
Try the Honda civic Si for cringeworthy features..
The simulated exhaust sounds through the speakers🤢
Looks wise, I think I like the previous model better.
Can you turn off that “piped in “ engine sound. I like my car quiet like a library.
Jetta GLI este é fantástico eu quero ter um desse daí, pra mim... Deus abençoe.
Just wish my MK7 GLI came with those wheels.
Why do people always say 2.0 liter? Just say its a 2 liter. What's up with the .0 all the time.
Bruh 2 liter that doesn’t even sound right , I’m not gonna call a truck a 6 liter it’s a 6.2 liter
Sweet!
The only problem with this car is the awful infotainment bs. Touch sensitive controls, even on the steering wheel, naturally all glossy black plastic - wtf.
Best car
im in betewwen this car and the kia forte gt
Me as well... Leaning toward the Forte gt in manual of course. Test drove a recent model GLI and it did have more power, then I thought "when do I need this much power?" it would just be a speeding ticket or accident or I'm speeding up to red light essentially. The Forte also had better sound system and the clutch was lighter. Also runs on 87 gas and 10 year warranty and much cheaper.
The new GTI is out of the question because of their "updated" all digital controls which would get annoying. The SI would've been nice but no Honda dealer will sell at MSRP at least this year and probably next.
Called around some dealers did mark up the Forte GT (4k increase!) but most did not, straight up Msrp which is nice.
@@joeyschmoey9138 yeah bro I think I'm settled on the kia gt especially for the price 🤔 but I'm gonna wait to see the 2023 models because I have a feeling tje interior is gonna be even nicer and more advanced features 👌.
GLI is super
Any positive review of VW ignores the fact that by 36 months into ownership you have a money pit on your hands. Lease one for 3 years & move on. Do not attempt long-term ownership.
Not with the chip shortage. The dealers are willing to buy my 2019 for 6k more than I bought the car. I’m just not looking to sell
VWs are not as unreliable as people make them out to be, at least in my experience. Which is 6 years and ~75,000 miles. Only had two issues, gearshift switchboard which was recalled and a sway bar link breaking. I don’t see my current GTI going past 250k miles or anything but you need to understand and maintain your VW much more so than any other non-German car.
I've owned roughly 55 cars in the last 25 years, all makes and models. 2 of the three cars I held on to the longest have been VWs. a 2001 Passat wagon that I put about 100k miles on in 4 years and a 2014 Jetta TDI that I put a little over 100k miles on in 3 years. Sadly, both met untimely ends at the hands of other people. When properly maintained, a VW will last you just as long as any other car.
Lmfao yeah but try and order a manual good luck
Made in Mexico build quality is questionable. Shakes and rattles. Electrical problems., etc. No thanks.
I have owned 5 VWs made in Mexico and NONE of them have had any quality issues. Over 800,000 miles driven between all of them. So tell me, what models have you had? Because otherwise I’m assuming you are regurgitating the stereotypical opinion of the Mexican made cars. 🫢
@@mikeyg751 GTI and GLI both junk.
My last 3 cars have been Mexican built VWs. Nary a squeak, rattle, or electrical issue out of any of them.
My '15 Golf SE had zero issues except for the engine itself, which was built in Germany, and replaced by warranty.
A lot of vehicles are made in Mexico and seem alright.