Should You Buy A 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Or Golf GTI?
Volkswagen calls the Jetta GLI the sedan-i-fied Golf GTI, which is not a statement to be taken lightly. 30,000 Cheap Speed Challenge and has continually been at the top of its game (except for that one time). When the GLI was retooled for 2019 to match the GTI鈥檚 componentry even closer than before, we had to ask: Can you now get the Jetta鈥檚 bigger backseat and large trunk with the GTI鈥檚 snappy dynamics? Is the GLI finally that good? The results may be surprising based only on the numbers: The Jetta GLI out-accelerated and out-braked the GTI. 295 more, it included a significant number of convenience and comfort features the GTI didn鈥檛. Did the GLI just pull off a win? Both cars shared power and torque specs, the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the trick VAQ limited-slip front differential and the standard, fixed-firmness suspension (not the optional, adjustable-firmness shock absorbers). The outgoing 2018 GLI鈥檚 engine output was neutered compared with the GTI, making considerably less torque and less horsepower.
The 2019 GLI brings equal power, torque and similar weight to the GTI, plus the same transmission gear ratios, so you give up zilch in acceleration times compared with the GTI. The GLI was actually a little quicker, hitting 60 mph in 5.84 seconds versus the GTI鈥檚 5.96 seconds. The advantage came from the GLI鈥檚 summer tires that combined with the limited-slip front diff and launch control to plant power to the ground with no drama. The GTI鈥檚 wheelspin and hammering wheel hop meant a more delicate start for its quickest times. The larger difference between the GLI and GTI surfaced outside of measured testing, perhaps where it matters most. The GTI鈥檚 snappier accelerator responsiveness and an eagerness at throttle tip-in made it the livelier of the two. Every fine movement of the accelerator pedal shot the GTI鈥檚 engine to life, and while both have the crisp-shifting dual-clutch gearbox, our GTI test car was more eager to downshift in the various driving modes. The GLI鈥檚 grip with summer tires routed it briskly through our tight handling course with little drama.
The tires made less of a difference on public roads where we weren鈥檛 pushing the cars to their grip limits. At highway speed, the GLI鈥檚 longer wheelbase helped it drive more relaxed, delivering less jouncing than the GTI, which feels taut and readier to pounce than the lounge-ier GLI鈥檚 ride. However, the GLI鈥檚 summer tires had slightly more impact noise over bumps and expansion joints than the GTI鈥檚 all-seasons. The Jetta鈥檚 backseat is the roomier choice. You can鈥檛 compare the Jetta GLI鈥檚 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space to the Golf GTI鈥檚 17.4 cubic feet of hatch space and conclude the GTI is the more cargo friendly based on numbers alone. Cars with open spaces like a hatchback are measured differently than ones with closed spaces like a trunk. In practice it鈥檚 a matter of how you plan to use the car. The GTI offers more SUV-like usability for taller cargo items.
But if you can鈥檛 fold the backseat, like if there are honkin鈥?child seats installed, and you鈥檙e not hauling tall stuff, the Jetta may give you an edge with its shorter, but deeper trunk. A bonus for the GTI is that in addition to its 60/40 split, there鈥檚 a pass-through for narrow objects the Jetta doesn鈥檛 have. 31K, Which Should You Buy? 295 more than the as-tested GTI. Ehhh, no. The 2019 Jetta GLI is closer than ever, but the GTI is still the ultimate pick for those looking for maximum driving enjoyment. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that those who previously didn鈥檛 consider a GTI because it was too small now have a much worthier option in the 2019 GLI. Cars.com鈥檚 Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com鈥檚 long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don鈥檛 accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com鈥檚 advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
