VW Jetta vs. VW Jetta GLI: Which 2023 Should You Choose?

And How to Find a Volkswagen Jetta for Sale Near You in Houston

The first quarter of any new year is always exciting because it means that Volkswagen is rolling out a slew of game-changing new vehicles in virtually every category. In the electric vehicle category, the 2023 VW ID.4 is primed to continue making waves by setting a new bar of quality in what drivers can expect out of an EV. Meanwhile, the 2023 VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport are already wowing drivers and reviewers alike for their performance, design, and cargo capacity.

However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a deep dive into a couple of our flagship sedans. We’re referring, of course, to the 2023 VW Jetta and the 2023 VW Jetta GLI. Similar to the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, these two sedans are sometimes confused with one another because they share the same namesake.

To give some clarity, we’ll break down what makes the 2023 VW Jetta GLI distinct from the standard edition. After that, we will provide info on where you can find a Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you and how to arrange a test drive.

Sizing Up the 2023 VW Jetta Against the 2023 VW Jetta GLI

The standard edition of the VW Jetta has always been known for its reliability and cost of ownership. In fact, it has long held the reputation of providing drivers with the very best fuel economy and lowest sticker price out of any VW vehicle.

For the 2023 edition of the VW Jetta, you can count on that tradition carrying on. The new Jetta has a starting MSRP of $20,655 for the entry-level trim and provides drivers with 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class. The 2023 is a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle, scoring high in the areas of fuel economy, ride, transmission, braking, noise, controls, cabin room, and usability. Overall, it’s a great car for the driver who values cost of ownership and reliability.

By comparison, the VW Jetta GLI holds style and performance in higher regard than the standard Jetta. Its elevated interior and exterior design incorporates the signature red trim made famous by the VW Golf GTI, resulting in a sedan that’s sophisticated with a big-time intimidation factor. Outfitted with a 2.0L turbo 6-speed manual transmission, the VW Jetta GLI delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s by far and away the more powerful of the two sedans.

Additionally, the VW Jetta GLI Autobahn trim comes with several features not included with the VW Jetta entry level trim package. They include:

• Air Care® Climatronic 2 zone automatic climate control with enhanced air filter with activated carbon
• Ambient interior lighting
• BeatsAudio®
• Composition Media touchscreen sound system with 8″ color display, proximity sensor, AM/FM/HD radio and voice control
• LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers
• Heated front seats with leather seating surfaces and ventilation
• Leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel
• Power driver seat with memory
• Multimode DCC® and adaptive chassis control
• Variable ratio electromechanical power steering
• Keyless access with push-button start
• Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro: 10.25″ configurable digital instrument display

However, the boosted performance and feature package comes at a price. The VW Jetta GLI has a starting MSRP of $31,585. Although your car payment will be a little bit more, you won’t regret it once you have all that power, performance, and additional features at hand.

Of course, no matter which VW Jetta you decide to go with, your new vehicle will come with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. It is a suite of coverages and features that help keep your new VW Jetta in pristine condition. It breaks down as follows:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

The next time you bring your Jetta in for VW service near you, Carefree Coverage will pop up in your records, making the process simple and easy.

Looking for a Volkswagen Jetta for Sale Near You? Visit VW Cypress!

Now that you know what sets the VW Jetta GLI apart from the standard Jetta, the next step is for you to arrange a test drive in Houston so you can compare the two. Simply reach out to the team at VW Cypress and we’ll be happy to set these vehicles aside for your test drive appointment. We can even set you up with the Volkswagen finance services department to get you an auto loan on your new Volkswagen.

Looking for a different type of Volkswagen car near you? As the leading Volkswagen dealership in Houston, we carry a wide variety of new cars, used cars, and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+-point inspection. Additionally, we’re always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. No matter what your budget, driving style, or family dynamic, we guarantee that we can find a VW that’s perfect for you.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call us at (281) 532-8824 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Important notification to our customers: Volkswagen Cypress SALES operations has moved into its new location at 11411 Farm to Market 1960 West in Houston, TX, effective January 20, 2023. SERVICE operations have moved to a new location at 10828 Steepletop Drive in Houston, TX, located just one minute away from SALES.

Posted in Volkswagen News | No Comments »