Hatchback or Sedan, Choose Your Next VW: 2023 Golf GTI vs 2023 Jetta GLI

March 15th, 2023

If you take a look around the next time you’re out cruising, you’ll notice the roadway is predominantly filled with SUVs. If you're wanting to stand out from the crowd, a hatchback or sedan is a great option to look into and Byers Volkswagen is here to help you narrow the field. The renowned Golf GTI delivers yet again for 2023, celebrating 40 years of excellence. The 2023 Golf GTI even offers a 40th Anniversary trim level, including 40th anniversary badging and extra contrast with wheels, the roof, and mirror caps rendered in black for a more defined look. The 2023 Jetta GLI can be your go-to sedan with numerous former upgrades that now come standard. The Jetta GLI comes with one trim, the Autobahn trim level, which is equipped with plenty of comforts and amenities. Here we’ve pitted the Golf GTI against the Jetta GLI so you can see how each stacks up against the competition, and which model is right for you. Check out this handy comparison page then give us a call to get on our books and schedule a test drive. Take to the roads of Columbus in style with a new Volkswagen.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Design & Exterior Features

Both the 2023 Golf GTI and the Jetta GLI come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, and you can upgrade to 19-inch wheels on a higher trim of the Golf GTI. Automatic headlights with the coming home/leaving feature and LED taillights are standard fare for both vehicles. The Golf GTI offers LED fog lights as well. A power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is available on higher trims of the Golf GTI and is standard on the Jetta GLI. With the 40th-anniversary trim, you can get the Golf GTI in exclusive color options including Tornado Red and Urano Gray, unavailable on the Jetta GLI. Moonstone Grey and Atlantic Blue Metallic are optional colors for the Jetta GLI.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Comfort & Technology

Heated front seats are a standard comfort for both the 2023 Golf GTI and the 2023 Jetta GLI. Ambient interior lighting is only available with the Jetta GLI, and ventilated front seats are standard fare while you have to climb trims on the Golf GTI for the same feature. The MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch screen is standard for both models, as well as App-Connect with smartphone integration to keep you connected and hands free while out on the roadway. This app allows you to use your phone without distracting you from what’s happening outside of your ride. Wireless charging is standard on both models so your phone is ready to go anywhere.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Performance

Both the 2023 Golf GTI and the 2023 Jetta GLI utilize the potent 2.0L TSI^® engine and 6-speed manual transmission. This pairing will net you 241 horsepower and 271 lb/ft of torque with the Golf GTI, and 228 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque on the Jetta GLI. Front wheel drive is standard for both models, while driving mode selection and sport suspension are features you will find only on the Golf GTI. With the Golf GTI you’ll get 34 highway MPG while the Jetta GLI edges out the competition getting 37 highway MPG.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Safety

The 2023 Golf GTI earned recognition from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick. The 2023 Jetta GLI was awarded an overall crash safety rating of 5 stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while the Golf GTI is currently unrated. The myVW connected services with Car-Net^® offers handy safety features including last parked location and remote lock/unlock and is standard for both models. The VW I.Q. Drive^® is available on the Golf GTI and standard to the Jetta GLI, offering driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitor, travel assist and more.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Overall Value

Byers Volkswagen is ready to help you discover the ride of your dreams. The 2023 Golf GTI has a starting MSRP of $30,530, offering lots of interior comforts, potent power and a bevy of safety features and driver enhancements. The 2023 Jetta GLI has a starting MSRP of $31,585 offering a multitude of standard amenities, including the latest integrated technology so you can stay connected anywhere. When you’re ready to try out Volkswagen engineering firsthand, visit us here in Columbus and experience the new lineup for yourself. We can’t wait to help outfit you with your new Volkswagen.

	2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI	2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Starting MSRP*	$30,530	$31,585
Standard Horsepower	241	158
Standard Torque	273	184
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy (MPG)	34 Highway - 24 City	37 Highway - 26 City
Rear Suspension	Multilink	Multilink
Standard Wheels	18" Alloy	17" Alloy
Standard Headlights	LED	Projector LED
Transmission	6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed DSG® Dual-Clutch Automatic
IQ.DRIVE® Driver Assistance Technology	Standard	Standard

*Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Related Pages

• Learn More About the Golf GTI
• See Why Byers is Right for You
• Find a New Volkswagen Here