Which Jetta Checks Your Boxes? 2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

April 15th, 2023

If you're tired of the oversized SUVs and trucks and are looking to get behind the wheel of something smaller with better handling, impressive styling, and potent performance, the 2023 Jetta is the ideal car for you. Offering amazing power and stellar fuel economy, the Jetta has been and remains one the top-selling Volkswagen models. There are numerous benefits to purchasing a compact sedan, starting with the more affordable price tag. Smaller cars are also easier to maneuver, especially into tight parking spots or problematic curves in drive-thru lines, and they're more environmentally friendly. At Byers Volkswagen, we understand that there are quite a few compact sedans that you can choose from, even just from the VW lineup itself. To help you make a more informed decision, we've put together this side-by-side comparison below so you can see how the 2023 Jetta stacks up to its sibling, the exciting 2023 Jetta GLI. We'll take a deep dive into the specs and features of both sedans so you can see exactly which vehicle offers what features and decide which one checks all your boxes. When you're done reading, we encourage you to stop by our Byers Volkswagen dealership with any questions you may have.

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

The 2023 Jetta offers standard 16-inch alloy wheels with the option to upgrade 17-inch wheels while the 2023 Jetta GLI boasts standard, sporty 18-inch wheels. Heated side mirrors are standard fare on both sedans while LED projector headlights, a power panoramic sunroof, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard only on the Jetta GLI. To obtain these features on the Jetta, you'll have to jump up trim levels. Exclusive to the Jetta are available sports bumpers and heated washer nozzles, features you won't find on the Jetta GLI.

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

Both sedans seat 5 in luxurious comfort. Leather seating surfaces are available on the higher trim levels of the 2023 Jetta while the 2023 Jetta GLI offers this amenity as standard fare. A dual-zone climate control is standard inside both sedans while only the Jetta boasts available Sports comfort front seats and a heated steering wheel. Heated front seats are standard on both the Jetta and the Jetta GLI but heated rear outboard seats are exclusive only to the Jetta. To keep you cool during the hot summer months, standard ventilated seats are found on the Jetta GLI and on the higher trim levels of the Jetta.

Staying connected is easy thanks to the standard MIB infotainment system in the Jetta. You can conveniently access all your favorite apps through the standard smartphone integration on the 6.5-inch touchscreen display. The Jetta GLI ups the ante with the standard MIB3 system and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. This larger screen is available on higher trim levels of the Jetta. Wireless charging and the exciting BeatsAudio^® system are standard fare on the Jetta GLI and available on the Jetta.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Performance

You'll experience a smooth and comfortable ride in the 2023 Jetta thanks to the 1.5L turbo engine and 158 horsepower. The 2023 Jetta GLI boasts a 2.0L turbo engine under the hood and generates a solid 228 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque. Both sedans are paired to a 6-speed manual transmission while only the Jetta offers the option to choose the 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic^®. Both are front-wheel drive vehicles and out on the highway, the Jetta will net you up to 42 MPG on the highway while the Jetta GLI gets up to 37 highway MPG.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded both the 2023 Jetta and the 2023 Jetta GLI an overall 5-star safety rating so you can drive with extra peace of mind every time. The Jetta GLI offers standard Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard fare while they're available on higher trim levels of the Jetta. Both sedans have Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Pedestrian Monitoring as standard fare while only the Jetta offers available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Overall Value

No matter which compact Volkswagen sedan you choose, you know you're getting incredible value, potent power and award-winning safety. The 2023 Jetta offers solid power, quality features and amenities and has a starting MSRP of only $20,665. The 2023 Jetta GLI offers extra power and more standard features across the board, all for a starting MSRP of just $31,585. When you're ready to experience stellar power in an exciting compact sedan, contact Byers Volkswagen by phone or online to set up your test drive. We can't wait to see you.

	2023 Volkswagen Jetta	2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Starting MSRP*	$20,665	$31,585
Standard Horsepower	158	228
Standard Torque	184	258
Standard Engine	1.5L Turbo	2.0L Turbo
Fuel Economy (MPG)	42 Highway / 20 City	37 Highway / 26 City
Rear Suspension	Torson Beam	Multi-Link
Standard Wheels	16-Inch Alloy	18-Inch Alloy
Front Brake Rotor Size	11.3 Inches	13.4 Inches
Transmission	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual
IQ DRIVE®	Available	Standard

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

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