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2022 VW Jetta & GLI Get Updated Styling and New Engines

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Front side view of a blue 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and a red 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI
Photo: Volkswagen

The Jetta became a part of the Volkswagen lineup in 1979. Just five years later, the Jetta GLI arrived after the successful launch of the Golf GTI. Now, both the standard Jetta and the performance version have been updated for 2022 with revised styling and engine upgrades.


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“As the best-selling VW for more than 30 years, Jetta has proven to be a compelling value,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy. “This refresh takes the strengths of the current generation — a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and low maintenance costs — and builds on them with a fresh design, better technology, and more access to the driver assistance features buyers are looking for.”

What’s new on the 2022 Jetta?

While both the Jetta and its GLI variant are getting new engines for 2022, each model is getting a different setup. The 2022 Jetta is receiving the direct-injection EA211 that can be found on the new Taos SUV. The 1.5-liter turbo engine generates 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and can be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Additional updates for the new Jetta include new wheels, bumpers, and colors. There’s also a new Jetta Sport trim with a blacked-out grille, mirror caps, and window trim. The Sport also comes with a black headliner, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and unique cloth sport seats.

Inside, both models feature upgraded technology and design changes. An 8-inch display is now standard on the Jetta while the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro is on the GLI. Both cars come with VW Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability while available features on the upper trims include MIB3 infotainment, wireless charging, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Rhombus cloth seats and contrast stitching throughout the cabin are standard on the 2022 Jetta but you can upgrade to leather seating (and in a new Volcano Brown and black two-tone palette). The Jetta GLI comes with red contrast stitching and perforated leather seats with red underlay.

  • Front side view of a blue 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
  • Close up of the wheel on a blue 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
  • Close up of the grille and badge on a blue 2022 Volkswagen Jetta
  • Interior close up of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta steering wheel
  • Interior close up of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta infotainment screen

GLI performance

While the 2022 Jetta GLI also gets new exterior features like bumpers, colors, and wheels, the most notable upgrade is under the hood. A more powerful 2.0-liter EA888 engine can be paired with the standard six-speed manual or an available seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combined, this powertrain produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Adding to that GLI performance is the multi-link rear suspension that creates outstanding handling and improved ride quality.

  • Front side view of a red 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  • Exterior close up of the headlight on a red 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  • Close up of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI steering wheel
  • Close up of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI infotainment screen
  • Close up of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gear shift

Pricing has not been announced for the 2022 Jetta and Jetta GLI. However, the new models are expected to reach dealerships before the end of the year.