Volkswagen lists the engine in the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI as an EA888 Gen3: a 1,984-cc turbocharged and intercooled four with a 9.6:1 compression ratio. Its rating is 228 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,700 rpm, and 258 lb-ft of torque holds from 1,700 to 4,400 rpm. The turbocharger runs up to 36 psi of boost.

A cast-iron block carries a forged-steel crankshaft on five main bearings. Above it sits an aluminum-alloy crossflow head with chain-driven overhead camshafts. Valve timing varies on both the intake and exhaust sides, and exhaust valve lift varies too. Exhaust gas flows through a water-cooled path in the cylinder head on its way to the turbocharger, and fully electronic coolant control is built for a short warm-up.

• Gen3 EA888, 1,984 cc of displacement
• 228 hp and 258 lb-ft, both Volkswagen ratings
• Peak torque from 1,700 rpm through 4,400 rpm
• 36 psi peak boost from the turbocharger
• Forged-steel crankshaft and chain-driven camshafts

Every gear change in the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI goes through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Paddles on the heated sport steering wheel let you take over the shifting, and the DSG sends power to the front wheels.

Car and Driver ran its own instrumented test on a 2026 Jetta GLI Autobahn with the 7-speed DSG. The magazine recorded 5.6 seconds to 60 mph. That powertrain carries over unchanged for 2027, but the time is still a 2026 test result, not a Volkswagen figure.

• DSG with seven forward gears and two clutches
• Steering-wheel paddles for choosing gears yourself
• Aluminum knob on the DSG selector
• Power sent to the front wheels
• Auto start-stop on every GLI

Standard on the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the VAQ differential is an electronically controlled front limited-slip unit. It can shift up to 100 percent of torque to either front wheel, working proactively rather than waiting to react. Volkswagen says that proactive approach, unlike the fixed torque split of a traditional limited-slip differential, reduces understeer and torque steer.

The DCC adaptive dampers manage rebound and compression individually and follow the driving mode you choose: Comfort, Eco, Sport or Custom. A multi-link rear axle carries its own anti-roll bar. Sport-tuned gas-filled shocks and stiffer springs set the stance 0.6 inch below a Jetta S. Variable-ratio steering takes 2.1 turns lock to lock, and the 13.4-inch front discs come from the Mk7 Golf R.

• VAQ front differential, electronically controlled
• DCC adaptive damping, four driving modes
• Sport-tuned gas-filled shocks and stiffer springs
• 10.6:1 variable-ratio steering, 2.1 turns lock to lock
• 13.4-inch front and 11.8-inch rear discs

Commuters on I-64 will watch the highway figure for the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, an EPA-estimated 35 mpg. City and combined estimates are 26 and 29 mpg, and that single rating covers every 2027 GLI. Volkswagen recommends regular unleaded for the 2.0-liter, and its EPA figures assume regular too. Your own results depend on driving habits and vehicle condition.

With 13.2 gallons aboard and the 35-mpg highway estimate, a full tank works out to 462 miles by simple arithmetic, or 382.8 miles at the combined rating. Neither number is an official EPA or Volkswagen figure, and real range on a given tank depends on traffic, weather and driving style.

• EPA estimate of 35 mpg on the highway
• 29 mpg combined, per EPA estimates
• Regular unleaded recommended by Volkswagen
• 13.2-gallon tank, 462-mile calculated highway range