Peak torque of 258 lb-ft arrives at 1,700 rpm in the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and holds to 4,400 rpm. Its 2.0-liter EA888 turbo four makes 228 horsepower with a maximum boost of 36 psi. A seven-speed DSG drives the front wheels, and steering-wheel paddles let you pick gears yourself.

The VAQ differential can put up to a full 100 percent of torque on either side of the front axle. Driving Mode Selection includes Comfort, Eco, Sport and Custom, and the DCC adaptive dampers follow whichever mode you pick. EPA estimates for the GLI read 26 mpg city and 35 highway on regular unleaded, and everyday mileage will vary.

• 228 hp and 258 lb-ft, 2.0L turbo four
• Seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with wheel-mounted paddles
• VAQ: up to 100% of torque to either front wheel
• DCC adaptive damping with four driving modes
• Multi-link rear suspension and sport-tuned shocks
• EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined on regular unleaded

Live engine power, turbo boost and G-force readouts appear on the touchscreen of the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI through its standard performance monitor. Up to four views fit on the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro behind the steering wheel. Composition Media runs the 8-inch touchscreen with wireless App-Connect, so Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can supply phone-based maps.

Music plays through eight speakers in the Volkswagen Premium Audio system. SiriusXM with 360L arrives with a 3-month Platinum Plan trial, and voice control is built in. Phones charge on a wireless pad or through two 45-watt USB-C ports. An In-Vehicle Premium plan unlocks the available Wi-Fi hotspot for up to four devices.

• 10.25-inch configurable cluster, up to four views
• Phone maps via wireless App-Connect
• Eight speakers in the Volkswagen Premium Audio system
• Performance monitor shows boost and G-forces live
• Wireless charging pad for compatible phones
• 45-watt fast charging from two USB-C ports

Travel Assist leads the standard IQ.DRIVE suite on the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, pairing Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Assist so it can help center the car between lane markings. The system is hands-on, and the capacitive steering wheel confirms your grip. Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert and Emergency Assist round out the package.

Light Assist runs the high beams automatically, switching on at 18 mph or faster in the dark and off at 12 mph. In certain collisions, the Intelligent Crash Response System can shut off the fuel pump, unlock the doors and turn on the hazard lights. For 2027, rear passengers also get an enhanced seatbelt reminder.

• Standard IQ.DRIVE, including hands-on Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control that resumes in traffic
• Front Assist also monitors for pedestrians
• Automatic high beams through Light Assist
• Six airbags, side curtains included
• Crash Response can unlock doors in certain collisions

Five paint colors are offered on the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Deep Black Pearl, Kings Red Metallic, Monterey Blue Pearl, Monument Gray and Pure White. Four of them pair with the optional Black Package: a black roof, black mirror caps and 18-inch gloss-black alloys in the standard wheel design. Standard wheels are 18-inch machined alloys, and every GLI has red brake calipers.

A red accent strip brightens the black honeycomb grilles up front. GLI lettering sits at the upper left, as it does on the GTI. Headlights are LED projectors, and the grille carries a light bar. The rear diffuser repeats the black honeycomb theme, and chrome tips mark the wider dual exhaust.

• Five paint colors, including Kings Red Metallic
• Optional gloss-black 18-inch alloys and black roof
• 225/45 R18 all-season tires on machined alloys
• Front brakes shared with the Mk7 Golf R
• Grille light bar and LED projector headlights
• Panoramic sunroof and black window surrounds standard

Seats in the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI are sport-bolstered and trimmed in perforated leather. The color scheme pairs gray (Grigio) with Titan Black, and red contrast stitching runs through it. Heating and ventilation are built into both front seats. Driver-seat memory saves your position for the next drive, and the lumbar support is power-adjustable.

The heated sport steering wheel is leather-wrapped and multifunction, with paddles for the DSG. Red stitching carries onto the padded door inserts, and Magnum matte decor rounds out the trim. An aluminum shift knob and illuminated door sills join a black headliner and stainless-steel pedal caps. After dark, 10-color ambient lighting washes the cabin in your chosen hue.

• Grigio and Titan Black upholstery, red stitching
• Ventilation and heat in both front seats
• Power seat saves driver positions in memory
• Paddle shifters on a heated, leather-wrapped wheel
• Illuminated sills, black headliner, stainless pedal caps
• 37.4 in rear legroom, 14.1 cu ft trunk