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2021 Jetta GLI trim level differences

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in just two trim levels: S and Autobahn. Both come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Volkswagen calls it DSG) that sends power to the front wheels. Feature highlights include:

S
Comes fairly well equipped with:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels (standard all-season or optional summer tires)
  • Performance brakes
  • Limited-slip differential for improved traction
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel (includes shift paddles with DSG transmission)
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Manually adjustable sport seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen display
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
  • Two USB ports
  • Six-speaker audio system
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
  • Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Autobahn
The top-level Autobahn trim builds off the base trim. Performance remains the same, but you get additional features including:

  • Adaptive suspension for improved ride and handling
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Power-adjustable driver's seat
  • Leather upholstery
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Remote start (DSG only)
  • 8-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen's latest infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volkswagen and the car in front)
  • Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
  • Automatic high beams

The Autobahn is available with two options:

  • Summer tires
  • Black package
    • Black 18-inch wheels
    • Black mirror caps, roof and spoiler

Which 2021 Jetta GLI trim does Edmunds recommend?

Of the two trims, we suggest going with the Autobahn. Yes, the base S trim offers the same level of performance, but part of the Jetta GLI's appeal is its day-to-day usability. The Autobahn comes with way more features, and, for 2021, that includes a set of standard driver aids such as adaptive cruise control. If you live in warmer climates, we also suggest opting for the no-cost summer performance tires since they noticeably enhance the car's braking and handling performance.

Compare 2021 Jetta GLI trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Myrtle Beach, SC
Vehicle
Jetta GLI S
Jetta GLI Autobahn
Vehicle
S
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
See all Jetta GLI S for sale
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Section Title

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
Navigation
Not available
Not available
Satellite radio
Not Available
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
standard
Parking assistance
Not available
Not available
Upholstery
cloth
leather
Heated seats
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not Available
standard
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
standard
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Country of final assembly
N/A
N/A
Drivetrain
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
Engine power
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine torque
258 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
Tire size
225/45R18
225/45R18
Wheel size
18 X 7.5-in
18 X 7.5-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
24 / 33 / 28 MPG
24 / 33 / 28 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gal.
13.2 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
317 / 436 miles
317 / 436 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
36.7 ft.
36.7 ft.
Curb weight
3,228 lb.
3,228 lb.
Ground Clearance
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
70.8 in.
70.8 in.
Height
57.9 in.
57.9 in.
Length
185.2 in.
185.2 in.
Wheelbase
105.6 in.
105.6 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
14.1 cu. ft.
14.1 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
Front Head Room
38.5 in.
38.5 in.
Front Leg Room
41.1 in.
41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
37.2 in.
37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room
37.4 in.
37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
54.0 in.
54.0 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$36,857
$39,017
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.49
$0.52
Depreciation
$8,687
$10,408
Financing
$3,136
$3,772
Taxes & Fees
$387
$387
Fuel
$10,359
$10,359
Insurance
$4,598
$4,401
Maintenance
$6,822
$6,822
Repairs
$2,868
$2,868
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Interior
Titan Black w/Red Stitching, cloth
Titan Black w/Red Stitching, leather
Exterior
Pure Gray
Pure White
Deep Black Pearl
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Tornado Red
Tornado Red w/Black Roof
Pure Gray
Pure White
Deep Black Pearl
Pure Gray w/Black Roof
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Tornado Red
Pure White w/Black Roof