2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$28,695

MSRP

$20,365

Listings

35

Listings

115

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Manual transmission available

  • Great handling

  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Not much cargo space

  • Outdated technology

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Unintuitive technology

  • All-wheel drive not available

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews Summary

Volkswagen’s career sales leader, the Jetta receives a mild but value-minded refresh for the 2022 model year. Although the compact sedan’s lineup has been pared down (farewell, SEL Premium and R-Line), the Jetta’s standard features, technology, and power rating get a welcomed boost.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 158 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

23

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

43
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Jetta
$20,365MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,695
$20,365
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

5.0

5.0

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Manual transmission available

  • Great handling

  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Not much cargo space

  • Outdated technology

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Unintuitive technology

  • All-wheel drive not available

Summary
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
Volkswagen’s career sales leader, the Jetta receives a mild but value-minded refresh for the 2022 model year. Although the compact sedan’s lineup has been pared down (farewell, SEL Premium and R-Line), the Jetta’s standard features, technology, and power rating get a welcomed boost.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 228 hp I4
1.5L 158 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
23
29
MPG Highway
30
43
Look and feel

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

8/10

2022 Volkswagen Jetta

6/10
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a pioneer in the hot hatch genre, boasts a rich heritage and a sporty appearance. With its subtle enhancements, red accents, and quality interior, the GTI exudes a performance-oriented vibe. On the other hand, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, the automaker's best-selling vehicle, receives a mild makeover with exterior styling tweaks and improved infotainment. However, its design changes are subtle, and it maintains a practical yet unassuming appearance.
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Picture of 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Performance

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

7/10

2022 Volkswagen Jetta

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI at 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta at 6 out of 10. The Golf GTI impresses with its potent turbocharged engine, great handling, and sporty suspension, making it a thrilling drive for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Jetta offers a comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy, but its powertrain dynamics may not satisfy those seeking a more spirited driving experience.
Form and function

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

8/10

2022 Volkswagen Jetta

7/10
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its compact yet spacious hatchback form, offers practicality and nimble handling, making it ideal for urban driving. The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta provides ample passenger space and user-friendly controls, ensuring a comfortable and convenient driving experience.
Technology

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

8/10

2022 Volkswagen Jetta

7/10
Both models come equipped with advanced technology features. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a standard MIB touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, while the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta receives an upgrade with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster and enhanced infotainment options.
Safety

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

8/10

2022 Volkswagen Jetta

8/10
Both the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI and the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta prioritize safety, offering a range of standard and available driver-assistance features. The Golf GTI has received high safety ratings, while the Jetta's ratings for the 2022 model are pending.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta scores 6.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI emerges as the preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented driving experience and a sporty appearance. However, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offers a more practical and affordable option for those prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency.

Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:

7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize a thrilling driving experience with potent performance and sporty handling.
  • You value a rich heritage and a sporty appearance in a compact hatchback.
  • You are willing to invest in a higher-priced model for enhanced performance and quality features.
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Choose the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta if:

6.7of 10overall
  • You seek a practical and comfortable compact sedan with user-friendly controls and ample passenger space.
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency and a more affordable entry point into the Volkswagen lineup.
  • You are looking for a well-equipped sedan with modern technology features and a comfortable driving experience.
115 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta scores 6.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI emerges as the preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented driving experience and a sporty appearance. However, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offers a more practical and affordable option for those prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency.

Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize a thrilling driving experience with potent performance and sporty handling.
  • You value a rich heritage and a sporty appearance in a compact hatchback.
  • You are willing to invest in a higher-priced model for enhanced performance and quality features.
35 results

Choose the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta if:

Shop Now
6.7of 10overall
  • You seek a practical and comfortable compact sedan with user-friendly controls and ample passenger space.
  • You prioritize fuel efficiency and a more affordable entry point into the Volkswagen lineup.
  • You are looking for a well-equipped sedan with modern technology features and a comfortable driving experience.
115 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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