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VW Jetta and Jetta GLI Features Updated Engine and Styling for 2022

The new Jetta comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection engine, while the Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

August 24, 2021
VW Jetta and Jetta GLI Features Updated Engine and Styling for 2022

The new Jetta family is expected to reach U.S. dealers in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Photo: Volkswagen of America

3 min to read


Volkswagen of America will add new technology and styling to both the 2022 model year Jetta and the Jetta GLI.

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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 VP 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. With the introduction of a new Sport trim, it is easier than ever for customers to get their hands on a vehicle with a sporty appearance at a value-oriented price point.”

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The Jetta has the 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 engine.

EA211 features include:

  • APS coated cylinder liners that reduce friction between the cylinder liner and piston rings. This process has been localized in the North American Region.

  • A map-controlled cooling module that warms the engine more quickly than the previous EA211 by controlling water flow in different parts of the engine for efficiency.

  • Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). One of the first volume-production turbochargers with this technology in the North American Region, this turbo is more efficient, provides higher boost pressure, and avoids wastegate mass flow.

  • A high-pressure injection system with up to 350 bar, which produces better atomization of the fuel/air mixture, a shorter injection time, optimized mixture formation, and lower particulate emissions.

The Jetta GLI has the 2.0-liter EA888 engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Both models will feature a strut-type front suspension, with Jetta offering a torsion beam rear setup, while GLI models have a multi-link rear suspension.

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The 2022 Jetta will be offered in four trim levels, while the GLI will be offered in one fully loaded trim.

The Jetta and GLI will also get a style update on the outside. There will be new front and rear bumpers, new colors, and new wheels.

On the GLI, its red accent strip sits between the bars, and the lower front fascia features honeycomb detail.

All models will receive new rear bumpers; GLI adds a black honeycomb diffuser and a wider dual exhaust, which features improved acoustics for 2022.

The 2022 Jetta will be available in seven exterior colors and the GLI will offer five colors.

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The Jetta and GLI will have upgraded technology and design updates. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster now comes standard with an 8-inch display on Jetta, and the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro on GLI.

Both vehicles will also have standard Volkswagen Car-Net with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Leatherette and leather seating surfaces are available on Jetta models.

Other features include:

  • A leatherette-wrapped steering wheel available on base Jetta models standard on higher trims, with heating available,

  • GLI features a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with touch functions and a red “GLI” clip.

  • Heated front and rear seats, along with front seat ventilation are available on Jetta, while GLI features standard heated and ventilated front seats.

  • Power driver seat, Climatronic automatic climate control, and KESSY keyless access and push-button start are available from mid-trim models on Jetta and are standard on GLI.

  • A sunroof

  • BeatsAudio premium sound

  • 10-color ambient lighting

Base Jetta models come standard with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert, and can be optioned with the IQ.DRIVE package to finish the set. Emergency Assist is available on automatic models only.

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Jetta models come standard with IQ.DRIVE from the mid-trim and up, as does the GLI.

The new Jetta family is expected to reach U.S. dealers in the fourth quarter of 2021.

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