2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI in Boulder, CO
Think of it as the GTI in sedan form: the 2026 Jetta GLI brings a 228-horsepower turbo, a limited-slip differential, and — refreshingly — a standard 6-speed manual, all for around $34,000.
Turbo fun and a manual, at a sedan price
The Jetta GLI is the enthusiast’s Jetta — essentially a GTI with a trunk. It shares the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo (here making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft), adds a limited-slip differential for grip, and, unlike the GTI and Golf R, still offers a genuine 6-speed manual transmission at no extra cost (a 7-speed DSG automatic is also available for the same price).
That makes the GLI one of the most affordable ways to get a proper, engaging sport sedan with a stick shift — and it undercuts most rivals on price while offering more standard content. It’s quick (0-60 in the low-6-second range), efficient (up to 36 mpg highway), and comfortable enough to commute in every day.
The GLI comes fully equipped in a single Autobahn trim: a Digital Cockpit Pro, an 8-inch touchscreen, leather seating, a sunroof, premium audio and driver-assistance tech — a lot of car for the money.
A fun, efficient Boulder sedan
The GLI is a smart Boulder choice: engaging on canyon roads, easy on gas at up to 36 mpg highway for the commute between Longmont, Louisville and downtown, and — for driving enthusiasts — available with the manual that’s getting harder to find. Its trunk and folding rear seats handle real cargo.
A note on winters: the GLI is front-wheel drive. With good winter tires it manages Colorado snow well; if you want all-wheel drive in a VW performance car, step up to the AWD Golf R, or consider the Golf GTI hatch for a bit more power.
Emich Volkswagen of Boulder stocks the Jetta GLI and its VW-certified technicians keep it running right — including proper manual-transmission and clutch service.
2026 Jetta GLI
| Trim | Starting MSRP | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| GLI Autobahn | From $33,745 | 228-hp turbo, standard 6-speed manual (or 7-speed DSG at the same price), limited-slip differential, Digital Cockpit Pro, 8-inch touchscreen, leather, sunroof, premium audio and IQ.DRIVE. |
Starting MSRP excludes a $1,275 destination charge. The GLI comes fully loaded in the single Autobahn trim, with the 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG offered at the same price. Pricing subject to change — see live inventory for exact numbers.
2026 Jetta GLI specs
| Spec | 2026 Jetta GLI |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower / torque | 228 hp / 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual standard; 7-speed DSG available (same price) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive + limited-slip differential |
| 0-60 mph | Low 6-second range |
| EPA fuel economy | 26 city / 36 hwy / 29 combined |
| Touchscreen | 8-inch with Digital Cockpit Pro |
| Body | 4-door sedan |
| Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi limited |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
Jetta GLI offers in Boulder
Ask Emich Volkswagen of Boulder about current Jetta GLI pricing, lease and finance offers, and in-stock inventory (including manual-transmission cars), and see /current-ad/ for featured specials. Vehicle photo: Volkswagen of America press assets.
Three reasons Boulder buyers choose the Jetta GLI at Emich
The GLI offers a genuine 6-speed manual at no extra cost — a rarity now that the GTI and Golf R are automatic-only.
228 hp, a limited-slip diff and up to 36 mpg highway, fully loaded, starting around $34,000 — strong value in the sport-sedan class.
Emich stocks the GLI and services it properly, including manual-transmission and clutch work.
How the Jetta GLI compares
Cross-shopping affordable sport sedans and compacts? Here’s an honest look at how the Jetta GLI compares — including price, power, and which rivals also give you a manual.
Jetta GLI FAQs
Does the 2026 Jetta GLI come with a manual transmission?
How much does the 2026 Jetta GLI cost?
What is the difference between the Jetta GLI and the Golf GTI?
How fuel efficient is the Jetta GLI?
Does the Jetta GLI have all-wheel drive?
Drive the 2026 Jetta GLI in Boulder
Want a genuine sport sedan — with a manual — that won’t break the bank? Come drive the Jetta GLI at Emich Volkswagen of Boulder. We stock them, including manual cars, and we’ll cover pricing, the manual-vs-DSG choice, and current offers.