The 2022 Volkswagen GTI & GLI Are Near Perfect Turbocharged Sport Compacts

After over a year of waiting, the redesigned #VolkswagenGTI is finally here. At the same time, the 2022 #VolkswagenGLI is also updated. The 2022 #GTI is known by enthusiasts as the #Mk8GTI and with 241 HP, it’s the most powerful #GolfGTI from the factory. At the same time, the #JettaGLI has long been know as a GTI with a trunk, however, we find the #GLI to be a little more comfortable and softer than it’s hot hatch cousin. Both go on sale next month.

We're also on:

[theredline]

Happy Wednesday everyone! It’s just a sport compact/hot hatch kinda week for us. Next week, we’ll be posting our full review on the all-new Civic Si but first, let’s remind you just how good the new GTI and GLI is. It’s a great time to be in the market for budget fun turbo car right now!

[pwd]

I'd really like to know who is telling Volkswagen that customers want glossy black plastic capacitive touch everything. Seriously.

[lovesautodetail]

As a person who has owned a 2022 gti for two weeks I can tell you none of the interface issues are deal breakers. This is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned and definitely the most enjoyable driver.

[LAShooters]

The Hankook Kinergy tires on the GLI is what causes such slow 0-60 numbers and also makes for poor handling. I changed them to a more performance oriented tires and it makes a big difference in performance, mainly handling.

[MR.F]

Nice I didnt miss waiting for a 2022 GLI, I got a 2020 Autobahn and its just great.

[macaron]

One can only dream how much better the mk8 would be if it had physical buttons, or conversely the GLI would be with the mk8 powertrain.

[seanehly-yu]

Correction: the GLI and GTI have clutch-type mechanical limited slip differentials that are electronically controlled, just like the one in the Veloster N. It’s the same system that’s been used in these cars for years.

[marcvalme]

To clarify, it is a mechanical limited slip differential, it's just electronically activated. As opposed to a torsion, clutch-based or viscous LSDs that will activate on their own. VW's differential will only lock up when the computer tells it to. It is not a fake LSD that used the brakes, it's an actual mechanical limited slip differential. But the computer controls when it locks up, That's why they call it elsd

[mlgt]

for me the GTI sounds much better than the quieter Jetta GLi....awesome videos keep up the good work.

[craigrinzema]

Thank you so much for including 0-60! So many different car reviewers don’t include that!

[aroundomaha]

I'm a former Mk7.5 owner and have been waiting for this review. My impression with limited information is that they fine-tuned some items but messed up with the capacitive touch interface and cost-cutting small things like eliminating the hood struts. The deal-killer for me is that awful software interface.

[abbafan]

Hello @Redline Reviews, thank you for all the things you do. Taking time out of your day to inform us.

[Legendary____]

One thing I just disagree with is why have air vents for the back seat in a small gti and none for the wide gli

[cozyflannel]

The touch interface is a deal breaker, especially because it causes problems when using it in real life. Other reviewers have mentioned accidentally hitting the volume slider when trying to use the touch screen, etc. it’s just garbage. Until VW comes to their senses and gives customers better controls I’ll shop elsewhere. Honda showed how it’s done in the new Civic.

[dfberry]

I'm glad you were able to do -- what I know as -- the first comparison of the GTI and the GLI. No real surprises in your findings for me, but its still nice to get confirmation of the differences (and reasons to spend more) for the GTI -- though, like you say, the GLI fits the needs of many people -- so, bravo to VW for building both.

[goldentrucker]

19" wheels just way to big for a little city car. They're gonna be slamming pot holes all over the country. Would prefer 17", or 18" with a lot more sidewall.

[Coronerlex]

The production value on this channel has been so high lately. Love it! Keep it coming!!

[fp]

15:46 the only reviewer that still dumps the clutch or brake-torques EVERY car he reviews. A feature almost nobody uses after one try.

[NGMonocrom]

Thank you for pointing out the differences. I've always been a sedan-lover. And, the GLI would be perfect for me.... If I wanted a Mid-size Passat trying to masquerade as a Compact Jetta. I mean 17-inches of difference in length, with the backseat size of the GLI being a big selling point??

I need a compact. Not just one labeled as such. Or, one that fits the new definition of "compact" after most car brands (including VW) have utterly decimated the true compact car class in America during the last few years. Yes, you do expect a slight difference in length when discussing a car model available as either a hatchback or a sedan. But not 17 inches! If anything, it's clear now that the GTI and the GLI are two very different cars. The GLI is not a GTI with a trunk. As much as I enjoy the security of a lockable trunk, I'm not even considering the GLI as an option for my next car. But the GTI is on my short-list.

[instantkamera]

I love how all of these video talk about the cars like the consumer has the luxury of choice right now. The reality is there's no stock, so your choice my also come down to what's even available.