Against 517 other 4-cyl cars rated 2019–2021, the Jetta GLI beats their 27 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $51 a year.
Every Volkswagen Jetta GLI engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21 / 29 | 1990–2021 | $1,587 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21 / 27.3 | 1986–1989 | $1,634 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 43.5 mpg, the Lexus IS 23.3 mpg and the Nissan Versa 35 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2021 Jetta GLI.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2021) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2019–2021 | −$51 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,639 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gives up 11 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 24 in the city, $503 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2021) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (46%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Jetta GLI changed over the years
The Jetta GLI peaked in 2021 at 28 mpg (24 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 21 — 7 mpg apart, or $458 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 1988: 25 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2019 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1992 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1987 | 23 / 28 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI — 2 engines across 1986–2021. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,639. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI get?
28 mpg combined, 24 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1986 the Jetta GLI has averaged 23.9 mpg.
Which Jetta GLI year has the best gas mileage?
The 2021, at 28 mpg combined (24 city, 35 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Jetta GLI get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 28 mpg for the 2021 Jetta GLI against 43.5 for the 2022 Toyota Corolla, about $488 a year more to run.
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