Volkswagen Jetta GLI Specs

Since 1988 the Jetta GLI has grown 14.2″ in length and gained 877 lb: weight rose 37%, length only 8%.

NHTSA vPIC · Transport Canada · 4 generations · 1988–2026 · Updated Nov 4, 2026
Quick answer

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is 185.8″ long, 71.3″ wide and 57.5″ tall on a 105.9″ wheelbase, and weighs 3,225 lb. At 15.5 ft it fits a standard garage and leaves 2.5 ft spare in an 18-foot street space.

Every Volkswagen Jetta GLI generation, measured

FIG.01·Volkswagen Jetta GLI dimensions by generation
GenerationLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
1988171.7″66.1″55.9″97.2″2,348 lb
2003172.4″68.5″57.1″98.8″3,086 lb
2015–2017183.1″70.1″57.1″104.3″3,124 lb
2020–2026185.8″71.3″57.5″105.9″3,225 lb
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

Jetta GLI year by year

FIG.02·Volkswagen Jetta GLI dimensions by model year
Model yearLengthWidthWheelbaseCurb weightBody styles
2026185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2025185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2024185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2023185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2022185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2021185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2020185.8″71.3″105.9″3,225 lb1
2017183.1″70.1″104.3″3,124 lb1
2016183.1″70.1″104.3″3,124 lb1
2015183.1″70.1″104.3″3,124 lb1
2003172.4″68.5″98.8″3,086 lb1
1988171.7″66.1″97.2″2,348 lb1
ROWS 12·SOURCE Transport Canada vehicle specifications

Jetta GLI on the used market

ForCar visitors have decoded 24 Jetta GLI VINs; the most checked model years are 2026, 2021 and 2025.

FIG.05·Volkswagen Jetta GLI generations on the used market
GenerationListingsShareAverage asking priceAverage mileage
2020–20261012%$17,51469,774 mi
2015–20171315%$11,04798,807 mi
Other years6373%$8,733135,110 mi
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar, US used-car listings collected since June 2026

Will a Jetta GLI fit

FIG.02·Volkswagen Jetta GLI — will it fit
SpaceTypical sizeThis carVerdict
Single garage20 ft deep15.5 ftFits, with room to open the door
Street parking space18 ft15.5 ftFits comfortably
Standard parking bay width8.5 ft wide5.9 ftRoom to open doors both sides
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar, computed from vehicle dimensions

Against cars of the same length

FIG.03·Volkswagen Jetta GLI against similar-sized cars
MeasureThis carTypical of 1,123 cars within 10″ of its lengthDifference
Width71.3″72.4″−1.1″
Wheelbase105.9″108.3″−2.4″
Curb weight3,225 lb3,682 lb−457 lb
ROWS 3·SOURCE ForCar, computed across vehicles of similar length

Jetta GLI against its rivals

FIG.04·Volkswagen Jetta GLI against its rivals
ModelModel yearLengthWidthCurb weight
Volkswagen Jetta GLI (this car)2026185.8″71.3″3,225 lb
Toyota Corolla2026181.1″69.3″3,097 lb
Nissan Versa2026176.8″68.5″2,659 lb
Subaru Legacy2026191.3″72.4″3,664 lb
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada; rivals: same EPA class and body, most searched
Upgrade to Pro

Specs vary by trim. Yours decodes from the VIN.

  • Exact build, engine and factory options for one VIN
  • The original window sticker as it left the factory
  • What that specific configuration is worth today
  • Decode a whole list of VINs at once
  • No ads, on every page
  • No ads, no tracking — and much more
Free plan available — no credit card needed

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2026 Jetta GLI bigger than the 2025?

No. The 2026 and 2025 Jetta GLI are the same size and weight.

Which is bigger, the Jetta GLI or the Toyota Corolla?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla is 4.7″ shorter and 128 lb lighter than the 2026 Jetta GLI.

How much does a used Jetta GLI cost?

In our listings collected since June 2026, the average asking price runs from $11,047 for the 2015–2017 car to $17,514 for the 2020–2026 one, across 86 listings.

Dimensions from NHTSA vPIC and Transport Canada vehicle records, manufacturer-declared for 12 Jetta GLI model years, 1988 to 2026. Metric values converted to inches and pounds; generation boundaries are estimated from changes in size (how we measure). Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
Found this useful?

Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.

Prefer ForCar →