VW Put a Golf R Differential in a Family Sedan: 2026 GLI Review

The 2026 VW Jetta GLI is an engineering anomaly: Golf R brakes and a GTI differential wrapped in a budget sedan body. But is the old EA888 Gen 3 engine actually a hidden benefit?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Manual is a parts-bin robbery. It takes the front brakes from the previous Golf R, the VAQ electronic limited slip differential from the GTI, and adds standard adaptive dampers, all for around $35,000. But it also uses the older Generation 3 EA888 engine instead of the new Evo 4 found in the MK8 GTI.

In this review, we break down why that engine choice might actually be a win for tuners, how the multi link rear suspension transforms the handling compared to a base Jetta, and whether this "adult enthusiast" sleeper is a better buy than a Honda Civic Si or Hyundai Elantra N.

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