Goodbye Third Pedal
After Volkswagen dropped the manual transmission option from the Golf GTI and Golf R in North America, it seemed only a matter of time before the stick shift disappeared from the Jetta GLI as well. That day has now reportedly arrived, as TFLCar said a VW spokesperson confirmed the Jetta GLI will be offered exclusively with a DSG dual-clutch transmission starting with the 2027 model year.
With the broader decline of manual transmissions, it does not come as a surprise that declining demand is behind the discontinuation. Even BMW M boss Frank van Meel has said a three-pedal setup no longer makes much sense. Automakers mostly keep manuals around in mass-market nameplates to satisfy enthusiasts, but automatic gearboxes are ultimately where the money is.
The Business Case Wins Again
The VW spokesperson summed that reality up well, telling the publication, “As drivers and car enthusiasts, we appreciate manuals too! That’s why our region worked very hard to keep them around. We know it matters to a small but passionate group of drivers who love being fully engaged and rowing their own gears. Even so, global demand continued to narrow to a point where the market can no longer sustain it. As much as it hurts, that reality meant making some tough choices.”
Starting with the 2027 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI will reportedly be sold exclusively with a 7-speed DSG, which generally provides faster gear changes than traditional torque-converter automatics. It will continue to be paired with a 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers looking for a compact sedan with a stick shift can turn to the Honda Civic Si, which comes standard with a 6-speed manual. For a bit more money, the Subaru WRX and Hyundai Elantra N could also fit the bill.
VW’s American Strategy Keeps Evolving
While the manual is being axed from Volkswagen’s U.S. lineup, the transmission is still available in certain European models, including the Golf and T-Cross. Another product line missing from the U.S. is VW’s new lineup of small, affordable EVs, including the ID. Polo, which starts at 24,995 euros, or around $29,000 at current exchange rates.
Volkswagen’s long-term U.S. plan is less clear amid market challenges, including tariffs. In that context, the Jetta GLI losing its manual highlights the automaker’s shift away from low-volume enthusiast offerings toward profit-driven decisions meant to keep the brand competitive in the region. As such, an entry into the lucrative pickup truck segment is also being considered, though the idea remains in the early stages of evaluation for now.
