2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$45,400 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura TLX arrives with premium aspirations, boasting 272 hp and a sophisticated 10-speed automatic, making it the sharper, more powerful executive sedan ready to slice through the corners. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI fires back with raw, driver-focused engagement, featuring a cherished 6-speed manual transmission and impressive efficiency, achieving 36 MPG highway versus the TLX's 31 MPG highway. This battle pits the Acura's higher output and premium price tag of $45,400 against the Jetta GLI's accessible starting price of $33,215—a significant $12,185 difference. While the TLX offers more grunt and slightly better overall dimensions at 194.6 inches long, the GLI squeezes out a marginally larger 14.1 cu ft of cargo space. The choice boils down to prioritizing refined power or enthusiast accessibility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 MPG combined compared to the TLX's 25 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers slightly more utility with a larger 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the TLX's 13.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX provides superior outright performance with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, even though the Jetta offers the manual gearbox.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides better performance fundamentals for $12,185 less than the Acura TLX, making it the clear budget champion.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You demand higher horsepower, appreciating the 272 hp output for quicker highway merging.
You prefer the effortless shifting of a modern 10-speed automatic transmission over a manual.
You value a larger footprint, as the TLX is nearly 8 inches longer than the Jetta GLI.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You actively seek the tactile connection of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Saving money is paramount, given the significant $12,185 price advantage over the TLX.
Maximizing efficiency is key, as the GLI achieves 36 MPG on the highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	194.6"	186.9"
Width	75.2"	70.8"
Height	56.4"	57.3"
Wheelbase	113.0"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Brake Drying	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/40R	225/45R H
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How does the performance gap feel between these two FWD sedans?

The Acura TLX holds a definitive edge in raw power, producing 272 hp compared to the Jetta GLI's 228 hp, meaning the TLX will feel significantly quicker in 0-60 mph runs and high-speed acceleration.

Is the Jetta GLI truly a better deal despite having less power?

Yes, based on the listed MSRPs, the Jetta GLI is an exceptional value at $33,215, undercutting the TLX's $45,400 price point by a massive $12,185 margin.

Which vehicle is better suited for daily, long-distance commuting?

The Jetta GLI is more economical for the daily grind, achieving a combined 30 MPG against the TLX's 25 MPG, which adds up quickly over time.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI specify that premium unleaded fuel is recommended for optimal performance.

Which sedan offers more usable space for luggage?

Despite being the smaller car externally, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides slightly more space for cargo, offering 14.1 cu ft compared to the Acura TLX's 13.5 cu ft.

Does the TLX's 10-speed transmission offer a major advantage over the GLI's 6-speed manual?

The TLX's 10-speed automatic provides smoother, more refined gear changes and better overall efficiency, whereas the GLI's manual transmission is chosen specifically for driver involvement and control.