2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$45,400 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary quantitative divergence between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the MSRP, showing a substantial $11,655 difference, with the TLX starting at $45,400 compared to the GLI's $33,745. Performance metrics favor the Acura, which boasts 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque against the GLI's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Conversely, the Jetta GLI provides superior efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the TLX's 25 MPG, translating to 5 MPG better highway cruising (36 MPG vs 31 MPG). While the TLX is physically longer at 194.6 inches, the GLI offers slightly more storage with 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the TLX's 13.5 cu ft. The transmission choice further differentiates the driving experience, with the TLX utilizing a 10-speed automatic while the GLI sticks to a 6-speed manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers marginally better utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the TLX's 13.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX provides significantly higher output with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, alongside a more advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI presents a dominant value proposition by costing $11,655 less while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize peak power, as the TLX delivers 44 more horsepower (272 hp vs 228 hp).
You prefer a modern, smooth shifting experience provided by the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Your budget supports the higher $45,400 MSRP for a near-luxury experience.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Maximizing fuel savings is critical, evidenced by the 30 combined MPG rating.
You demand the tactile connection of a 6-speed manual transmission.
You are seeking the lowest entry price point at $33,745, saving $11,655 upfront.

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	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

What is the direct power difference between the 2025 TLX and the 2026 Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Acura TLX outputs 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, making it substantially more powerful than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which is rated at 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How much more does the Acura TLX cost compared to the VW Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Acura TLX has an MSRP of $45,400, creating a direct price gap of $11,655 over the 2026 Jetta GLI's starting price of $33,745.

Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?

The Jetta GLI holds a clear advantage in efficiency, achieving 36 Highway MPG, which surpasses the TLX's rating of 31 Highway MPG, providing a 5 MPG improvement.

Are the dimensions significantly different between these two FWD sedans?

Yes, the TLX is longer at 194.6 inches compared to the GLI's 186.9 inches, though the smaller GLI manages to offer slightly more storage space at 14.1 cu ft versus 13.5 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?

Both the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI recommend premium unleaded fuel, though the specific octane ratings are not detailed here.

What is the main mechanical difference in the drivetrain offered?

The Acura TLX exclusively features a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Volkswagen Jetta GLI appeals to drivers wanting full manual control with its standard 6-speed manual transmission.