2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$38,200 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the $4,985 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the A3 starting at $38,200 versus the GLI's $33,215. Performance favors the GLI, which delivers 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Jetta GLI at 30 combined MPG versus the A3’s 28 combined MPG. However, the A3 offers standard all-wheel drive against the GLI's front-wheel drive setup. In utility, the Jetta GLI provides substantially more cargo space at 14.1 cubic feet, more than double the A3's 8.3 cubic feet. These core metrics define the choice between premium entry-level luxury and performance-oriented value.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers superior fuel efficiency at 30 combined MPG and a lower entry price point for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly outperforming the A3's 8.3 cu ft, which is better for hauling belongings.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides higher performance figures with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI undercuts the Audi A3's MSRP by $4,985 while offering 27 more horsepower and better efficiency.

Choose the Audi A3 if...

You require standard all-wheel drive capability for enhanced traction.
You prefer the refinement and dimensions of a shorter sedan, measuring 177.3 inches in length.
You prioritize the A3's premium branding and 7-speed automated manual transmission over raw power figures.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Maximizing cargo space is a priority, as the GLI offers 14.1 cu ft versus the A3’s 8.3 cu ft.
You seek the best horsepower-to-dollar ratio, gaining 228 hp for $33,215.
You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission for spirited driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A3	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	177.3"	186.9"
Width	71.5"	70.8"
Height	56.2"	57.3"
Wheelbase	103.7"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	201 hp	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	236 lb-ft	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	Audi	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/34 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/493.0 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
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
Front Hip Room	—	53.0 in.
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	51.4 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/45R17	225/45R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How does the fuel requirement differ between the two sedans?

The 2025 Audi A3 utilizes regular unleaded fuel for its 28 combined MPG rating. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI recommends premium unleaded fuel, achieving 30 combined MPG with that requirement.

Which vehicle has superior passenger and cargo capacity metrics?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is significantly more practical, offering 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 69% more than the Audi A3's 8.3 cubic feet. Both are sedans, but the GLI is physically longer at 186.9 inches versus 177.3 inches for the A3.

Is the Audi A3 faster than the Jetta GLI based on engine output?

No, the Jetta GLI holds a measurable advantage in raw output, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

What is the key mechanical difference in their drivetrains?

The Audi A3 comes standard with an all-wheel drive system paired to a 7-speed automated manual transmission. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI uses a front-wheel drive layout and is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.

What is the price difference between the two base MSRPs?

The 2025 Audi A3 commands a base MSRP of $38,200. This is $4,985 more expensive than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which is priced at $33,215.

How do their exterior dimensions compare in width and height?

The Audi A3 is slightly wider at 71.5 inches compared to the Jetta GLI’s 70.8 inches. However, the Jetta GLI is taller, measuring 57.3 inches high versus the A3's 56.2 inches.