2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$44,100 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The battle between the refined 2025 Audi A4 and the spirited 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI pits technological polish against raw, accessible fun. The A4 leaps ahead with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, showcasing sophisticated engineering with its standard all-wheel drive and snappy 7-speed automated manual transmission, though its $44,100 MSRP is a steep entry point. Conversely, the Jetta GLI hooks driving purists with its engaging 6-speed manual transmission, offering a grin-per-dollar factor that is hard to ignore for only $33,215. While the A4 dominates in straight-line power, the Jetta GLI counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Audi’s 26 MPG combined, a meaningful difference over a year of driving, especially considering the Audi requires premium fuel. The Jetta also offers slightly more utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space versus the A4's 12 cu ft, making the GLI a surprisingly practical enthusiast machine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers superior combined fuel economy at 30 MPG and a lower initial cost of $33,215, making daily driving significantly cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

With 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A4's 12 cu ft, the Jetta provides slightly more practical space for family essentials.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 delivers 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque paired with standard AWD, offering objectively superior performance metrics over the Jetta GLI's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins on value by providing a spirited drive for $10,885 less than the Audi A4, despite the A4 having more power.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You prioritize maximum power, benefiting from the A4's 261 hp engine.
All-weather confidence is mandatory, due to the A4's standard all-wheel drive system.
You prefer the high-tech engagement of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a traditional stick shift.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You demand the tactile reward of a 6-speed manual transmission in your daily driver.
Maximizing efficiency is key, as the Jetta achieves 36 highway MPG versus the A4's 32 highway MPG.
You are keeping the budget tight, as the Jetta GLI is priced $10,885 lower at $33,215.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A4	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	187.5"	186.9"
Width	72.7"	70.8"
Height	56.2"	57.3"
Wheelbase	111.0"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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	261 hp @ 6300 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 4200 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	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	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/32 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/489.6 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	400W
Speaker System	10	9
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
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	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	37.4 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R H	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 A4 and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How much more powerful is the Audi A4 compared to the Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Audi A4 boasts 261 horsepower, giving it a 33 hp advantage over the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which produces 228 hp. This power difference is coupled with higher torque in the Audi (273 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft).

Which car is more economical to run in terms of fuel?

The Jetta GLI is the clear winner for economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the A4's 26 MPG combined. Additionally, the A4 requires premium unleaded fuel while the Jetta only recommends it, potentially adding to long-term cost savings for the VW.

Is the Audi A4 significantly larger than the Jetta GLI?

The overall footprint is very similar, with the Audi being slightly longer (187.5 inches vs. 186.9 inches) and wider (72.7 inches vs. 70.8 inches). However, the Jetta offers slightly more trunk utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi's 12 cu ft.

What is the price gap between these two performance sedans?

There is a substantial $10,885 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2025 Audi A4 starts at $44,100, whereas the enthusiast-focused 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI begins at a much more accessible $33,215.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience regarding transmission type?

This depends on preference: the Jetta GLI exclusively offers an engaging 6-speed manual transmission, catering to traditionalists. The Audi A4 opts for driver convenience with its sophisticated 7-speed automated manual transmission paired with standard all-wheel drive.