2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$44,100 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the A4 commands a premium of $10,355 more at $44,100 versus the GLI's $33,745. This price disparity yields performance benefits, as the Audi generates 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the Jetta's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the Jetta GLI presents superior efficiency, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the A4's 26 MPG combined, which is also supported by its lower operational requirement (recommended vs. required premium fuel). While the Audi is slightly longer at 187.5 inches, the Jetta offers 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, surpassing the A4’s 12 cu ft. Furthermore, the A4 utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual, contrasting sharply with the GLI's Front-Wheel Drive and 6-speed manual transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2026 Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the Audi A4's 12 cu ft, making it more practical for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A4

The 2025 Audi A4 offers higher output with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with the sophisticated 7-speed automated manual and AWD system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers significantly more power for $10,355 less MSRP, resulting in a superior power-to-price ratio.

Choose the Audi A4 if...

You prioritize the handling dynamics provided by an All-Wheel Drive system.
You desire the higher performance metrics of 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
A 7-speed automated manual transmission is preferred over a traditional manual gearbox.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Your primary concern is minimizing acquisition cost, with an MSRP of $33,745.
You require the maximum available cargo volume of 14.1 cubic feet.
Achieving 30 MPG combined fuel economy, the higher rating between the two, is crucial.

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	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

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	—
Speaker System	10	8
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

What is the precise difference in drivetrain and transmission between these two sedans?

The 2025 Audi A4 is equipped with All-Wheel Drive and a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI employs Front-Wheel Drive mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Does the Jetta GLI require premium fuel like the Audi A4?

No, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI only recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. The 2025 Audi A4 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its stated 261 hp output.

How much more cargo volume does the Jetta GLI offer compared to the A4?

The 2026 Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 2.1 cubic feet greater than the 12 cu ft offered by the 2025 Audi A4 sedan.

Which vehicle has the higher stated horsepower figures?

The Audi A4 leads in peak output, producing 261 horsepower. This is a substantial 33 hp more than the Jetta GLI's 228 horsepower rating.

What is the difference in highway fuel economy ratings?

The 2026 Jetta GLI achieves 36 MPG on the highway, significantly outpacing the 2025 Audi A4's highway rating of 32 MPG.

Are the exterior dimensions significantly different?

The dimensions are very similar; the Audi A4 is marginally longer at 187.5 inches compared to the Jetta GLI's 186.9 inches, while the Audi is 1.9 inches wider at 72.7 inches.