2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$48,400 · Hatchback

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi A5 explodes onto the scene as the sophisticated choice, boasting 261 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), offering a premium package starting at an MSRP of $48,400. Its sleek, 187.2-inch hatchback design belies its potent 273 lb-ft of torque. In stark contrast, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers raw engagement with its 6-speed manual transmission and a mouth-watering starting price of just $33,745. While the GLI offers superior fuel economy at 30 MPG combined versus the A5’s 26 MPG combined, the Audi commands a significant $14,655 premium. The A5’s nearly 7 MPG highway advantage in efficiency over the GLI in the premium segment is offset by the Jetta GLI’s more accessible performance figures, especially for buyers prioritizing budget and driver involvement over outright power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its lower $33,745 MSRP and better combined MPG of 30.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi A5

The 2025 Audi A5 offers superior cargo capacity at 21.8 cubic feet in its hatchback configuration, despite its higher cost.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi A5

The Audi A5 provides a higher power output with 261 hp and superior traction thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers significant performance for only $33,745, representing substantially more power per dollar spent than the A5.

Choose the Audi A5 if...

You demand the confidence of all-wheel drive and a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Cargo versatility is crucial, as the A5 provides 21.8 cubic feet of storage space.
You prioritize maximum acceleration, benefiting from the A5's 33 horsepower advantage (261 hp).

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Maximizing fuel economy is key, with the GLI achieving 36 MPG highway.
Driver engagement is paramount, as the GLI exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission.
Your budget is strictly limited, capitalizing on the massive $14,655 savings over the A5.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A5	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	187.2"	186.9"
Width	72.6"	70.8"
Height	54.6"	57.3"
Wheelbase	111.2"	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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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 (recommended)	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	✓	—
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	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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 Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 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	37.0 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	51.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	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 A5 and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

What is the primary difference in performance hardware between these two vehicles?

The 2025 Audi A5 utilizes a more powerful 261 hp engine paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Conversely, the 2026 VW Jetta GLI relies on a 228 hp engine linked to a traditional 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive for a more tactile driving feel.

How does the cargo hauling capability compare for everyday use?

The Audi A5, being a hatchback, offers significantly more usable space with 21.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Jetta GLI sedan provides a smaller 14.1 cubic feet, which might be restrictive for larger family hauls.

Is the difference in fuel efficiency noticeable for daily driving?

Yes, the Jetta GLI pulls ahead significantly, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the A5’s 26 MPG combined. This difference translates to 10% better efficiency on the highway (36 MPG vs. 32 MPG).

For someone who loves driving dynamics, why choose the Jetta GLI over the Audi A5?

Enthusiasts might favor the GLI because it exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission, connecting the driver directly to the 228 hp powertrain, a level of driver involvement absent in the A5's automated setup.

Considering the high price tag of the Audi, is the extra cost justified by the size?

The A5 is actually slightly longer at 187.2 inches compared to the GLI's 186.9 inches, meaning the $14,655 price gap is for drivetrain technology, refinement, and horsepower, not exterior length.

Which vehicle offers a better package for a budget-conscious performance buyer?

The Jetta GLI is the clear value champion; it costs $14,655 less than the A5 while still delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making its performance-to-price ratio superior.