2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$48,700 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant difference between the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the MSRP, with the Audi commanding a $15,485 premium over the VW at $48,700 versus $33,215. Performance heavily favors the S3, which produces 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLI's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. This power disparity comes at an efficiency cost, as the S3 only achieves 26 MPG combined, trailing the GLI's 30 MPG combined rating. Furthermore, the Audi features an all-wheel-drive setup with a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the GLI uses a standard front-wheel-drive configuration with a 6-speed manual. Despite being the smaller vehicle at 177.4 inches long, the S3 sacrifices significant utility, offering only 8.3 cu ft of cargo space, significantly less than the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower required fuel costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S3

The Audi S3 delivers significantly higher performance figures with 328 hp and the traction advantage of all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides a substantial performance gap closure for a $15,485 lower initial investment.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Maximum acceleration and higher output (328 hp) are mandatory.
All-wheel drive capability for varied conditions is preferred over FWD.
The premium features associated with the Audi badge justify the $48,700 MSRP.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Budget is strictly controlled, with the $33,215 MSRP being a significant advantage.
Optimal fuel economy (30 MPG combined) is prioritized over raw power figures.
Maximum utility is needed, as the car offers 14.1 cu ft of cargo room.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi S3	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	177.4"	186.9"
Width	71.5"	70.8"
Height	55.7"	57.3"
Wheelbase	103.6"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
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	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
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	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	295 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	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.5/449.5 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
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.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
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	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	18 in	—
Tire Size	225/40R18	225/45R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 S3 and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S3 compared to the 2025 Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Audi S3 produces 328 horsepower, which is exactly 100 hp more than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's 228 horsepower rating. This results in a significant difference in performance metrics between the two sedans.

What is the primary mechanical difference affecting the driving experience?

The Audi S3 utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual, while the Jetta GLI employs a traditional front-wheel drive setup with a 6-speed manual transmission. This affects traction capabilities and driver engagement.

Is the higher price of the S3 justified by better fuel economy?

No, the Audi S3 commands an MSRP of $48,700 compared to $33,215 for the Jetta GLI, yet the S3 is less efficient, achieving only 26 MPG combined versus the GLI's 30 MPG combined.

Which sedan offers more practical interior space for storage?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides substantially more utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Audi S3 is much smaller in this regard, offering only 8.3 cu ft of usable trunk volume.

Does the fuel requirement differ significantly between the two models?

Yes, the 2025 Audi S3 strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for its high-output engine. In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI only recommends premium unleaded fuel, allowing the use of regular grade.

How do the exterior dimensions compare?

The Jetta GLI is longer at 186.9 inches compared to the S3's 177.4 inches, making the Audi the more compact vehicle overall. The GLI is also slightly taller at 57.3 inches versus the S3's 55.7 inches.