2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$48,700 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi S3 blasts out of the gate with 328 hp and a nimble 7-speed automated manual transmission, offering German precision and potent acceleration that demands premium unleaded fuel. Contrast this performance pedigree with the exciting, purist appeal of the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which sticks to a traditional 6-speed manual and boasts a significantly lower MSRP of $33,745, undercutting the Audi by a substantial $14,955. While the S3 offers superior power, the GLI counters with better efficiency, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the S3's 26 MPG. Furthermore, the GLI provides nearly double the utility, offering a cavernous 14.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's tight 8.3 cu ft. These two compact performance sedans target distinct drivers: one prioritizing outright speed and polish, the other favoring raw engagement and economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and a lower running cost profile.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is significantly more practical for family duties than the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi S3

The Audi S3 provides a substantial advantage in performance with 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLI's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers incredible fun for its accessible $33,745 MSRP, dramatically undercutting the S3's $48,700 price tag.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

You demand maximum power, evident in the S3's 328 hp output.
You prefer the grip and consistent engagement of an all-wheel drive system.
You value the technological sophistication of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Budget is a major factor, as the GLI saves you $14,955 off the starting price.
You prefer a traditional, engaging driving experience provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
You require more usable space, highlighted by the GLI’s 14.1 cu ft cargo capacity.

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	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How much more power does the Audi S3 have over the Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Audi S3 boasts 328 horsepower, a full 100 hp more than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which produces 228 hp. This difference makes the S3 significantly quicker in straight-line acceleration tests.

Is the Jetta GLI more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

Yes, the Jetta GLI excels in efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG compared to the S3's 26 MPG combined rating. The GLI also only recommends premium fuel, whereas the Audi mandates it.

Which car is better for carrying luggage or groceries?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is superior for utility, offering 14.1 cu ft of trunk space. The Audi S3's trunk is quite restrictive, providing only 8.3 cu ft.

What is the primary driving difference between the two AWD vs FWD?

The Audi S3 utilizes standard all-wheel drive for superior traction and stability in varied conditions, while the Jetta GLI sends power exclusively to the front wheels, focusing on a more raw, potentially lift-off oversteer engaging dynamic.

Does the price difference justify the Audi S3’s higher MSRP of $48,700?

The $14,955 price increase for the S3 pays for significantly higher horsepower, the standard AWD system, and premium interior refinement often associated with the Audi badge, which buyers sensitive to performance figures might justify.

Are there significant differences in size between these compact sedans?

Yes, the Jetta GLI is the longer car, measuring 186.9 inches in length compared to the S3's 177.4 inches. However, the Audi S3 is slightly wider at 71.5 inches versus the GLI’s 70.8 inches.