2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$34,995 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is fuel economy, with the Jetta GLI achieving a 4 MPG advantage, boasting 30 combined MPG compared to the CT4's 26 combined MPG. Power delivery is nearly identical; the CT4 offers 237 hp against the GLI's 228 hp, though both share 258 lb-ft of torque. The CT4 has a slightly higher entry MSRP at $34,995 versus $33,215 for the GLI. Cargo utility favors the Volkswagen, offering a substantial 14.1 cu ft capacity, notably larger than the CT4's 10.7 cu ft. Dimensionally, the CT4 is marginally longer at 187.2 inches versus 186.9 inches, but the GLI is taller by 1.3 inches (57.3 vs 56.0 inches). Furthermore, the standard transmission setup differs significantly: the CT4 utilizes an 8-speed automatic, whereas the GLI comes standard with a 6-speed manual, impacting driver engagement metrics.

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 combined MPG efficiency compared to the CT4's 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Car2 provides superior utility for families by offering 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 wins for enthusiasts due to its standard rear-wheel drive configuration, providing a more traditional performance layout than the FWD GLI.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers better entry value with a lower MSRP of $33,215 compared to the CT4's $34,995.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You prioritize a standard rear-wheel drive architecture over front-wheel drive.
You prefer the slightly higher output of 237 hp from the base engine.
You value the slightly longer overall vehicle length of 187.2 inches.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Fuel economy is critical, as evidenced by its 30 combined MPG rating.
You require a larger trunk, as 14.1 cu ft outweighs the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.
You prefer the direct engagement of the standard 6-speed manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT4	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	187.2"	186.9"
Width	71.4"	70.8"
Height	56.0"	57.3"
Wheelbase	109.0"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/32 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	374.0/544.0 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.5 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Size	P225/45R17	225/45R H
Tire Type	✓	All Season
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Which sedan has better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the superior choice for fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Cadillac CT4 trails slightly with a rating of 26 combined MPG (22 city/32 highway).

How do the standard drive types compare?

The Cadillac CT4 comes standard with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, which is often preferred for balanced performance dynamics. Conversely, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI utilizes a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, which generally benefits fuel economy and traction stability.

Is there a significant difference in horsepower between these models?

The difference in standard output is marginal; the Cadillac CT4 produces 237 hp, while the Jetta GLI offers 228 hp. However, both models deliver identical torque figures of 258 lb-ft.

Which vehicle offers more practical storage space?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI clearly wins on cargo volume, providing 14.1 cubic feet of storage capacity. The Cadillac CT4’s trunk space is limited to 10.7 cubic feet, a substantial difference of 3.4 cubic feet.

What is the price difference between the two base models?

The 2025 Jetta GLI starts at an MSRP of $33,215, making it $1,780 less expensive than the 2025 Cadillac CT4, which carries an MSRP of $34,995.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, both the Cadillac CT4 and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI list premium unleaded fuel as the recommended fuel type for optimal performance from their respective engines.