2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Mustang explodes onto the scene as the raw muscle car champion, boasting a thrilling 315 hp, significantly outpacing the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's 228 hp, giving it undeniable straight-line credibility. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI offers a refined, practical performance bite, wrapped in a traditional sedan package, highlighted by its standard 6-speed manual transmission and superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the Mustang's 26 MPG. While the Mustang stretches slightly longer at 189.4 inches, the GLI maintains a better efficiency profile across the board. Enthusiasts seeking V8 lineage and massive power will gravitate to the Mustang's RWD platform, whereas those prioritizing daily usability, better efficiency, and a nimble FWD footprint will favor the GLI's slightly taller stature and larger 14.1 cu ft cargo hold compared to the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its 30 MPG combined fuel economy and more practical sedan body style.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI's sedan configuration offers slightly more usable cargo space at 14.1 cu ft and better fuel economy for family duty.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang delivers a commanding advantage with 315 hp and a pure rear-wheel-drive performance focus.
2025 Ford Mustang
Despite a lower MSRP of $31,920, the Mustang provides 87 more horsepower than its competitor.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You crave outright power, benefiting from 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- A pure rear-wheel-drive, classic coupe driving dynamic is essential for your experience.
- You prefer a slightly lower entry price point, starting at $31,920.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...
- Optimized fuel consumption is key, as the GLI achieves 36 highway MPG versus the Mustang's 33.
- You value the engagement of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You need a slightly more capacious trunk, offering 14.1 cubic feet of storage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Volkswagen Jetta GLI |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4" | 186.9" |
| Width | 75.4" | 70.8" |
| Height | 55.0" | 57.3" |
| Wheelbase | 107.0" | 105.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/33 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/528.0 mi. | 343.2/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 8.0 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Beats Audio |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 51.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/50R18 | 225/45R H |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Mustang and the Jetta GLI?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Mustang puts out 315 horsepower, which is 87 hp more than the Jetta GLI's 228 hp. This power deficit means the Mustang will offer significantly quicker acceleration.
Is the Mustang's rear-wheel-drive system worth sacrificing the GLI's efficiency?
That depends on driving priorities. The Mustang's RWD offers a distinct performance feel, but you accept lower efficiency, getting only 26 combined MPG compared to the GLI's 30 combined MPG.
Which vehicle is better for hauling groceries or luggage?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers marginally better utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space, edging out the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft, although both are coupes/sedans.
Which car defaults to a manual transmission for the driving enthusiast?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI comes standard with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission. The Mustang comes standard with a 10-speed shiftable automatic.
What are the MSRP differences for these two performance models?
The 2025 Ford Mustang has a lower starting MSRP at $31,920. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is slightly more expensive, listed at $33,215.
Does the smaller physical size of the Jetta GLI affect passenger comfort?
The Jetta GLI is slightly shorter (186.9 inches vs. 189.4 inches) and narrower (70.8 inches vs. 75.4 inches), but it is slightly taller at 57.3 inches, which might translate to slightly better headroom inside the sedan cabin.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool