2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$40,535 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lexus IS ignites the senses with its potent 241 hp output and classic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, offering a refined, slightly compact profile at 185.4 inches long. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI grabs attention with its engaging 6-speed manual transmission and superior efficiency, boasting an exceptional 36 MPG highway rating. While the Lexus demands premium unleaded and achieves 25 MPG combined, the GLI recommends it and delivers 30 MPG combined. Enthusiasts seeking raw power lean toward the IS's 258 lb-ft of torque versus the GLI's identical torque but 228 hp entry. Crucially, the price gap is substantial: the GLI undercuts the IS by a remarkable $7,320, starting at $33,215 against the Lexus's $40,535 MSRP. The GLI also offers significantly more utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft, making it a surprisingly versatile performance bargain.

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 significantly better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers superior practicality with 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus IS’s 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS secures the enthusiast vote with its more powerful 241 hp engine and traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides exceptional performance features at a significantly lower starting MSRP, undercutting the Lexus by $7,320.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You prioritize a more powerful engine, as the Lexus IS delivers 241 hp.
You prefer the inherent handling balance of a rear-wheel-drive platform.
You desire the refined image and driving precision associated with the Lexus brand.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You demand the purest engagement offered by the 6-speed manual transmission.
You want to save substantially, as the Jetta GLI has a $7,320 lower starting price.
Fuel efficiency is critical, evidenced by the GLI's superior 36 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus IS	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	185.4"	186.9"
Width	72.4"	70.8"
Height	56.5"	57.3"
Wheelbase	110.2"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5200 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1650 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	Lexus	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	Lexus	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/31 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	365.4/539.4 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.8 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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	Lexus	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.4 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.0 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/45R18	225/45R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Which car offers a better driving experience for spirited driving?

For the dedicated enthusiast, the 2025 Lexus IS is likely the winner due to its 241 hp output and standard rear-wheel-drive setup, which often provides superior balance in corners. However, the Jetta GLI's 6-speed manual transmission offers a level of driver involvement the Lexus, being an automatic, cannot match.

Is the fuel requirement for the Lexus IS significantly more expensive?

Yes, the Lexus IS mandates premium unleaded fuel for its 241 hp engine, whereas the Jetta GLI only recommends it for its 228 hp motor. Considering the 5 MPG combined efficiency difference (25 MPG for Lexus vs. 30 MPG for VW), the Lexus will incur higher running costs.

How much more usable space does the Jetta GLI provide over the Lexus IS?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI boasts a larger trunk area, offering 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus IS's tight 10.8 cubic feet. This difference of 3.3 cubic feet makes the GLI a better choice for frequent shoppers or weekend trips.

Do either of these sedans qualify as 'compact' based on size?

Both cars are similarly sized, but the 2025 Lexus IS is slightly shorter at 185.4 inches, while the Jetta GLI is slightly taller at 57.3 inches. Neither vehicle is significantly smaller than the other based on their overall lengths.

How does the torque output compare between the two vehicles?

Surprisingly, both the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI share an identical peak torque figure of 258 lb-ft. The difference in feel will come down to how their transmissions manage that torque delivery.

Which car is better equipped for driver confidence in adverse weather?

The Lexus IS utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration, which can sometimes challenge traction in slippery conditions unless an AWD option (not specified here) is present. The Jetta GLI uses front-wheel drive, which generally offers more predictable grip during acceleration in low-traction environments.