2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$40,535 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Lexus commanding a $6,790 premium, starting at $40,535 versus the Jetta GLI's $33,745. Performance is closely matched, though the IS offers higher peak output at 241 hp compared to the GLI's 228 hp; however, both share identical 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy heavily favors the Jetta GLI, achieving a combined 30 MPG against the Lexus's 25 MPG, and the Jetta also provides superior utility with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space versus the IS's 10.8 cubic feet. Furthermore, the vehicles differ fundamentally in drive architecture: the Lexus utilizes a standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, while the Volkswagen employs a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. These specification differences position the IS as the more expensive, higher-output RWD offering, contrasting with the GLI's efficiency and practicality focus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The 2026 Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, netting 30 combined MPG versus the Lexus IS's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers significantly more accessible utility with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Lexus IS's 10.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus IS

The 2025 Lexus IS appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 241 hp output and traditional rear-wheel-drive platform.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides a better value proposition, costing $6,790 less while delivering comparable torque and better MPG.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

A buyer requires the handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive platform combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum horsepower output is prioritized, as the Lexus IS delivers 241 hp against the Jetta's 228 hp.
Brand prestige and a slightly wider overall width (72.4 inches) are essential criteria for the purchase.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Minimizing running costs is key, given the Jetta GLI’s 30 combined MPG rating.
A manual transmission and front-wheel-drive layout are preferred over the Lexus's RWD/automatic setup.
Maximum usable storage is needed, as the Jetta's 14.1 cu ft cargo capacity substantially exceeds the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft.

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	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
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 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How much more does the 2025 Lexus IS cost compared to the 2026 VW Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Lexus IS carries an MSRP of $40,535, which is exactly $6,790 higher than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's starting price of $33,745.

Which sedan offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the clear winner in efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway), outperforming the 2025 Lexus IS, which is rated at 25 combined MPG (21 city/31 highway).

Do both cars require premium fuel?

No, the Lexus IS explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine operation. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI lists premium unleaded as only recommended, suggesting standard fuel may be usable, although performance benefits from premium.

Is there a significant difference in cargo space between the two sedans?

Yes, the Jetta GLI offers substantially more utility with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Lexus IS is constrained to 10.8 cubic feet, making the VW better for hauling luggage or gear.

How do the transmissions and drive layouts compare?

The Lexus IS utilizes a standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout paired exclusively with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Jetta GLI features a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup and is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Are the horsepower figures comparable between the two models?

The Lexus IS holds a slight edge in peak power with 241 horsepower, while the Jetta GLI produces 228 horsepower. Importantly, both vehicles generate an identical torque figure of 258 lb-ft.