2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru BRZ bursts onto the scene as the purest driver's machine, defined by its featherlight 167.9-inch frame and exhilarating rear-wheel-drive dynamics. In contrast, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI brings muscle and practicality, boasting a substantial 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the BRZ’s 184 lb-ft, even though they share the same 228 hp output. Enthusiasts craving raw connection will adore the BRZ, while the GLI appeals with superior daily usability, offering a massive 14.1 cu ft of cargo space versus the BRZ's meager 6.3 cu ft. A key distinction lies in running costs: the Jetta GLI achieves a commanding 30 MPG combined, significantly overshadowing the BRZ's 22 MPG combined rating, although both demand premium unleaded fuel, which is required for the Subaru and recommended for the VW.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the BRZ's 22 MPG.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
With 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Jetta GLI sedan easily accommodates family needs compared to the BRZ coupe's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The BRZ offers a purer, more involving experience through its dedicated rear-wheel-drive layout and lower 51.6-inch height.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers a lower entry price point at $33,210 compared to the Jetta GLI's $33,745, making its performance accessible.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You prioritize ultimate driving purity and handling via its rear-wheel-drive architecture.
- You want the most compact footprint at only 167.9 inches long.
- You value a lower starting MSRP of $33,210 for a focused performance coupe.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...
- You need vastly superior practicality with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire better fuel efficiency, achieving 36 highway MPG.
- You want substantially more torque, boasting 258 lb-ft versus the BRZ’s 184 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru BRZ | Volkswagen Jetta GLI |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.9" | 186.9" |
| Width | 69.9" | 70.8" |
| Height | 51.6" | 57.3" |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 105.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/356.4 mi. | 343.2/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| 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 Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 33.5 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.2 in. | 51.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/45R | 225/45R H |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Do the Subaru BRZ and VW Jetta GLI have the same engine power?
Yes, both vehicles share the same base output of 228 horsepower. However, the Jetta GLI delivers significantly more pulling power with 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the BRZ's 184 lb-ft.
Which car is better for long-distance driving efficiency?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the clear winner in efficiency, posting 30 MPG combined and 36 MPG on the highway. The 2025 Subaru BRZ only achieves 22 MPG combined, translating to more frequent stops for fuel.
Why is the Jetta GLI so much bigger than the BRZ?
The GLI is a sedan, measuring 186.9 inches long and 57.3 inches tall, which provides room for five passengers and usable storage. The BRZ is a compact, low-slung coupe, measuring only 51.6 inches high and 179.9 inches long, prioritizing agility over interior space.
Does one car require premium fuel more strictly than the other?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru BRZ mandates premium unleaded fuel for its 228 hp engine. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, while offering better MPG, only recommends premium unleaded, allowing for regular gasoline use.
How much more storage does the Jetta GLI offer?
The Jetta GLI sedan provides 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the 6.3 cubic feet available in the Subaru BRZ coupe.
Is the manual transmission exclusive to the BRZ?
No, both the 2025 Subaru BRZ and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI are offered with a 6-speed manual transmission for enthusiasts seeking maximum engagement.
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