2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs 2025 Volvo S60

$33,215 · Sedan

$42,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

So, you're caught between choosing the spirited fun of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the sophisticated refinement of the 2025 Volvo S60? It's a tough call, balancing cost against perceived luxury. The GLI immediately grabs attention with its aggressive $33,215 MSRP, undercutting the Volvo by a significant $9,385. While both sedans achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, the GLI offers 228 hp paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual, appealing directly to drivers seeking engagement. The S60 edges out slightly in power with 247 hp mated to an 8-speed automatic, though its slightly smaller 11.6 cu ft of cargo space trails the GLI's 14.1 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether maximum driving involvement and superior practicality outweigh the prestige and comfort offered by the pricier S60.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers an $9,385 lower entry price, making daily ownership costs more palatable.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

With 14.1 cu ft of storage compared to the S60's 11.6 cu ft, the GLI offers noticeably more usable space for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The availability of the traditional 6-speed manual transmission is a major draw for driving purists that the S60 lacks.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The GLI delivers comparable fuel economy (30 MPG combined) and strong performance for substantially less money.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You absolutely must have a manual transmission paired with 258 lb-ft of torque.
Budget is a primary concern, as the $33,215 MSRP is significantly lower than the S60's price tag.
You value practical cargo capacity, as the GLI offers 14.1 cubic feet versus the Volvo's 11.6.

Choose the Volvo S60 if...

You prefer the smoothness of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You value the extra 19 horsepower (247 hp) the S60 delivers over the GLI's 228 hp.
You desire a slightly wider stance (72.8 inches) and a lower profile (56.6 inches height).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Jetta GLI	Volvo S60
Length	186.9"	188.1"
Width	70.8"	72.8"
Height	57.3"	56.6"
Wheelbase	105.6"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid 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 Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	228 hp @ 5000 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Volkswagen	Volvo
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	343.2/475.2 mi.	429.3/572.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Beats Audio	—
Stereo Power	400W	220W
Speaker System	9	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	37.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	55.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.4 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/45R H	235/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and 2025 Volvo S60.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Volvo S60 compared to the Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Volvo S60 carries an MSRP of $42,600, which is $9,385 more expensive than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starting at $33,215.

Does either car require regular unleaded fuel?

No, both the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the 2025 Volvo S60 explicitly recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

Which sedan is better for highway efficiency?

They are virtually identical on the highway; the GLI achieves 36 MPG highway, while the S60 achieves 36 MPG highway, meaning little difference in long-distance cruising costs.

Is the Jetta GLI smaller or larger than the S60?

The Jetta GLI is slightly shorter in length (186.9 inches vs 188.1 inches) but offers significantly more trunk space at 14.1 cu ft compared to the S60's 11.6 cu ft.

What is the main powertrain difference between these two vehicles?

The Jetta GLI mandates a driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission paired with 228 hp, whereas the S60 comes standard with a more convenient 8-speed shiftable automatic connected to 247 hp.