2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N (car2) and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (car1) is fuel economy, where car2 loses 6 combined MPG (24 MPG vs car1's 30 MPG). Furthermore, car2 asserts dominance in raw performance metrics, boasting 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to car1's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque—a 48 hp advantage for the Elantra N. Despite this power deficit, the Jetta GLI undercuts the Elantra N on price by $1,885 (MSRP $33,215 vs $35,100). While both feature a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the GLI is slightly taller at 57.3 inches versus car2's 55.7 inches. Cargo capacity is nearly identical, with car2 offering a marginally larger 14.2 cu ft compared to car1's 14.1 cu ft, making performance the primary factor separating these two FWD rivals.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers a substantial 30 combined MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG, resulting in lower operating costs for daily travel.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
With virtually identical cargo capacities (14.1 cu ft vs 14.2 cu ft), the Jetta GLI is the better family choice due to its superior fuel efficiency and lower entry price.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N delivers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Jetta GLI's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI has an MSRP of $33,215, saving $1,885 over the Elantra N while still achieving 30 combined MPG.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...
- Your primary concern is efficiency, evidenced by the Jetta GLI's 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize a lower initial acquisition cost, as car1 is priced $1,885 less than car2.
- You prefer the marginally taller stature (57.3 inches) and a slightly less aggressive footprint for urban driving.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Maximum measurable performance is paramount, driven by its 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque output.
- You prefer the wider stance, as car2 is 1.1 inches wider than car1 (71.9 inches vs 70.8 inches).
- You do not mind sacrificing 6 MPG for a higher horsepower figure, as both utilize a manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Jetta GLI | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.9" | 185.4" |
| Width | 70.8" | 71.9" |
| Height | 57.3" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.6" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/475.2 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Beats Audio | Bose |
| Stereo Power | 400W | — |
| Speaker System | 9 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.4 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 225/45R H | 245/35R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which car is more expensive based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N (car2) has the higher MSRP at $35,100. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI (car1) starts at $33,215, representing an $1,885 saving for car1.
How do the fuel requirements and efficiency ratings compare between the two sedans?
The Jetta GLI (car1) achieves 30 combined MPG and only recommends premium fuel, whereas the Elantra N (car2) achieves 24 combined MPG and strictly requires premium unleaded fuel.
Is there a significant difference in powertrain output between the 2025 Jetta GLI and 2026 Elantra N?
Yes, the Elantra N is substantially more powerful, producing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta GLI lags behind with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Since both cars offer a manual transmission, what are the physical size differences?
The Elantra N is slightly longer (185.4 inches vs 186.9 inches) and significantly lower (55.7 inches vs 57.3 inches) than the Jetta GLI, though both are front-wheel drive vehicles.
Do these FWD sports sedans have comparable storage space?
The cargo capacities are nearly identical for practical use; the Elantra N offers 14.2 cu ft, while the Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cu ft.
Do either of these vehicles offer an automatic transmission option?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N are explicitly listed with a 6-speed manual transmission only.
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