2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs 2026 Toyota Crown
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the 2026 Toyota Crown is the $8,225 MSRP gap, with the Jetta GLI starting at $33,215 versus the Crown's $41,440. This pricing disparity is underscored by performance and efficiency metrics. The Crown offers a substantial 11 MPG combined efficiency advantage (41 MPG vs. 30 MPG) and utilizes a more fuel-sipping regular unleaded fuel, while the Jetta GLI recommends premium. Performance wise, the Crown edges out the Jetta GLI with 236 horsepower compared to the GLI's 228 hp, although the Jetta boasts higher torque at 258 lb-ft versus the Crown’s unknown figure. Furthermore, the Crown is dimensionally larger, being 9.2 inches longer (196.1 inches vs. 186.9 inches) and offers slightly more cargo space at 15.2 cu ft versus 14.1 cu ft, and features standard All-Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Crown
The 2026 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its superior 41 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive versus the Jetta GLI's 30 MPG and FWD configuration.
2026 Toyota Crown
The Crown provides superior space with a 15.2 cu ft cargo capacity and larger overall dimensions, making it more accommodating than the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the choice for enthusiasts as it exclusively offers a engaging 6-speed manual transmission paired with 258 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI presents better initial value, costing $8,225 less than the Crown while still producing 228 hp.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...
- You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, starting at $33,215.
- You want the maximum torque output of 258 lb-ft from a FWD platform.
Choose the Toyota Crown if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, especially achieving 42 MPG city.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive for traction and stability.
- You need the slightly larger overall footprint and 15.2 cu ft cargo volume.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Jetta GLI | Toyota Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.9" | 196.1" |
| Width | 70.8" | 72.4" |
| Height | 57.3" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.6" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 236 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 42/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 41 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/475.2 mi. | 609.0/594.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Beats Audio | — |
| Stereo Power | 400W | — |
| Speaker System | 9 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 55.2 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.4 in. | 53.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/45R H | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and 2026 Toyota Crown.
How much more does the 2026 Toyota Crown cost than the 2025 Jetta GLI?
The 2026 Toyota Crown has a $41,440 MSRP, which is $8,225 more expensive than the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI's starting price of $33,215.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Crown is significantly more efficient, achieving 41 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Jetta GLI is rated for 30 combined MPG.
Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Yes, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Crown operates efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare?
The Crown produces 236 horsepower, slightly ahead of the GLI's 228 hp. However, the GLI provides greater twisting force with 258 lb-ft of torque.
What are the key drivetrain differences between the two sedans?
The Jetta GLI features a traditional 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The Crown uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
Is there a substantial difference in size and cargo capacity?
The Crown is longer at 196.1 inches compared to the GLI's 186.9 inches, and it offers slightly more storage, boasting 15.2 cu ft of cargo room versus the Jetta's 14.1 cu ft.
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