2026 Acura Integra vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$33,400 · Hatchback

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sporty yet practical 2026 Acura Integra and the performance-focused 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI often comes down to prioritizing cargo space versus raw power. The Integra, priced slightly lower at an MSRP of $33,400, offers superior utility as a hatchback with 24.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly beating the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft sedan trunk. However, the GLI brings a notable performance edge, boasting 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Integra's 200 hp. Fuel economy is close, with the Integra reaching 32 combined MPG versus the GLI's 30 combined MPG. For those wanting the engagement of a 6-speed manual, the GLI is the choice, whereas the Integra defaults to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, despite both cars recommending premium unleaded fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura Integra

The Integra wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 32 MPG and its more accessible hatchback design.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura Integra

With nearly 10 extra cubic feet of cargo space (24.3 cu ft vs 14.1 cu ft), the Integra is vastly more practical for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 228 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura Integra

The Integra offers a strong feature set, better MPG, and superior utility for a slightly lower starting price of $33,400.

Choose the Acura Integra if...

You absolutely need maximum cargo space and prefer the versatility of a hatchback (24.3 cu ft available).
You prefer the ease of an automatic transmission for stop-and-go traffic.
You want slightly better gas mileage, achieving 37 MPG on the highway.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You prioritize outright power, benefiting from 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You insist on the direct control and engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
You prefer a traditional sedan profile over a hatchback body style.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura Integra	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	185.8"	186.9"
Width	72.0"	70.8"
Height	55.5"	57.3"
Wheelbase	107.7"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	200 hp @ 6000 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	192 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Acura	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/37 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/458.8 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 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 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 Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.4 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.9 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	✓
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	225/45R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Acura Integra and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Is the extra power in the Jetta GLI noticeable over the Integra?

Yes, the Jetta GLI produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is 28 more horsepower than the Integra's 200 hp. This power difference, combined with the manual transmission, should make the GLI feel significantly quicker, especially when accelerating hard.

Which car is better for frequent road trips regarding luggage?

The 2026 Acura Integra is the clear winner here. Its hatchback configuration grants it 24.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially outclassing the Jetta GLI's 14.1 cu ft trunk space.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, based on the specifications provided, both the 2026 Acura Integra and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI recommend the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

How do the dimensions compare between these two FWD competitors?

They are very similar in footprint; however, the Jetta GLI is slightly longer (186.9 inches vs 185.8 inches) and taller (57.3 inches vs 55.5 inches), while the Integra is slightly wider (72.0 inches vs 70.8 inches).

If I commute heavily, is one substantially more efficient?

The Integra edges out the GLI slightly in efficiency, achieving 32 combined MPG versus the GLI's 30 combined MPG. This translates to a 2 MPG advantage for the Integra on the highway (37 MPG vs 36 MPG).