Audi A3 vs. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Jetta GLI contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
In comparing the Audi A3's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A3's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a better car than the Audi A3.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A3 loses 51.6 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta GLI retains 9.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A3’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI base engine makes 228 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Audi A3 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
40100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48679
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33400 - 78400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32152 - 35820
Starting MSRP:
33215
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
53319
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
44192 - 62446
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31159
Price Range:
28468 - 33981
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20783
Depreciation %:
0.518269
Resale Value $:
19317
Residual Value %:
0.481731
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.51152734
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.43209812 - 0.57076625
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14234
Depreciation %:
0.42854561
Resale Value $:
18981
Residual Value %:
0.57145439
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Audi A3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Jetta GLI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.7
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.009
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0103535444826566
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Audi A3 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Ranking
35 out of / 36Volkswagen Jetta GLI Rankings
Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
16 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
23 out of / 37Ranking
29 out of / 37Ranking
33 out of / 37Ranking
36 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A3 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI
Volkswagen Jetta GLI Trim Levels
Autobahn
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
236 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
343 / 475 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
8.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
87.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
14.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3417 lbs
Width:
78.1 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Length:
177.3 inches
Wheelbase:
103.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3241 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
57.3 inches
Length:
186.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Arrow Grey Pearl Effect / Manhattan Gray Metallic
Green
District Green Metallic
Red
Progressive Red Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Monterey Blue Pearl / Monterey Blue w/ Deep Black Roof
Gray
Monument Gray / Monument Gray w/ Deep Black Roof
Green
Not available
Red
Kings Red Metallic / Kings Red Metallic w/ Deep Black Roof
White
Pure White / Pure White w/ Deep Black Roof
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment Beige w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Brown
Santos Brown w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
