Ford Mustang vs. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
In comparing the Ford Mustang's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Mustang ranges from $30,562 to $67,997 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is priced between $28,468 to $33,981. For a new model, the Ford Mustang's price is between $32,613 and $73,938, with the Volkswagen Jetta GLI priced between $32,152 and $35,820.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Mustang loses 28.7 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the Ford Mustang retains 13.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 315 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI base engine makes 228 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. The Jetta GLI is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Jetta GLI the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Mustang the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Mustang, a sports car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and front leg room. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Mustang and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32613 - 73938
Starting MSRP:
31920
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
35186
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
29830 - 42970
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:
46286
Price Range:
30562 - 67997
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
40382
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
33746 - 50310
# 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 $:
9257
Depreciation %:
0.29001719
Resale Value $:
22663
Residual Value %:
0.7099828100000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.33757779
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.24794219 - 0.47768027
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
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
9.2 / 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 Ford Mustang
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
16.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
9.4 - 24.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.165
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:
3.9775495552409716
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 5.1
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
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Volkswagen 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
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
Dark Horse, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium
Volkswagen Jetta GLI Trim Levels
Autobahn
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
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:
315 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.088 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:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 528 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Cargo Space:
13.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.2 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:
3588 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
55 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/50R18
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
Shadow Black
Blue
Grabber Blue / Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Molten Magenta Metallic Tri-Coat / Race Red
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Intense Lime Yellow
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
Red
Kings Red Metallic / Kings Red Metallic w/ Deep Black Roof
Silver
Not available
White
Pure White / Pure White w/ Deep Black Roof
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
