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Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

When comparing the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $33,860 to $41,026 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is priced between $28,468 to $33,981. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $33,305 and $42,915, 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI loses 42.2 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 0.9 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI base engine makes 228 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 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 fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and Volkswagen Jetta GLI are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Volkswagen Golf GTI for Sale

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
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Volkswagen Jetta GLI for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

33305 - 42915

Starting MSRP:

32445

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

28470

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

21590 - 47100

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:

37233

Price Range:

33860 - 41026

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:

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 $:

13737

Depreciation %:

0.42338168

Resale Value $:

18708

Residual Value %:

0.57661832

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3979908

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.31796157 - 0.42854561

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

Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.0 / 10

Reliability:

7.6 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.8

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:

0.032

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:

1.8108517430028832

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.8 - 28.7

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

Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Best Family Small Cars

7 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

8 / 37

Most Reliable Small Cars

12 / 37

Best Small Cars for the Money

13 / 22

Safest Small Cars

14 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

15 / 37

Best Small Cars

17 / 37

Most Affordable Small Cars

17 / 22

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

18 / 37

Best Small Cars for Tall People

23 / 37

Most Comfortable Small Cars

25 / 37

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

30 / 37

Volkswagen Jetta GLI Rankings

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

7 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

10 / 37

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

16 / 37

Most Affordable Small Cars

18 / 22

Safest Small Cars

23 / 37

Most Comfortable Small Cars

29 / 37

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

33 / 37

Best Small Cars for Tall People

36 / 37

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels

Autobahn, S, SE

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:

3 years / 36000 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:

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:

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.076 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:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


24 / 32 / 27

Range (city/hwy):

317 / 422 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

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

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

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Air Suspension:

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

Roof Rack:

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

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

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

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.9 inches

Cargo Space:

19.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

111.8 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:

3183 lbs

Width:

81.6 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

168.9 inches

Wheelbase:

103.6 inches

Ground Clearance:

4.7 inches

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 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P225/40R18

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

Mythos Black Metallic

Blue

Slate Blue Metallic

Gray

Moonstone Gray

Red

Kings Red Metallic

Silver

Alpine Silver Metallic

White

Opal White Pearl

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

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Not available

Gray

Grigio Gray/Titan Black

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