2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI | Color Options & Cargo Space
Crafted with energetic style, dynamic modern systems, and nimble handling dynamics, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI stand ready to take your daily drive to the next level. While you’ll notice a plethora of similarities between the two VW sedans, there are several notable differences in their style and performance that may make one or the other the right fit for your lifestyle. Learn more with this 2025 Jetta vs. Jetta GLI comparison from the pros at Vorderman Volkswagen. Then, read about each model individually with our Jetta review and Jetta GLI review.
Appreciate the differences and similarities between your favorite VW models when you schedule a test drive with a car from our new inventory in Fort Wayne, IN. If you have questions before your visit, contact our team online or call us at (260) 489-7900.
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2025 Volkswagen Jetta

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI Interior Design & Cargo Space
Amplify the enjoyment you get out of every drive with the comfortable and surprisingly spacious 2025 VW Jetta and 2025 VW Jetta GLI. The two sedans both offer 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, 41.1 inches of front legroom, and 37.4 inches of rear legroom. Expand the cargo space in your sedan using rear 60/40 split-folding seats with a trunk pass-through.
Unique interior design elements in the Jetta GLI that highlight its dynamic appeal include a sport-style steering wheel, available paddle shifters, red interior accent stitching, and either a leather-wrapped or aluminum shift knob. The Jetta offers a range of interior materials across its trim lineup, including cloth and CloudTex, that are not available in the Jetta GLI. While both sedans offer heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, one of the unique features available in the Jetta is its heated second-row seats.
The Jetta GLI and top-of-the-line Jetta SEL share a number of interior features, including:
- Ambient interior lighting
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Vienna leather seat upholstery
- Leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI Performance & Engine Specs
One of the most notable differences between the 2025 VW Jetta and 2025 VW Jetta GLI is their engines. Fuel efficiency is foremost with the 1.5L TSI® engine on the Jetta — it helps you achieve up to 40 MPG on the highway. Find a more dynamic driving experience behind the wheel of the Jetta GLI, thanks to its 228-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine that still gets 36 MPG on the highway.
Other performance-minded enhancements on the Jetta GLI include a front differential lock and Multimode DCC® adaptive damping suspension. If you like the Jetta and want some of the handling prowess of the Jetta GLI, the Jetta Sport trim and Jetta GLI share the XDS® cross differential system that functions like an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Enjoy the smooth performance of an eight-speed automatic transmission on the Jetta, or the connected driving experience of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch transmission with the Jetta GLI. Shared drive modes for the two models include comfort, eco, sport, and custom settings.
Compare the performance specs for the Jetta and Jetta GLI in the accompanying chart.
2025 VW Model | Jetta | Jetta GLI |
---|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L TSI turbo four-cylinder | 2.0L turbo four-cylinder |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Six-speed manual / seven-speed DSG automatic |
Horsepower | 158 HP | 228 HP |
Torque | 184 lb.-ft. | 258 lb.-ft. |
MPG (City/Hwy) | 29 / 40 | 26 / 36 |
2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI Safety & Technology Options
Make every drive a delight with the modern safety innovations and dynamic infotainment capabilities of the 2025 VW Jetta and 2025 VW Jetta GLI. For your confidence, both cars support you with a rearview camera and IQ.DRIVE® safety technology, which includes the following features:
- Travel assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active blind spot monitor
- Rear traffic alert
- Front assist
- Emergency assist
- Lane assist
Beyond this, the Jetta GLI includes standard light assist technology, which adjusts the high beams as needed for oncoming traffic. The same feature is available in the Jetta SEL trim.
Upgrading to the SEL trim also puts the Jetta infotainment system and displays on par with those in the Jetta GLI. While the standard Jetta comes with a standard 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and an MIB3 Composition Color infotainment system with an 8-inch display, the SEL trim upgrades you to the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch configurable digital instrument display and an 8-inch Composition Media touchscreen. These latter three features are all standard with the Jetta GLI.
Shared technology features between the Jetta and Jetta GLI include:
- App-Connect smartphone integration via wireless and USB
- Composition Media touchscreen with 8-in. color display and voice control
- Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25-in. configurable digital instrument display
- Wireless charging
- BeatsAudio® system
2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI Exterior Color Options
Stand out from the crowd with the eye-catching color options of the 2025 VW Jetta and 2025 VW Jetta GLI. Many colors are shared, including gray, white, red, black, and blue. Unique to the Jetta GLI are a number of two-tone options with a Deep Black Pearl roof.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta exterior colors
- Platinum Gray Metallic
- Pyrite Silver Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl
- Monterey Blue Pearl
- Pure White
- Kings Red Metallic
- Monument Gray
- Opal White
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI exterior colors
- Kings Red Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl
- Monument Gray
- Pure White
- Monterey Blue Pearl
- Monterey Blue Pearl / Deep Black Pearl
- Kings Red Metallic / Deep Black Pearl
- Pure White / Deep Black Pearl
- Monument Gray with black roof
2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Jetta GLI Trim Levels
Trim availability and pricing are yet another aspect of the 2025 VW Jetta and 2025 VW Jetta GLI that set them apart. The Jetta is available in four different trim levels, with the base option starting at $21,995 MSRP. By comparison, the well-equipped Jetta GLI is exclusively outfitted as the Autobahn trim that starts at $32,715 MSRP. Compare the standard features in each model with our Jetta trims page and Jetta GLI trims page.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta trims
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S — Starting at $21,995 MSRP
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Sport — Starting at $23,275 MSRP
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SE — Starting at $24,975 MSRP
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL — Starting at $29,000 MSRP
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI trims
- 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn — Starting at $32,715 MSRP
- 124 Vehicles
We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.
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