Compare the2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2025 Audi A3

The Jetta GLI has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the A3’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Jetta GLI has standard Rear Traffic Alert and automatically engage the brakes. Audi charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Assist on the A3.

Both the Jetta GLI and the A3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Jetta GLI for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the A3.

There are over 2 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Jetta GLI’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 44 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Volkswagen higher than Audi.

The Jetta GLI’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 27 more horsepower (228 vs. 201) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 236) than the A3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is faster than the Audi A3 (automatics tested):

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the A3:

For better stopping power the Jetta GLI’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A3:

The Jetta GLI’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A3 are solid, not vented.

The Jetta GLI stops much shorter than the A3:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Jetta GLI has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the A3.

The Jetta GLI has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Jetta GLI’s wheelbase is 2.1 inches longer than on the A3 (105.6 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Jetta GLI is 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the A3.

The Jetta GLI handles at .95 G’s, while the A3 Premium Plus pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Jetta GLI’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the A3’s (35.8 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Jetta GLI a Compact car, while the A3 is rated a Subcompact.

The Jetta GLI has 7.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 (94.7 vs. 87).

The Jetta GLI has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 2.2 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the A3.

The Jetta GLI has a much larger trunk than the A3 (14.1 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The Jetta GLI Automatic has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Jetta GLI’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Keyless Engine Start/Stop standard on the A3 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The Jetta GLI’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The A3’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Jetta GLI has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Jetta GLI’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The A3’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Jetta GLI keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The A3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Jetta GLI’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the A3.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the A3.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Audi A3/S3/RS 3 by almost seven to one during 2024.