2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Audi A4

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2025 Audi A4 stand out in the competitive midsize sedan segment. Both are fun to drive with comfortable interiors, advanced technology, and exceptional safety features. In this article, we compare these models’ prices, specifications, and features to help you determine which one better suits your needs. Check out this detailed guide to find out how the Volkswagen Jetta stacks up against the Audi A4.

Trim Levels and Prices

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta offers the same four-trim lineup as the 2024 model. The four variants include the base S, Sport, SE, and the range-topping SEL. Also available is the performance-oriented GLI model. With a starting MSRP of $21,995, the new Jetta costs only slightly more than its predecessor. For a better deal, you can take advantage of our promotional discounts on new vehicles.

Unlike the Volkswagen Jetta, the 2025 Audi A4 competes in the luxury midsize car segment. This is reflected in its hefty base price of $44,100, which makes it more than twice as expensive as the Jetta. The A4 is available in the Premium, S Line Premium, Premium Plus, S Line Premium Plus, Prestige, and S Line Prestige trims, as well as 40 and 45 powertrain configurations.

Performance

Most of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta trims are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, providing the necessary power in various driving situations, from running errands in town to overtaking cars on the highway. In a Motor Trend test, a Jetta with the base engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is quick for a midsize sedan.

If you plan some spirited weekend driving, consider getting the GLI. This sporty sedan gets its power from a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It offers a choice of two transmissions: a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and a six-speed manual. The GLI can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds.

The 2025 Audi A4 has a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine available in two configurations. The base 40 version delivers 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 option generates 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. According to Audi, the A4 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with the standard setup and 5.2 seconds with the upgraded engine. All models are fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy

Although not as powerful and quick as the Audi A4, the Volkswagen Jetta will save money at the gas station with its outstanding fuel efficiency. The 2025 model returns an impressive 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with the standard engine and 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the larger turbo-four and dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Audi A4 manages 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the 40 engine, while the 45 version provides 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Interior

The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta prioritizes practicality. It features contemporary styling, exceptional quality, and a driver-centric cabin that provides excellent visibility in all directions. The 2025 Audi A4 offers a luxurious interior with quality leather seats, soft touches, and wood and aluminum accents.

Both the Jetta and A4 provide generous legroom in the front row, enough to comfortably accommodate adults. The Volkswagen offers more spacious rear seats than its rival, which adds to its family-friendly appeal. This sedan also boasts a large trunk with an above-average 13.1 cubic feet of storage space, while the A4 features a 12-cubic-foot trunk.

Infotainment System

One of the most notable changes to the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is the standardization of the previously optional 8-inch touch screen infotainment display while the lower trims also feature a new 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Other standard features include wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker sound system. You can also opt for upgrades such as wireless smartphone integration, a wireless device charger, satellite radio, navigation, and a six- or eight-speaker audio system.

Despite its high price tag, the 2025 Audi A4 doesn’t offer a much better list of standard tech features than the Jetta. The base trim comes with a 10.1-inch touch-screen display, wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system. Available features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a 19-speaker premium audio system.

Safety Features

Both the Volkswagen Jetta and Audi A4 offer several driver-assistance systems to reduce your risk of accidents. These features can improve your safety by either warning you of potential danger or acting automatically in emergencies. The two sedans come standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning are standard on the Jetta and available on the A4. The Audi offers automated high-beam headlights on every trim, while the Volkswagen includes this feature as optional.

Test-Drive the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Today

If you’re looking for a sedan that offers excellent value for your money, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is the obvious choice. Although it costs significantly less, it has an advantage over the Audi A4 in several departments, including fuel efficiency and passenger and cargo space. If you reside in San Juan Capistrano, California, you can experience the 2025 Jetta firsthand at Capistrano Volkswagen. Our friendly, knowledgeable team will help you choose your ideal Jetta model, set you up for a test drive, and guide you through the whole car-buying process. Contact us today to schedule a visit.