Compare the2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2025 Genesis G70

The Jetta GLI has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The G70 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Jetta GLI has standard Maneuver Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The G70 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Both the Jetta GLI and the G70 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

There are almost 3 times as many Volkswagen dealers as there are Genesis dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Jetta GLI’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the G70’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the G70:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The G70 2.5T requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Jetta GLI higher (7 out of 10) than the Genesis G70 (4 to 5). This means the Jetta GLI produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the G70 every 15,000 miles.

The Jetta GLI offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The G70 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Jetta GLI offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The G70 doesn’t offer an SMG.

The Jetta GLI has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The G70’s suspension doesn’t offer rear gas-charged shocks.

The Jetta GLI handles at .95 G’s, while the G70 pulls only .94 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Jetta GLI’s turning circle is .5 feet tighter than the G70’s (35.8 feet vs. 36.3 feet). The Jetta GLI’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the G70 AWD’s (35.8 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 750 pounds less than the Genesis G70.

The Jetta GLI has a much larger trunk than the G70 (14.1 vs. 11.7 cubic feet).

The Jetta GLI’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The G70’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Jetta GLI has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the G70 AWD/3.3T Sport Prestige.

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. Only the G70 Advanced/Sport Prestige offers wireless charging.

Insurance will cost less for the Jetta GLI owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Jetta GLI will cost $730 to $4800 less than the G70 over a five-year period.

The Jetta GLI will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Jetta GLI will retain 51.86% to 52.14% of its original price after five years, while the G70 only retains 49.24% to 51.02%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI will be $10103 to $23133 less than for the Genesis G70.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Genesis G70 by almost four to one during 2023.