Both the Jetta GLI and the S5 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.
Compare the2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2025 Audi S5
Safety
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Warranty
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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 S5.
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.
Reliability
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The Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the S5’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.
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.
Fuel Economy and Range
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On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the S5:
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MPG |
| Jetta GLI |
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Manual |
2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
26 city/36 hwy |
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Auto |
2.0 turbo 4-cyl. |
26 city/35 hwy |
| S5 |
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Auto |
3.0 turbo V6 |
19 city/28 hwy |
Tires and Wheels
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The Jetta GLI has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the S5; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the S5 don’t have a run-flat feature, either.
Suspension and Handling
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For better maneuverability, the Jetta GLI’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the S5’s (35.8 feet vs. 39.7 feet).
Chassis
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The Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1050 pounds less than the Audi S5.
The Jetta GLI is 3.4 inches shorter than the S5, making the Jetta GLI easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.
Passenger Space
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The Jetta GLI has .1 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more rear legroom than the S5.
Ergonomics
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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 S5 doesn’t offer cornering lights.
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 costs extra on the S5.
Recommendations
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The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Audi A5/S5/RS 5 by over three to one during 2024.