2025 Lexus ES 350 vs. 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review

Picture of the 2025 Lexus ES 350

2025 Lexus
ES 350

MSRP*: $42,040 to $50,930
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Picture of the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2024 Volkswagen
Jetta GLI

MSRP*: $28,085 to $32,585
See details & photos

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MPG - City 22 MPG 24 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 31 - 32 MPG 35 - 36 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 302-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 228-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 302 hp 228 hp
Exterior Length 195.9 in 186.9 in
Exterior Width 73.4 in 70.8 in
Leg Room Front 42.4 in
Rear 39.2 in
Front 41.1 in
Rear 37.4 in
Head Room Front 37.5 in
Rear 37.8 in
Front 37.9 - 38.5 in
Rear 37.2 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Due to its greater rear head- and legroom, backseat passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Lexus ES 350 than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Lexus ES 350 and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI in the front seats.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Lexus ES 350 as you will with the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, as they get the same number of miles per tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Lexus ES 350 will definitely make more of a dent in your wallet than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which has a much lower MSRP.

Dimensions
Since the Lexus ES 350 is much wider than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. For some people, bigger is better. If that's the case for you, then you'll be happier with the Lexus ES 350, which is slightly longer than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Handling
The Lexus ES 350 has a larger turning radius than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Lexus ES 350 is somewhat more powerful than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Powertrain
With somewhat higher torque, the engine of the Lexus ES 350 transmits a bit more power to the wheels than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Lexus ES 350 and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.