2025 Nissan Altima vs. 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review

Picture of the 2025 Nissan Altima

2025 Nissan
Altima

MSRP*: $27,000 to $34,830
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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 25 - 27 MPG 24 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 34 - 39 MPG 35 - 36 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 182-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 188-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 228-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Continuously Variable Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 182 - 188 hp 228 hp
Exterior Length 192.9 in 186.9 in
Exterior Width 72.9 in 70.8 in
Leg Room Front 43.8 in
Rear 35.2 in
Front 41.1 in
Rear 37.4 in
Head Room Front 38.0 - 39.1 in
Rear 36.7 - 36.9 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
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Volkswagen Jetta GLI than the Nissan Altima, due to its greater head- and legroom. The Nissan Altima will be a favorite with taller drivers due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Convenience
The Nissan Altima will require fewer stops at the gas station than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, making it more convenient to drive.

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). Whether you pick the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
Since the Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima, which is slightly longer than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

Handling
The Nissan Altima has about the same turning radius as the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, allowing equal maneuverability in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Nissan Altima is significantly less powerful than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The good news is that, reportedly, cars with lower horsepower engines often have lower insurance premiums.

Powertrain
The Nissan Altima has much less torque than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

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