Tesla Model 3 vs Volkswagen Jetta GLI (2026)
Jetta GLI:
$3,245 less
- Model 3
- 52 lb-ft more torque
- Model 3
- 43 hp more
- Model 3
- 0.9 s quicker to 60
- Jetta GLI
- 2.9 in more rear legroom
- Measures won
- Model 3 4 of 9
- Jetta GLI 2, tied 3
Model 3 RWD vs Jetta GLI Autobahn FWD, 2026. Price: MSRP.
Source marks: two or more sources agreeone sourcesources differmodel-level or estimate
| Measure | Model 3 | Jetta GLI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,990 | $33,745 | Jetta GLI |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 228 hp | Model 3 |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | Model 3 |
| MPG or MPGe | 137 MPGe to 139 MPGe | 33 mpg to 34 mpg | Not listed |
| EV range | 321 mi | Not listed | Not listed |
| Cargo, max | Not listed | 14.1 cu ft | Not listed |
| Cargo, seats up | 21.0 cu ft | Not listed | Not listed |
| Rear legroom | 34.5 in | 37.4 in | Jetta GLI |
| Front legroom | 42.7 in | 41.1 in | Model 3 |
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.8 in to 186.9 in | Not listed |
| Width | 72.8 in | 71.3 in | Not scored |
| Curb weight | 3,759 lb | 3,247 lb | Not scored |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | About the same |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.2 in | About the same |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 s estimate | 6.4 s estimate | Model 3 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | About the same |
Not scored: length, width, curb weight. A measure with no value for one car is not counted.
Nearest trims by price
Prices are MSRP + destination where both trims list it.
| Trim | Nearest in price | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 RWD $36,990 MSRP | Jetta GLI Autobahn DSG $33,745 MSRP | $3,245 |
| Jetta GLI Autobahn FWD $35,020 | Model 3 Standard RWD $38,630 | $3,610 |
Cost to run
No total: a price or rating is missing.
- Miles a year
- 12,000
- Gas
- 4.35 a gallon (EIA, week of Oct 5, 2026)
- Electricity
- 18.19 cents per kWh (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2026-01..2026-07)
| Cost | Model 3 | Jetta GLI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,990 | $33,745 |
| Fuel or charging, 1 year | Not listed | Not listed |
| Fuel or charging, 6 years | Not listed | Not listed |
| Total, 6 years | Not listed | Not listed |
Which is better for me?
Weight each group from 0 to 10. MPG uses fuel or charging cost.
Equal weights: Model 3 wins.
Jetta GLI wins if Power weight is 2 or less.
| Group | Ahead | By |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Jetta GLI | 9% |
| MPG | Not listed | |
| Power | Model 3 | 16% |
| Space | Not listed |
Other years
What this cannot tell you
Your price and mpg will differ.
Reliability and safety are not included.
- Two or more sources agree
- One source
- Model-level or estimate
- Sources differ