2025 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact four-door sedan that is available in five trim levels (S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI). It has a long history in the US dating back to 1979 and has traditionally been a best-seller for Volkswagen. For 2025, Volkswagen gave the Jetta a refresh with new Updated front and rear end treatments complemented by new wheel options.  The interior is also updated with new features, including revised dash with floating 8-inch infotainment display and new décor. It's currently in its seventh generation and all models other than the GLI are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. GLI models   are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine that offers up 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Enthusiasts can also celebrate as the Six-speed manual transmission remains available for Jetta GLI.

Prices start at $21,995 for the Jetta S and climb up to $32,715 for the Jetta GLI, just a slight increase over 2024. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Kia K5, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla. After a week in the new Jetta GLI Autobahn, here's what stood out...

Updated Styling (+)
The overall exterior style changes are focused in the front and back. A revised front fascia features new upper and lower grille designs that emphasize Jetta’s athleticism. New LED headlights, as well as an available light bar, provide a distinctive and modern appearance. The front grille is smaller than the previous generation giving it a slimmer, wider appearance.

LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) are standard from the S trim, while the illuminated light bar in the grille is standard on Sport, SEL, and GLI models. The Sport trim features a blacked-out grille. GLI models feature black upper and lower grilles with honeycomb detailing and a red accent strip that draws a visual connection to its sport-tuned stablemate, GTI. As on GTI, the GLI lettering sits above to the left.

The side profile remains generally the same with a more coupe-like roofline and a  distinctive character line from the front fender through the standard LED taillights. There is a longer rear overhang compared to competitors, which isn't as appealing to the eye, but is the reason the Jetta has expansive cargo space in the trunk. At the rear, the new light bar elegantly connects the taillights, while sharply lined LED taillight clusters emphasize the sedan's impressive width. SEL models feature a chrome accent on the rear, while GLI models add a black honeycomb diffuser and a wider dual exhaust. Two new exterior color options—Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray—join the roster for 2025. The 2025 Jetta will be available in eight exterior colors in total as it continues to evolve.

Wheels (+)
Each trim receives differentiated wheels. The Jetta S comes standard with 16-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design wrapped in 205/60 R16 all-season tires. The Sport trim includes 17-inch two-tone machined alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design. Jetta SE models feature new 17-inch two-tone wheels with a 10-spoke design as standard, while the optional Black Wheels Package offers new 18-inch black alloys. Jetta SEL models wear new 18-inch alloys. The GLI comes with new 18-inch machined alloy wheels standard, with 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels in the same design available in the Black Package. All models with 17-inch wheels feature 205/55 R17 all-season tires; all models with 18-inch wheels feature 225/45 R18 all-season tires. The designs are all fresh and complement the overall exterior well.

Performance (+)
The GLI's 228-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder carries over and continues to offer both a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. Compared to the standard Jetta, the GLI offers an impressive 70 more horsepower for a much more engaging drive. The GLI will launch from 0-60 in approximately 6.1 seconds which rivals many other sedans in its class. By comparison the Honda Civic Si is rated at 6.8 seconds. In addition to the more powerful engine, the GLI also gets performance enhancements such as a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and adaptive dampers. The GLI also comes equipped with multi-link rear suspension in place of the regular Jetta's torsion-beam setup.

Performance-wise, the Jetta GLI benefits from the  limited-slip front differential and adaptive chassis control with customizable drive modes, allowing drivers to adjust throttle response, steering, and suspension. While normal mode will be sufficient for most, sport mode enhances the driving experience. It boosts throttle response, prioritizes more aggressive transmission shifts, stiffens steering input and adaptive dampers, and allows for sportier response from the adaptive cruise control system. While the GLI is fun and nimble, it has a softer suspension setup than the GTI, which introduces some body roll but enhances driving engagement.

One thing I've always loved about the GLI is its crisp handling and steering. The GLI is engaging on the highway for passing while also maintaining a refined, comfortable ride found in standard Jettas. The ride is smooth with minimal road noise. Standard all-season tires may limit its grip, making summer tires a worthwhile upgrade.

The standard Jetta’s 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 158 horsepower to deliver a respectable ride. The base model is sufficient for most buyers looking for an affordable but engaging car. The S comes standard with an 8-speed automatic as the 6-speed manual bows out for 2025. Acceleration is decent as it gets from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds.

Manual or Automatic Options (GLI only)  (+)
Both the manual and automatic are fun to drive, although as an enthusiast I'll always choose the manual. The DSG automatic smoothly shifts through the gears and gives an immediate response  for a compelling drive. There's also the option of tapping into the shift paddles for some in between manual controls. While not the same as a true manual, the paddles worked well to still deliver a gratifying drive.

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI continues to appeal to enthusiasts as one of the few remaining manual-transmission sedans available in the U.S. This setup provides smooth gear shifts and a light clutch, making it practical for both spirited drives and everyday commutes.

Updated Exhaust (+/-)
The GLI’s exhaust system gives it a more prominent sound compared to the regular Jetta. It's loudest when driving in Sport mode, which lets more of the car's new growl enter the cabin. The sounds are 100% a personal preference and one that I particularly like in the new GLI. The tones felt appropriate without being overbearing and were a way to let others know you were driving a different kind of Jetta. If it's something that is a turn off, opt for the normal driving mode to quiet the cabin when cruising.

Fuel Economy (+)
When it arrived with a full 13.2-gallon tank, it offered a range of around 400 miles. 2.0L Jetta models are rated at 29/40 MPG city/highway and regular unleaded fuel is recommended. GLI manual models are rated at 25/35 MPG city/highway while automatics do slightly better at 26/36 MPG. Premium fuel is recommended for GLI powertrains. Overall, the Jetta gets better than average fuel economy amongst its competitors.

Interior (+/-)
Hoping inside, VW loyalists will find the interior familiar, but fresh.  It's updated with a new dash design as well as new colors and decor across the range. A three-bar design across the upper dash flows through the air vents and directs the eye to the new focal point for the cabin—the floating touchscreen infotainment system, which now boasts an 8-inch display as standard across all models.

The build quality feels good even with a fair amount of hard plastics. It lacks the refinement and quality seen in vehicles like the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic. The cockpit is driver-focused with a focus on functionality with all controls angled to the driver. The standard Digital Cockpit is surrounded by a trapezoidal trim piece with a piano-black surface and is now separated from the multimedia touchscreen. The fully digital cluster features an 8-inch screen with multiple views and customizable widgets. Climatronic Touch automatic climate control is now standard as well, adding to the sleek look in the center stack. SE models bring comfort, and convenience features previously found in SEL models down in the trim walk, including SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, as well as wireless charging and wireless App-Connect.

GLI models play up the performance nature with gloss black trim accented with red hairlines, stitching, and badging. An available power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is worth the $850 as it gives the car a ton of light and feels luxurious. Overall, it has a functional, clean design with some premium vibes, but not quite the quality.

Technology (+/-)
At the center of the dash is a standard  8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It wirelessly connects to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while also providing a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports. The infotainment system is intuitive and uses capacitive touch controls as well as dials for volume and tuning. The touch system allows swiping and pinch-zooming similar to a mobile device. While advanced in theory, the functionality didn't always work in colder climate situations creating some frustration. Thankfully, VW has kept some standard dials and buttons for audio/climate controls as well.

Comfort (+)
The Jetta exceeded all expectations for passenger room and comfort as a five-passenger compact sedan. Base models come with rhombus cloth seats in either Titan Black or Storm Grey. Sport models bring in the embossed molekular cloth seats first seen on the GLI 40th Edition in Titan Black. SE models are outfitted with new perforated, two-tone CloudTex leatherette seating surfaces, in either Grey/Titan Black or Seawall Blue/Storm Grey combinations. SEL models feature perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces in either Grey/Titan Black or a new Brown/Titan Black color combination.  GLI models are uniquely equipped with new perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces in Grey/Red Crust/Titan Black with red contrast stitching, alongside Magnum matte decor.

A six-way adjustable driver's seat is standard on all models while SE and above add power adjustable seats with lumbar support allow passengers of all sizes to find a comfortable seating position. This was a big draw in my household as it's important for my 5'2" wife to be able to see comfortably just as much as it is myself.  There is sufficient head, shoulder, and leg room up front. Front seats are heated on SE and GLI models, while SEL trims add heated rear seats. Ventilated front seats are also standard on the SEL and GLI. The back seats had plenty of headroom for taller adults and would comfortably fit two. All three of my kids fit with enough leg and shoulder room as well, but there's not much extra space to accommodate water bottles or snacks.

Cargo (+)
All Jettas have been known for their large, cavernous trunks that offers 14.1 cubic feet. While the Jetta used to be a leader, it now falls short to the Civic's 14.4 and Elantra at 14.2. Nonetheless, it's still an impressive trunk size with a wide opening and deep storage. The rear seats also fold down in a 60/40 split, but don’t fold completely flat.

Safety (+)
To help protect occupants, Jetta and GLI models provide a combination of both passive and active safety systems. The IQ.DRIVE system is standard on all 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling features such as Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance).

Standard on all models are features such as:
•    Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go
•    Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
•    Automatic post-collision braking system.
•    Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System
•    Intelligent crash response system
•    Front assist forward collision warning
•    Blind spot monitor
•    Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)
•    Rear traffic assist

NHTSA crash test ratings are five out of five stars in all categories except rollover ratings where it gets four out five stars.

Final Statement
The Jetta makes a strong case for the relevancy of sedans. It's fun-to-drive, affordable, offers good passenger space, and a long list of safety features. The refreshed exterior gives it a more athletic stance and overall vibe that keeps it relevant until a complete overhaul. There's a lot of value that comes in this well-equipped package with a very reasonable range of prices well below the average new car price. For an enthusiast driver, the GLI offers a lot of fun and pep behind the wheel and continues to keep the 6-speed manual alive and well.

First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn
Exterior Color: Monterey Blue Pearl
Interior Color: Titan Black Vienna Leather
Notable Options: Black package ($650)
Price as tested: $34,590 (with destination charge)

Pros: Crisp handling, rid quality,  standard IQ.Drive safety features, overall value
Cons: Average cabin materials, finicky touchscreen, tire grip