The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that competes with models like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla. It is available only as a 5-passenger, 4-door sedan with front-wheel drive. The 2025 Jetta features a refreshed exterior design, including a new front fascia and updated wheel designs. Inside, it boasts a redesigned dashboard with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and new upholstery options.
The Base, Sport, SE, and SEL trims come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta GLI, the sportier version of the Jetta, features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLI offers a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a front limited-slip differential for improved handling.
Pricing for the 2025 Jetta starts at $21,995 for the base S trim and goes up to $29,000 for the top-tier SEL trim. The Jetta GLI starts at $32,715 for the base Autobahn trim. Both models come with standard safety features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and a pre-collision safety system. Optional equipment includes a range of advanced driver assistance features, premium audio systems, and various interior and exterior customization options.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder powering most models is a marvel of smoothness and efficiency. It's got enough pep to push the Jetta from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonable 8 seconds and has plenty of passing punch. In fact, when pulling away from stoplights, the base engine just might surprise with a jolt of forward motion. This is likely due to Volkswagen's wise decision to use a proper geared transmission, unlike many competitors offering lackluster continuously variable automatics.
Speaking of the transmission, it operates very differently depending on driving mode. In ECO or Comfort, upshifts are frequent, and downshifts come only after a noticeable pause. Switch to Sport mode, and the transmission comes alive and feels much more alert.
The base engine in the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta gets a thrifty EPA rating of 29/40 MPG. GLI models get an EPA rating of 25/35 MPG with the automatic and 26/36 MPG with the manual. Both engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline. However, in routine driving, it's easy to top the EPA estimates, and even more impressively, if driven at reasonable highway speeds, the Jetta will return close to 50 MPG. The large 13.2-gallon fuel tank provides a highway range in excess of 400 miles.
The Jetta has always offered a near-perfect ride-handling balance. The suspension is tuned to provide good bump absorption without inducing additional secondary motions or adding a queasy feeling. The Jetta is not as smooth riding as the Elantra or Corolla, but its ride is comfortable enough for most buyers.
On the flip side, the Jetta is one of the most nimble and maneuverable compact sedans. The precise steering has actual road feel (a novel concept in today's world of electrically assisted and completely neutered steering racks). The brakes have ample stopping power. There's little brake dive or acceleration squat, and body lean is tightly controlled at all times.
For those looking for a bit more sport and a little less comfort (without any loss in refinement), there's the GLI. It takes things up a notch with larger wheels and tires, firmer shocks, a sophisticated rear suspension setup, and a limited-slip differential in front. Together, these give the GLI a true European sports sedan feel without the downside of an overly firm or harsh ride.
Interior noise levels are appropriately low. There's little wind or road noise. Neither engine intrudes while cruising, but the base engine can get throaty during hard acceleration.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta interior is designed with a modern and sophisticated aesthetic, albeit somewhat dark. The dashboard features a sleek, streamlined design with a glossy black bevel framing the standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a floating appearance. The dashboard also includes a three-bar accent on the upper-right side, which complements the air vents and unifies the cabin's overall design.
In terms of materials, the Jetta offers a range of high-quality options. The base S trim comes with Rhombus Cloth upholstery, featuring a geometric pattern paired with Brushed Silver d cor. The Sport trim includes Embossed Molecular Cloth, which has a constellation-like pattern. The SE trim offers perforated, Two-Tone CloudTex Leatherette, providing a breathable luxury feel. Finally, the top-tier SEL trim features Perforated Vienna Leather, offering the ultimate in comfort and sophistication.
For the most part, the control layout is intuitive and user-friendly. Wireless connectivity via App-Connect and wireless charging are also standard, ensuring your devices stay powered and connected. The Climatronic Touch Climate Control System is standard across all trims, replacing one of the simplest and most functional button-and-knob configurations available. With Climatronic, VW decided to provide a touch-based panel that is infinitely harder to use and, indeed, less functional.
The front seats are firmly bolstered but offer good comfort and support. Head and legroom are exceptional for the class. SEL models offer heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats are reasonably roomy and can accommodate two adults, although there's a large central hump that prevents sitting three abreast. The door openings are wide and provide ample access. Outward visibility is excellent.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta offers a trunk capacity of 14.1 cubic feet. This provides ample space for storing groceries, luggage, and other items. Additionally, the Jetta features a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, which allows for extra cargo space when needed, although the seats don't fold completely flat. Interior storage is pretty typical for a compact car, but the addition of a standard wireless cell phone charger is a nice touch.
Bottom Line -- Volkswagen's long-running Jetta gets a freshening for 2025. While most of the upgrades improve the Jetta, the addition of haptic-touch climate controls is just confounding. Still, there is much to like in the Jetta. It's roomy, comfortable, offers an excellent blend of performance and efficiency, and, most importantly, it is affordable. It's a shame the Sport trim loses its manual shifter, but at least the GLI still carries that torch for those looking to control their own destiny. Long live the compact sedan, a roomy, reasonable, affordable option for shoppers. And thank you, Volkswagen, for building another generation.
