Volkswagen Jetta 2025: Consistent and Affordable Compact Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: Since its debut, the Volkswagen Jetta has offered a reliable and affordable entry into the compact sedan market. It provides ample space for four passengers and can occasionally accommodate five if they are well-acquainted.
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: Jetta GLI vs. Standard Jetta: Performance and Value
The Jetta GLI is the performance model, while the standard Jetta offers value, especially with the Golf hatchback no longer in the U.S. Despite the shrinking segment, competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 (with optional all-wheel drive) remain competitive. However, the Jetta distinguishes itself with agile handling and a mature, sporty sedan feel, reflecting its German engineering.
Engine and Features: Turbocharged Power and Modern Conveniences
All non-GLI Jetta models are equipped with a 158-hp turbocharged inline-four engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the six-speed manual transmission is now exclusive to the sporty GLI model. The base S model includes features like rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, Forward Collision Warning, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Selling Point
The Jetta also stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender in the compact sedan market despite the segment’s overall decline.
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Jetta sees a mild refresh with a redesigned front fascia featuring new grille and headlamp designs. There’s also an optional light bar spanning the grille for the Sport trim and above. The rear end gets a new trunk lid with a standard full-width light bar connecting the taillights. New wheel designs include a 17-inch alloy option for the SE model and 18-inch alloys for the SEL.
The color palette expands with the addition of Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray, giving the car a reserved, premium look. Inside, updates include a new dashboard design with a three-bar theme for the HVAC vents and the area in front of the passenger. An 8-inch infotainment screen is now standard, along with VW’s touch climate control panel. SE models now come with satellite radio, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility—features that were previously exclusive to the SEL.
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta starts around $23,220, with prices going up to $31,000 depending on trim and options. While the base S model is priced well, the Sport trim offers better features and value for a little more. The 2025 Sport trim features black pattern-embossed molecular cloth seats first seen on the GLI 40th Edition. It also features a lowered suspension, front anti-roll bar, VW’s XDS limited-slip differential, and standard 17-inch alloys. Additional features include heated front seats, stainless-steel pedal trim, black window trim and mirror caps, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat—making it a great deal for a moderate price increase.
For features like power seats, remote start, satellite radio, and wireless charging, the SE trim is the best choice. The SEL model offers ventilated leather seats (heated front and rear), a sunroof, navigation, and premium audio, though at a higher price point where other intriguing alternatives become competitive.
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 Jetta continues with its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual is now exclusive to the Jetta GLI, with the eight-speed automatic handling gear changes for all other trims. The chassis is tuned more for a quiet and comfortable ride rather than sharp handling, but it’s still enjoyable within its limits. The steering isn’t as precise as the GLI’s or even the Mazda 3’s, but the Jetta offers a pleasant driving experience with a bit of sporty flair when needed.
Volkswagen Jetta 2025: 0–60 MPH Performance
The last SEL model we tested, equipped with an automatic transmission, accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2025 Jetta continues to offer excellent fuel efficiency. The base S model with an automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient option. The Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL trims have slightly lower ratings due to additional equipment, with 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Our tests showed that previous automatic Jetta models surpassed their EPA highway estimates, achieving an impressive 42 mpg on a 75-mph fuel economy route. For detailed information on the Jetta’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like its Golf sibling, the Jetta offers ample headroom, shoulder room, and legroom for front passengers, with the rear compartment being quite spacious as well. The interior design is modern, if not particularly stylish, and higher trims add more features. All trims, however, focus on driver comfort and provide excellent outward visibility. The base S trim includes cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, useful door pockets, and a deep center console bin. Higher trims add features like ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, and ventilated front seats. In terms of cargo space, the Jetta’s trunk can hold seven bags, compared to the Golf’s five. With rear seats folded, the Jetta holds 18 bags—three more than the Golf—ensuring ample cargo space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Jetta S, Sport, and SE trims have an 8-inch gauge cluster, while the SEL features a 10.3-inch customizable display. The previous 6.5-inch touchscreen has been replaced with an 8-inch unit across all trims for 2025. The convenient hard knobs for volume and tuning remain. However, the traditional three-dial HVAC controls have been replaced with a touch-sensitive setup, as seen in other VW models. The standard audio system has four speakers, the SE has six, and the SEL features an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with wireless functionality included in the SE and SEL trims. VW’s Car-Net feature supports gesture controls like swiping and pinch-to-zoom. All Jetta models have two USB-C ports and a mobile hotspot, with wireless charging standard on top trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Even the base model Jetta comes equipped with several standard driver-assistance technologies, with additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist available. For more details on the Jetta’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen offers an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. To balance this, the company includes some complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
