Car Reviews

2025 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta does not get better with age—or by spending more money on one.

The compact sedan segment remains fiercely competitive, but Volkswagen’s long-standing Jetta continues to carve out a niche with its premium feel, solid build quality, and efficient performance. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta receives a light refresh this year, sharpening its style while enhancing its tech features and safety systems.

Whether you’re a daily commuter or simply want a value-packed sedan that doesn’t feel cheap, the Jetta is a well-rounded contender that delivers comfort and confidence in every drive.


What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 Jetta builds on the success of its predecessor with updated styling and refined technology. Notable enhancements include:

  • Revised front and rear fascias
  • New LED lighting signatures
  • Updated interior materials
  • Expanded IQ.DRIVE safety tech as standard across more trims
  • Optional BeatsAudio sound system on higher trims

Volkswagen didn’t reinvent the Jetta, but the 2025 model feels more premium and tech-forward than ever before.


Pricing and Trims

Volkswagen offers the 2025 Jetta in four main trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. Each is competitively priced, making the Jetta a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers who still want a taste of German refinement.

Trim Starting Price (USD)
S $21,995
Sport $23,895
SE $25,995
SEL $28,995

Even the base model includes a turbocharged engine, LED headlights, and digital instrumentation, making every Jetta a strong value.


Engine, Transmission & Performance

 

2025 Volkswagen Jetta - 18

Every 2025 Jetta is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing:

  • 158 horsepower
  • 184 lb-ft of torque

It’s mated to either a 6-speed manual (available on S and Sport trims) or an 8-speed automatic (standard on SE and SEL trims).

Performance Highlights:

  • 0–60 mph in ~7.7 seconds
  • Smooth, responsive torque at low RPMs
  • Excellent fuel efficiency:
    • 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway (automatic)
    • 29 mpg city / 42 mpg highway (manual)

Whether cruising through town or hitting the freeway, the Jetta delivers a composed and comfortable ride that feels more refined than most competitors.


Exterior Styling: Sleek and Subtle

 

2025 Volkswagen Jetta - 3

Volkswagen updated the Jetta’s styling to keep it modern while maintaining its understated elegance. Highlights include:

  • Revised front bumper with sharper lines
  • Redesigned grille with new honeycomb mesh (on Sport trim)
  • LED headlights and taillights
  • Available 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Sport trim with blacked-out accents

The Jetta doesn’t scream for attention, but its clean, mature lines make it an attractive choice for buyers tired of overdesigned compact sedans.


Interior and Comfort

 

2025 Volkswagen Jetta - 14

The Jetta’s interior strikes a balance between minimalist design and modern tech. Higher trims feel near-luxury, with soft-touch materials, leatherette or leather seating, and ambient lighting.

Interior Features (varies by trim):

  • 6-way manual or 8-way power driver’s seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats (SE and SEL)
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Panoramic sunroof (SEL only)

Rear seat passengers benefit from generous legroom (37.4 inches) and plenty of headroom, while the trunk offers 14.1 cubic feet of storage—among the best in class.


Technology and Infotainment

 

Volkswagen packs the 2025 Jetta with digital goodies, especially in the SE and SEL trims.

Tech Highlights:

  • 6.5-inch touchscreen on S and Sport trims
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation on SE and SEL
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • BeatsAudio 8-speaker sound system (SEL)
  • Wireless charging pad
  • 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display

The interface is quick, user-friendly, and clean—one of the most intuitive setups in the segment.


Safety and Driver Assistance

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite is now available or standard on every Jetta trim. It adds semi-autonomous features and improves peace of mind.

Standard and Available Safety Features:

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
  • Lane keeping system
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear traffic alert
  • Park Distance Control
  • Automatic high beams

These features help the Jetta compete with segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in terms of safety technology.


2025 Volkswagen Jetta Specifications (Overview)

 

BASE PRICE

$30,225

PRICE AS TESTED

$30,225

VEHICLE LAYOUT

Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door internal combustion sedan

POWERTRAIN

1.5L turbo direct-injected Miller cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4

POWER

158 hp @ 5,500 rpm

TORQUE

184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)

3,170 lb (59/41%)

WHEELBASE

105.7 in

LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT

186.5 x 70.8 x 57.7 in

TIRES

Hankook Kinergy GT
225/45R18 91H M+S

EPA FUEL ECONOMY,
CITY/HWY/COMBINED

29/40/33 mpg

EPA RANGE

436 mi

ON SALE

Now

HARJA Test Results

0-60 MPH

8.5 sec

QUARTER MILE

16.5 sec @ 87.2 mph

BRAKING, 60-0 MPH

112 ft

LATERAL ACCELERATION

0.86 g

FIGURE-EIGHT LAP

27.4 sec @ 0.65 g (avg)


Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Winner

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta blends comfort, technology, and value in a way few other compact sedans manage. While some may want flashier designs or standard hybrid powertrains, the Jetta’s mature styling, impressive tech, and fuel economy make it a top contender.

Pros:

✔ Spacious interior and trunk
✔ Smooth, efficient turbo engine
✔ Available manual transmission
✔ Excellent infotainment system
✔ Affordable pricing with premium feel

Cons:

✘ Conservative styling won’t wow everyone
✘ AWD not available
✘ Some rivals offer hybrid options


Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

For drivers looking for a sophisticated, well-equipped sedan without breaking the bank, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the smartest buys in the segment.


2025 Volkswagen Jetta Videos:

 

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