2025 Volkswagen Jetta

Thank goodness you can still get a European sedan for less than $25,000. And the fun-to-drive Jetta gets even better for 2025, with updated styling, a revised interior, and new tech. A spacious cabin and European-inspired ride and handling add to the Jetta’s appeal, as does its high-performance variant, the GLI. Still, the Jetta must compete with newer sedans with better resale values, like the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of compact cars, including the Volkswagen Jetta.

Along with a freshened exterior, the 2025 Jetta gains a more modern interior with a floating 8-inch touchscreen, haptic touch dual-zone climate controls, and more standard equipment, including an automatic transmission in the base model. The IQ.Drive suite of standard driver assists also sees improvements and is now available with the manual transmission in the GLI.

Volkswagen pulled off a neat trick this year, offering the base S trim at a lower price than last year’s automatic-equipped Jetta S but with more standard equipment. The update helps the Jetta compete with the stylish Hyundai Elantra, lesser-equipped Toyota Corolla, and more expensive Honda Civic.

Before buying a Volkswagen Jetta, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The Jetta’s resale values are far from impressive, on par with the Mazda3 but below the leaders in this segment. Remember, recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The 2025 Jetta comes in four trims, all powered by the same 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. That’s on the lower end of the standard horsepower for this class. Still, thanks to ample torque at low rpm, the Jetta is noticeably quicker than most contemporaries, capable of dashing to 60 mph in about seven seconds. The GLI ups horsepower and improves handling for even more thrills, shaving about a second off the Jetta’s zero-to-60 mph time. Better still, the GLI offers a choice of a 6-speed manual or quick-shifting 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). Once in motion, you’ll find the Jetta’s European roots make it one of the most enjoyable compacts in the class, bolstered by taut steering, adept cornering, and strong brakes. As a driver’s car, the Jetta checks all the right boxes, delivering a firm yet comfortable ride around town or the occasional trip further afield. 

2025 Volkwagen Jetta MPG

The Jetta is rated to return 33 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, which aligns nicely with the segment leaders. The GLI reduces fuel economy to 30 mpg combined with the manual and 29 mpg combined with the automatic transmission.

The most significant improvements happen inside the Jetta’s roomy and refined cabin, which gets even better for 2025. All models get a refreshed dash design with a standard 8-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also added and fitted with a haptic touch control panel. While black is still the overarching theme inside the Jetta, upper-level trims offer more color, including blue and brown upholstery.

The driver-focused layout works well, accompanied by supportive front seats that hold the body firmly. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster is another standard feature uncommon at this price point, with the SEL and GLI upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch configurable unit.

Overall, the interior space is generous, with rear legroom of 37.4 inches, which is comparable to the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Jetta’s 14.1 cubic-foot trunk matches most of its competitors.

We find the Jetta’s styling subtle but purposeful. A refreshed front end features a new grille and LED headlights, with some trims adding a nifty light bar running along the grille’s lower edge, and a new trunklid light bar. It’s been said that wheels make the car, and VW’s designs certainly qualify, especially on the upper-level SE, SEL, and GLI, with new exclusive wheel designs available this year. Also new for 2025 are Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray, two subtle yet eye-catching shades that are sure to turn heads.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
While CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every Jetta, the SE and higher trims now connect wirelessly.

15-Watt Wireless Charging
Up from the previous 5-watt wireless charging rate, the new wireless charging pad makes it even easier to keep your phone’s battery topped up while you drive.

Digital Cockpit
An 8-inch instrument cluster comes in the lower four trims, while a customizable 10.25-inch setup goes into the SEL and GLI variants. From where we sit, they both add the feeling of driving a more expensive sedan.

IQ.Drive
VW’s extensive driver-assist suite expands to all models regardless of transmission. The system includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, emergency stop assistance (automatic transmission only), and adaptive cruise control.

Haptic touch climate controls
We don’t always like touch controls for things like climate and radio, but VW’s haptic-touch control panel is easy to use. The clearly marked icons are spaced far enough apart so you won’t accidentally hit the wrong tab.

Beats audio
The available Beats audio upgrade features eight speakers, a subwoofer, and a powerful amp that delivers a premium sound far better than the stock setup.

The 2025 Jetta’s standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder unit making 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels. The Jetta GLI has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volkswagen’s basic and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles. That’s better than the typical 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle warranty but not as good as the more common 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. VW includes roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles, plus free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Jetta scored a maximum 5-Star overall rating. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) attained similar results, awarding the Jetta top marks of Good in the main categories, except for an updated side impact test, where the car earned an Acceptable rating.