Volkswagen has given its entry-level sedan a refresh for the 2025 model year. Jetta is one of the German automaker’s longest-running nameplates, having been a part of the North American market for more than four decades. With changes to the car’s design along with the addition of new technology and an affordable starting price, brand officials are hoping to keep this compact sedan atop consumers’ minds.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
Facelift
Jetta gets an exterior facelift for 2025 that includes an updated grille and front fascia. All grades get standard LED headlights, and a newly available front light bar which mimics what you’ll find on Volkswagen’s Atlas SUV. Rear lighting now extends across the trunk lid, lending visual cohesion to the overall design. The flagship, high-performance Jetta GLI has unique styling elements including a black honeycomb rear diffuser, wider exhaust outlets, and machined alloy wheels.
Interior
The 2025 Jetta’s interior sees a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment screen placed on top of it rather than being integrated into the central control stack. Automatic climate control is newly standard across the board as is a fully digital instrument cluster. All but the base S grade have heated front seats. The GLI and luxury-oriented SEL have ventilated front seats while the latter also includes heated outboard rear seats, an uncommon amenity in this class of vehicle.
Car-Net
VW’s Car-Net telematics and connected vehicle services are expanded for the ’25 Jetta. Buyers can get Remote Access, Safe & Secure, Vehicle Insights, and, if equipped, in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. Some features are complimentary for up to 7 years while others require an extra-cost subscription. Models equipped with a factory navigation system can transmit parking information and point-of-interest data directly to a person’s compatible smartphone.
Engines
Jetta’s underskin engineering and drivetrains are largely unchanged for 2025. Non-GLI models, which ascend through S, Sport, SE, and SEL, use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The S with manual transmission has been discontinued. GLI ups the ante with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Enthusiasts will be pleased to see the GLI reprising its available 6-speed manual transmission. Those who would rather not change gears themselves can opt for a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic at no additional charge.
Prices and Trim Levels
Pricing starts at $21,995 for the S; $23,275 for the Sport; $24,975 for the SE; and $29,000 for the SEL. VW treats the GLI as a separate model and prices it at $32,715. This does not include a manufacturer destination fee of $1,225. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is on sale now.
CG Says
As new-vehicle pricing continues to skyrocket, it’s reassuring to see a car company lavish attention on its most-affordable offerings. The updates VW has made to the 2025 Jetta aren’t dramatic, but they keep they are enough to keep it in-line with modern sensibilities.
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2025 Volkswagen Jetta Pictures
