2025 Volkswagen Jetta Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
As Volkswagen has turned its focus to electrification and SUVs, the Jetta received the short end of the stick. Fortunately, the automaker has refreshed its compact sedan, a move we hope will improve the Jetta’s standing within its segment. Rivals include other small four-door models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3.
What's New
- New grille design and LED headlights
- Updated trunk lid with standard light bar connecting the taillights
- New interior materials and revised dashboard
- Floating 8.0-inch infotainment screen standard across all Jettas
- Touch-operated climate controls
- SE models include wireless charging, wireless smartphone mirroring, SiriusXM satellite radio, and voice control
- New upholstery choices such as Brown/Titan Black perforated Vienna leather seats for SEL models
- Wheel choices include 17-inch alloys for SE models, 18-inch alloys for SEL and GLI, and optional black wheel packages for SE and GLI
- Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray exterior paint colors
What We Think
The Jetta has a lot of ground to make up if it wants to become a top pick in its segment. Unfortunately, updates for 2025 focus only on cosmetics and convenience features. VW's compact sedan has a spacious interior and solid fuel economy. The suspension is tuned to balance secure handling and a comfortable ride. However, the Jetta's cabin uses cheap-feeling materials and the unrefined powertrain needs more grunt. The sporty GLI solves the mainstream Jetta's problems with a higher-output engine and an available manual transmission.
Yet we appreciate that Volkswagen is finally giving the neglected Jetta some love. The exterior refresh adds some tasteful updates to the sedan’s styling with a sleek reworking of the front and rear fascias. The new touchscreen is larger than before, though the 8.0-inch unit is still on the smaller side compared to bigger displays available in the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4. Fortunately the software is well-designed and the graphics are snappy.
Lower-end models offer good space for people and cargo at a competitive price point, but the value proposition falls off at the more expensive SEL trim. The Jetta has needed a reworking, but the most recent refresh doesn't move the needle far enough to bring Volkswagen's sedan to the front of the pack.
Performance and MPGs
The Jetta's existing drivetrains carry over for the 2025 model year. Most trims come equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder developing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD. A manual transmission will no longer be available with this engine for the 2025 model year. In our testing of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, the sedan accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, slower than the pre-refresh model by 0.9 second. Fuel economy is rated at 29/40 mpg city/highway.
The Sporty Jetta GLI
Volkswagen fans will be happy to hear that the Jetta GLI returns as part of the sedan’s 2025 refresh. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will once again power VW’s sporty four-door, keeping its output of 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can still choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance should remain consistent with the pre-fresh model, with a 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds.
Safety Ratings and Features
The automaker’s IQ.Drive suite of active driver assistance tech comes standard on the 2025 Jetta. This suite includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. On higher trims, automatic high-beams and upgraded headlights are anticipated to be standard if VW doesn’t elect to offer this equipment on the base model.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
It doesn't appear that VW has altered the dimensions of the 2025 Jetta’s interior, so the existing legroom and cargo volume specifications should remain consistent. As such, the Jetta will continue to fall in the middle of the pack with space inside the cabin and trunk.
Technology
For 2024, Volkswagen Jetta worked with a small 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen or 8.0-inch screen depending on configuration. Now, all 2025 Jettas feature a floating 8.0-inch display in the center of the dash. This unit features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Jetta SE models now get a standard wireless smartphone charging pad.
