The Jetta has been in the Volkswagen VW stable since 1980 and has always been seen as a fun, value packed Civic and Corolla alternative from Deutschland. The 2025 Jetta promises to continue that legacy with a lower starting point for the automatic, updated interior and unlike many of its counterparts, it is keeping the 6-speed manual transmission.

Major Selling Points

• The 2025 Jetta GLI retains its 6-speed manual transmission.
• Updated interior features a new 8-inch floating touchscreen and refined materials.
• Volkswagen has enhanced the exterior of the Jetta and Jetta GLI with updated treatments both front and rear as well as new colors and wheel options.
• The 2025 Jetta offers a lower starting MSRP than the outgoing 2024 automatic.

Exterior Updates

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta’s exterior has seen several enhancements. The front and rear of the vehicle have received modernized treatments, which comprise new upper and lower grille designs with new LED headlights. A new lightbar is available starting on Sport models and up. To the rear of the vehicle, a new decklid is the biggest refresh featuring a new light bar that connects the taillights for a more elegant look.

New wheels have also been added to the 2025 Jetta, offering new 17-inch alloys for the SE and 18-inch alloys for SEL and GLI models. Volkswagen has also added optional black-wheel packages for the SE and GLI. Topping off the new exterior features are two new color options to add to the upscale vibe of the Jetta. Monterey Blue Peal and Monument Gray.

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Interior Updates

Inside of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta features a new dash design with new colors and décor across the cabin. with a three bar design across the upper dash flows through the vents and directs the eye to the focal point of the cabin, the new floating 8-inch infotainment screen. The new screen is standard across all models of the Jetta lineup. Also standard is the Climatronic touch automatic climate control system that helps to add a sleek look to the center stack.

For 2025, SE models add features only seen in 2024 SEL models such as SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control and wireless charging and App-connect. Sunroof is optional.

Cloth seats adorned in either Storm Grey or Titan Black are standard on Jetta S models, while Sport models now feature embossed molekular cloth seats previously seen on the GLI 40th Edition in Titan Black. Brushed silver décor adorn both the S and Sport models. SE models are equipped with new, perforated two-tone Microclowd leatherette seating surfaces in either Grey/Titan Black or Seawall Blue/Storm Grey combination’s with Horizon black décor. GLI models interior is unique to the line, featuring Vienna leather seats in Grey, Red Crust or Titan Black with red contrast stitching along with Magnum matte décor.

Under the Hood

The 2024 Jetta’s turbocharged 1.5-litre I-4 making 158-hp continues on into the 2025 model year. Mated to the standard 8-speed automatic transmission, the S model sees a new, lower starting MSRP of $21,995. This powertrain combination makes for a sporty, yet efficient driving experience.

The GLI on the other hand is powered by a 2.0-litre I-4 that makes 228-hp and 258-lb-ft of torque with the option of a 7-speed duel-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The GTI with a Trunk

On top of the 228-hp 2.0-Litre I4, the sport tuned GLI features larger brakes, a unique exhaust system, VAQ electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and XDS electronic differential lock and DCC adaptive dampening system.

All images courtesy of Volkswagen USA