Volkswagen’s Jetta, a consistent top performer for the brand, is entering the 2025 model year with significant updates. This best-selling sedan has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with sales figures jumping over 50% year-over-year. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta aims to build on this success with a “redesigned” model that incorporates both exterior and interior refinements, along with notable technology enhancements. Crucially, Volkswagen has focused on updating the Jetta’s appeal without altering its proven powertrain.
Exterior Enhancements
The 2025 Jetta showcases a refreshed exterior, marked by new designs for the grille, headlights, taillights, and wheels, injecting a more contemporary feel into this sporty sedan. The SEL trim, in particular, rides on striking new 18-inch alloy wheels. The front fascia has been redesigned with a restyled grille, featuring an optional integrated, illuminated light bar that adds a distinctly modern touch. However, the chrome detailing on the lower front bumper might be a point of contention for some, with opinions varying on its aesthetic appeal.
The SEL model is further distinguished by new LED headlights and daytime running lights, complemented by chrome window trim. Moving to the rear, the designers have streamlined the appearance with a newly sculpted trunk lid. This integrates a standard light bar that seamlessly connects the LED taillights, creating a sophisticated and cohesive rear aesthetic. The chrome accents on the SEL’s tail end are a particularly appealing detail, enhancing its premium feel.
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Beyond aesthetics, the 2025 Jetta SEL also includes practical convenience features such as rain-sensing wipers, heated, foldable side mirrors, and a heated wiper park area, all contributing to enhanced functionality and driver comfort.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the front-wheel-drive 2025 Jetta SEL maintains its reliable 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. While acceleration is adequate for daily driving, drivers seeking more spirited performance might consider the GLI model, which boasts a more powerful 228 horsepower engine with 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s worth noting that the Jetta, like other VW models, features a stop/start system that is quite noticeable. A convenient addition for colder climates is the SEL’s remote engine start feature.
Interior Refinements and Technology
The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta has been significantly revamped, presenting a more modern and upscale cabin environment. A new dash design and upgraded technology are central to this transformation. The use of soft-touch materials on the dash is a notable improvement, creating a more premium feel than expected in this vehicle class. The dash also incorporates a new three-bar design for the passenger-side air vent, adding a unique visual element. The focal point of the updated interior is the floating 8-inch center touchscreen, operating Volkswagen’s user-friendly Discover Media system. This system includes navigation and voice control, all displayed with crisp and modern graphics.
The test vehicle features a Grigio and Titan Black Vienna leather interior, enhanced with padded leatherette door panel inserts. The sport seats, upholstered in leather, are comfortably cushioned and offer side bolsters, though they might feel somewhat narrow for some occupants. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, but only the driver’s seat offers power adjustability. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, adorned with bold silver trim, adds a touch of brightness to the otherwise dark interior. The heating elements in both the steering wheel and driver’s seat are particularly effective. Volkswagen’s impressive 10.25-inch configurable Digital Cockpit Pro, with full-screen navigation capability, remains a standout feature for drivers.
The center stack has received a major upgrade as well. The traditional A/C controls have been replaced with new, standard dual-zone Climatronic haptic touch controls across the entire 2025 Jetta lineup. These controls not only enhance the cabin’s modern aesthetic but also function effectively. The slim center console design remains unchanged for 2025, housing the gear shifter, two cup holders, and an available wireless charging pad.
Regarding audio, the test vehicle was equipped with a high-quality 9-speaker BeatsAudio sound system. However, it’s crucial to note that this 9-speaker system is not available on Jetta models built after January 1, 2025. SEL models produced after this date will feature a six-speaker BeatsAudio system, similar to that found in the SE trim. Prospective buyers should verify the build date to understand the included audio system.
The 2025 Jetta offers a roomy 60/40 split second row with heated outboard seats, a drop-down center armrest, and soft-touch seat backs. Cargo space is generous, and a spare tire is conveniently located under the cargo floor.
Additional standard features on the SEL trim include wireless charging, ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, a power sunroof with sunscreen, a rearview camera, and 10-color ambient lighting. Connectivity is well-addressed with front-row USB-C ports and a charging port located in the front armrest.
Options and Pricing
The model tested included only one option: premium paint. With this addition, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) comes to approximately $31,000. This positions the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL as a competitively priced option within its segment, especially considering the level of features and refinement offered.
Ride and Handling
The Volkswagen Jetta is fundamentally designed as a commuter car, and it excels in delivering a comfortable and composed driving experience, characteristic of the Volkswagen brand. Acceleration is smooth and predictable, although the absence of paddle shifters might be missed by some enthusiasts. Handling is confident and secure. While the cabin is not the quietest at highway speeds, this is typical for vehicles in the compact sedan category.
The steering feel is on the lighter side, in contrast to brands like Honda, but selecting Sport mode improves steering responsiveness, offering a more engaging driving feel. For those prioritizing a sportier driving experience, the Jetta GLI remains the performance-oriented model in the lineup.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The entire 2025 Jetta range comes standard with Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance technologies. This comprehensive suite includes Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. The technology functions effectively once activated, although the initial operation could be made more intuitive for users.
Final Verdict
If the Volkswagen Jetta wasn’t on your radar before, the 2025 updates make it a compelling contender in the midsize sedan market. Its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and enhanced technology features, all offered at a starting price around $31,000 for the SEL trim, present exceptional value. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is definitely worth a serious look for anyone in the market for a well-rounded and affordable sedan.
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