2025 VW Jetta: Fresh Design, Lower Price

As many automakers shift their focus away from smaller passenger cars, Volkswagen remains committed to the sedan market, particularly with their iconic Jetta. This strategy has paid off significantly, with Jetta sales surging by 78% year-over-year in the second quarter. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta arrives with a refreshed exterior, interior refinements, and a lower starting price, ensuring it remains competitive and appealing in a market where sedans are becoming increasingly scarce.

A Fresh Look: Exterior Updates

The first thing you'll notice about the 2025 Jetta is its updated exterior. The front fascia and grille have been redesigned, giving the sedan a sleeker, more youthful appearance. The new LED headlights enhance this fresh look, providing improved visibility and a modern touch. A lightbar now spans the grille on the Sport, SEL, and GLI models, adding a contemporary vibe to the sedan's front end.

At the rear, the Jetta features a new lightbar that seamlessly connects the taillamps, with the Jetta lettering elegantly positioned below. These updates give the car a refined, sophisticated look that stands out from its predecessor. Volkswagen has also introduced new wheel options for the 2025 model, including 17-inch aluminum wheels for the SE trim and 18-inch wheels for the SEL and GLI trims. For those looking for a sportier aesthetic, a black wheel package is now available for both the SE and GLI models.

Modern Comfort: Interior Enhancements

Inside the 2025 Jetta, the most significant change is the new 8.0-inch infotainment screen. Positioned near the top of the dashboard, this screen is 2 inches larger than the one in the outgoing model and retains traditional volume and tuning knobs—an appreciated feature for those who prefer tactile controls. The new screen also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a notable upgrade from the previous model.

The dashboard has been redesigned with a three-bar look, contributing to a more modern and streamlined interior aesthetic. Additionally, Volkswagen has introduced new capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC controls, replacing the previous three-knob setup. These changes give the cabin a high-tech feel, aligning with the Jetta’s updated exterior.

Driving Impressions: On the Road

During our time behind the wheel of the 2025 Jetta, we drove through both city streets and the winding mountain roads of Los Angeles, and our initial impressions were positive. The 2025 Jetta carries over the 1.5-liter turbo-four engine from the previous model year, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving and handles L.A.’s steep roads with ease.

While the Jetta may not be the most powerful sedan in its segment, its low-end torque offers a decent push, particularly in city driving. However, the lack of power at higher speeds is noticeable, making freeway overtakes a bit challenging. Despite this, the powertrain performs well in most situations, with the transmission delivering smooth, well-timed shifts.

On the Angeles Crest Highway, the SEL model felt well-planted, with the suspension doing an admirable job of minimizing body roll. The ride was composed, both on city streets and winding mountain roads, and while the steering leans toward the lighter side, it remains precise, especially in tighter corners. The 2025 Jetta delivers fuel economy figures of 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, slightly lower than last year’s numbers but still competitive within the segment.

Value Proposition: More Features for Less

Volkswagen has lowered the starting price of the 2025 Jetta, making it one of the most affordable sedans in its class. Starting at $23,220, the Jetta undercuts competitors like the 2025 Honda Civic while staying in line with the 2024 Toyota Corolla. Despite the lower price, Volkswagen hasn’t skimped on features. The Jetta comes standard with the IQ.Drive safety suite, which includes blind-spot warning, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist. Dual-zone climate control is also standard, enhancing comfort for both the driver and passengers.

The 2025 Jetta's combination of updated styling, modern interior features, and a competitive price point make it a strong contender in the sedan market. With its refreshed look and enhanced technology, the Jetta is poised to continue its success, appealing to both loyal Volkswagen customers and new buyers looking for a reliable, stylish, and affordable sedan. As Volkswagen remains committed to the sedan market, the Jetta stands out as a testament to the brand’s dedication to delivering quality vehicles in a segment where others have begun to withdraw.