Volkswagen has given its compact sedan a mild update, resulting in some updated styling, a few more standard features, and the continued availability of a manual gearbox for those who prefer it. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta presents a slightly sharper look, but is it enough to compete with fantastic options from Honda, Hyundai, and Kia? Let’s take a closer look at what the 2025 Jetta has to offer.
Exterior Updates
The 2025 Jetta, built on the MQB platform, features a reworked front fascia, a new headlight design, and an available front light bar. The rear receives a redesigned trunk lid with a standard full-width light bar. Base models come equipped with 16-inch wheels, while the Sport and SE trims get 17-inch wheels. The SEL and GLI models ride on 18-inch wheels.
Notably, the GLI trim includes a honeycomb grille and the “GL” lettering, designed to link it stylistically to the GTI. Overall, the style refresh delivers a sportier, cleaner look, especially in the front fascia and tail end.
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Interior Features
Inside, all Jetta models now come with an 8-inch center display as standard, along with the digital cockpit display for the gauge cluster.
The S, Sport, and SE trims are equipped with an 8-inch driver display, while the SEL and GLI trims boast a larger 10.25-inch setup. Dual-zone climate control is also standard across the lineup, adding a touch of luxury to the interior.
Engine Specs & Options
The standard engine for the 2025 Jetta is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as Volkswagen has discontinued the six-speed manual option on the lower trims. However, for those seeking a manual gearbox, the GLI model is the way to go.
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Jetta GLI Specs
The GLI trim comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is standard on this trim, though a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is available for those who prefer it.
The GLI offers a significant dynamic upgrade over other Jetta models, thanks to its multi-link rear suspension, rear anti-roll bar, and sport-tuned shocks. It also includes a limited-slip differential, shared with the Jetta Sport, and Volkswagen’s Adaptive Damping Suspension system. Additionally, the GLI is equipped with 13.4-inch vented front brake rotors, borrowed from the previous generation Golf R.
Price
The starting price for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is just over $23,000, with the standard lineup reaching up to $30,000 for the SEL trim. The sporty GLI starts at around $33,000.
While rivals like the Honda Civic Si offer a slightly sharper driving experience at a lower starting price, the updates to the 2025 Jetta make it a strong competitor in the compact sports sedan segment, a market that seems to be fading in popularity. With thoughtful upgrades and competitive pricing, Volkswagen keeps the Jetta relevant and appealing in today’s market.
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Release Date
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to be released by the end of the third quarter of 2024, likely reaching dealerships in late summer or early fall. This refreshed model brings updated styling and new features aimed at keeping it competitive in the compact sedan market.
In terms of competition, the Jetta faces strong rivals such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3. The sporty GLI variant will also compete with models like the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra N, both of which offer a sharper driving experience.
However, the Jetta GLI’s balance between sportiness and daily usability makes it a strong contender for those looking for an engaging yet comfortable ride.
