When we last saw the current generation Volkswagen Jetta it was back in 2023 after the company gave it a light refresh in 2022 to build upon the major revamp that the car got in 2019 after years of having styling that resembled a bland vanilla wafer. Volkswagen has chosen to give the Jetta a more extensive suite of updates for 2025 that not only improve its looks, but also introduce some new features to spruce things up.
New look hides old Jetta bones
Volkswagen is once again keeping the Jetta on its current platform but while the old bones may disappoint buyers that were hoping to see the sedan finally move to the GTI’s more modern platform, VW designers still tried their best to make the sedan look fresh with the front fascia getting two new front grille designs and tweaked headlights with the grille also getting an optional full-width lightbar. A full-width bar in the taillights further promotes unity and the Jetta also gets 17 and 18-inch wheels with the bigger hoops being reserved for SEL and GLI models.
The interior of the 2025 Jetta has also been updated and the dashboard now gets what VW calls a “three-line design” and the addition of several new interior colors including Storm Grey and Seawall Blue as well as an 8.0-inch infotainment screen for all models that gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The haptic-style controls are still present on the center console and steering wheel but they are finally being illuminated and Volkswagen reps even revealed that the GLI model will eventually get a traditional steering wheel with conventional switches and buttons.
Performance remains unchanged
The old platform means that Volkswagen didn’t make any changes to the engines that the Jetta will use for 2025. Base models will continue to use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 158 hp but the base Jetta loses its manual transmission as part of the updates and will now be only available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The spicier GLI also makes do with the carryover 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that still makes 228 hp which is a far cry from the 296 hp seen in the latest GTI hatchback. A six-speed manual still serves as the base engine but buyers can swap it out for an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The GLI also gets other performance upgrades including a limited-slip differential, bigger brakes, and a limited-slip differential. While the GLI will be the swiftest member of the family, it will share access to VW’s I.Q Active safety system with other Jettas. This system bundles a number of popular safety features together into one place including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Pricing is lower than before
Volkswagen didn’t reveal full pricing information for the 2025 Jetta lineup but did confirm that the base Jetta will start at $23,295 which is lower than the outgoing model and is perhaps an attempt by Volkswagen to maximize the Jetta’s value factor with budget-minded younger buyers while also making up for the fact that it’s still on an old platform. Look for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta to go on sale towards the end of the year with more information about pricing being released prior to that.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.