Cargazing
By Derek Price
Volkswagen knows better than to mess with success.
For 2025, the venerable Jetta receives thoughtful updates that enhance its value proposition without straying from the qualities that have made it VW’s best-selling car in North America.
Most noticeable among the changes is a revised front fascia featuring new LED headlights and an available illuminated light bar that stretches across the grille. The rear gets similar treatment, with a standard light bar connecting the taillights.
Inside, VW has upgraded the cabin with a new floating 8-inch touchscreen display and standard dual-zone climate control.
The Jetta continues with its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, acceleration can feel leisurely compared to some competitors.
New LED lighting elements and subtle styling updates freshen the 2025 Jetta’s appearance while maintaining its conservative European design language.
The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that prioritizes fuel economy, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway in most trim levels.
Where the Jetta truly shines is in its blend of comfortable ride quality and composed handling. The suspension soaks up road imperfections while maintaining enough firmness to keep the car stable through corners. The steering provides decent feedback, though it’s tuned more for comfort than sportiness.
The cabin remains a strong point, offering generous space for both front and rear passengers along with high-quality materials that help justify its European heritage.
A floating 8-inch touchscreen display anchors the 2025 Jetta’s revised dashboard.
The new floating touchscreen looks modern but relies heavily on touch controls that can be distracting to use while driving. Trunk space is generous at 14.1 cubic feet, with standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats adding versatility.
Starting at $21,995 for the base S model, the Jetta represents strong value in the compact segment. Our loaded SEL test car ($30,680 including destination) came well-equipped with leather seating, ventilated front seats and VW’s comprehensive IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features.
While the compact sedan segment continues to shrink as buyers migrate to crossovers, the refreshed Jetta makes a compelling case for sticking with a traditional sedan.
It excels at the fundamentals with impressive fuel economy, refined road manners and a spacious interior that doesn’t feel entry-level.
At A Glance
WHAT WAS TESTED?
2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T SEL ($29,000). Options: Kings Red metallic paint ($455). Price as tested (including $1,225 destination charge): $30,680
BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 105.7 in.
Length: 186.5 in.
Width: 70.8 in.
Height: 57.7 in.
Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four cylinder (158 hp, 184 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
MPG: 29 city, 40 highway
RATINGS
Style: 7
Performance: 8
Price: 9
Handling: 8
Ride: 6
Comfort: 6
Quality: 6
Overall: 7
WHY BUY IT?
The latest Jetta offers refined European driving dynamics and impressive fuel economy in an affordable, spacious package.