The Volkswagen Jetta has been around for a while. The seventh-generation model debuted in the U.S. in 2019 and received a minor facelift for 2022. Now VW is giving its entry-level sedan a more thorough update for 2025 that brings a new look and more features.
Starting with the exterior. The 2025 Jetta features a fresh front fascia design with two new grilles, slimmer LED headlights, and the option of a full-width light bar in the upper grille if you choose the Sport model or above. The rear of the Jetta also features a new full-width taillight bar. New 17-inch wheels are standard, while 18-inch wheels are available on the SEL and GLI trims.
VW updated the 2025 Jetta’s interior with a new “three-row” dashboard design and new color options like Seawall Blue and Storm Gray. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is now standard across the board and comes with features like SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The much-hated capacitive touch controls on the GLI’s center console and steering wheel remain, but they’re finally illuminated, as they are on other updated VW models. And at least there’s some good news on the GLI side: “We’re in the process of switching to a regular steering wheel on the GLI,” a VW spokesman said.
What hasn’t changed is the drivetrain. The base Jetta still uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque—but you can only get it with a seven-speed dual-clutch. VW ditched the manual option on the base Jetta.
The beefier Jetta GLI also uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as last year, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can also get the GLI with a good six-speed manual transmission, or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch. You also get bigger brakes, a limited-slip differential, and an adaptive suspension.
Every Jetta—including the GLI—comes standard with VW’s IQ.Drive suite of active safety technologies. That includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, among other things.
The 2025 VW Jetta and Jetta GLI go on sale in Q3 of 2024, and the base Jetta with the now-standard automatic transmission is slightly less expensive than the model it replaces. The 2025 Jetta starts at $23,295 including shipping. Further pricing details will be announced closer to the Jetta’s on-sale date.
