2025 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,995 to $29,500

Original MSRP

7.3
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Fun to drive

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Frustrating controls

  • No hybrid option

  • All-wheel drive is not available

7.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
5/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
Photo by Christian Wardlaw. 2025 Volkswagen Jetta front quarter view.

If you're concerned about new car prices, take a close look at the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta.

At a base price under $23,500, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta offers plenty of passenger space, a large trunk, and a fuel-efficient engine with plenty of zip. This year, Volkswagen tweaks this compact sedan’s styling, improves the interior, upgrades the handling, and adds more standard technology. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the affordable Sport trim and the continued existence of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which still offers a manual transmission. This review is based on our experience with the Jetta SEL, which looks and feels more upscale than its price.

Verdict: While the changes to the 2025 VW Jetta are appealing, some are missteps, such as the touch-sensing climate control system interface. Also, the Jetta isn’t a leader in its segment regarding safety ratings. Nevertheless, its sensible German design and engineering shine through, giving it a distinctive driving experience unlike other compact cars.

7/10

Volkswagen hasn’t redesigned the Jetta since the 2019 model year, when the automaker replaced a clean, simple, and timeless design with one wearing unresolved detailing that made it look cheap. A refresh in 2022 just made things worse.

Now, for the 2025 model year, that problem is resolved with new front and rear styling, revised wheel designs, and fresh paint colors, like the Monterey Blue Pearl paint seen on our test car (Monument Gray is the other new color for 2025). The rear overhang remains excessive, but the styling modifications emphasize the car’s width, visually widening and lowering it for a more appealing and premium appearance.

The interior also gets an upgrade with what VW claims are nicer materials and a redesigned dashboard. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dual-zone automatic climate control system are now standard, but the latter includes distracting and frustrating touch-sensitive controls. Fortunately, many people can set it and forget it unless they need the defrost and defog functions.

Volkswagen offers the 2025 Jetta in S, Sport, SE, and SEL trim levels. The GLI is a separate Jetta model due to its performance-tuned nature. Prices for the standard Jetta lineup range from $21,995 to $29,000, not including the $1,225 destination charge. Our Jetta SEL test car carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $30,225 with destination.

We’re fans of Volkswagen's styling changes, and the interior is nicer than before. Plenty of plastic remains in the cabin, but that’s to be expected of an entry-level car. Still, in SEL trim, the Jetta boasts leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, upgraded digital instrumentation, and additional comfort features that pay dividends no matter the season.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Feb 18, 2025 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

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2025 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,995 to $29,500
Price range
$21,061 to $24,367
Average price on CG
$21,066
YoY price change
$24,367 to $21,066

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Dash trim: cloth · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.24

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: cloth · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.24 · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: metallic · Door trim: metallic · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.24

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Beats by Dr. Dre premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.24

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: one-touch fold flat · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

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