2025 Volkswagen Jetta Gets a Fresh Face and a Ton More Standard Features

• The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta drops its manual transmission in most trims, makes the automatic standard equipment, and makes it relatively more affordable.
  

• Volkswagen will keep the manual transmission standard in its Jetta GLI models.

• 2025 Volkswagen Jetta models get updated styling, a revised dashboard, and updated features.

The folks at Volkswagen are giving the latest generation of its Jetta sedan a once-over for 2025. The base-model Jetta will ditch its six-speed manual, but that’s good news for folks who were going to buy an automatic-equipped example anyway, as it now sports a lower price.

If you want to stick with the stick, the Jetta GLI will still deliver the goods as standard equipment. Both variants of the Jetta will feature revised exterior and interior styling and some added tech for 2025.

The base model Jetta carries over the same 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 that now sends 158 hp exclusively through an eight-speed automatic. Stepping up to the Jetta GLI nets you the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 that will send 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. Of course, with both options, power travels through the front wheels to the pavement.

For 2025, Volkswagen Jetta models get a revised nose and tail. The new front fascia comes with a new upper and lower grille design, LED headlamps, and an optional accent light bar. At the rear, you’ll notice a new trunk lid and a standard light bar that connects the tail lights. Jetta SE models get new 17-inch alloy wheels, but 18-inch wheels head to the SEL and Jetta GLI models.

On the inside, an 8.0-inch touchscreen media system is standard and floats in the middle of the dash. The touch-controlled Climatronic Touch climate control system joins the list of standard features, as well. Volkswagen is also adding previously SEL-specific features like satellite radio, voice controls, and wireless phone charging to the more affordable SE models.

Also joining the more affordable rung of the Jetta ladder is the I.Q. Drive system. This driver-assistance system is now standard across the board and nets all ’25 Jetta owners semi-automatic driving, forward collision assist, automatic emergency braking, and active blind-spot monitoring, among other features. Currently, you’d have to step up to the Jetta SE to add I.Q. Drive to your Jetta.

Volkswagen says the ’25 Jetta is expected to hit dealers in the third quarter of 2024. While the base-model Jetta is more expensive than the current, stick-shifted Jetta S, the now-standard automatic is less expensive at $23,220. Admittedly, that’s only a $240 savings, but you now get even more features. Volkswagen hasn’t released GLI pricing, but you can expect it to stick around the current $29,310.

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