2025 Volkswagen Jetta: This familiar sedan from the Volkswagen lineup is known as the 2025 Jetta, yet in this instance, it has experienced only a minor refresh since 2018. Many would have anticipated more, particularly following what many termed the complete engine overhaul since 2022, which brought a more powerful one. The Jetta is still the same, rather boring, rather uninspired model, pretty much forgettable. The new version for 2025 does manage to offer some small updates, but it is far from achieving anything truly helpful, especially when viewed against rival vehicles that have Most often, the layout is altered every few years, as we have seen from the Jetta debut seven years ago.
What is new at last?
Mostly improvement on the exterior cosmetics. Front lamp shapes are sharper with more angular details, slimming down the previously rounder look of the Jetta at the front. Minor styling changes apply to the back as well–an additional new reflector element joins the tail lights and creates a wider stance. New wheel options are also available to “bless” the totality of the car.
There are, however, more significant changes inside, such as, for one, a reshaped dashboard with an air vent partially extending from the central touchscreen to the other side. Unlike the earlier model, this new 8.0-inch touchscreen is mounted way high up on the dashboard unlike before where it was housed beneath the console. Besides, touch-sensitive climate controls now come with higher trims such as the SEL.
Same Old Mechanicals
The inherent drawback, however, remains the same when it comes to plastics on the interior. So is the case with the turbocharged 1.5L inline-four engine that continues for yet another year, generating a rather meek 158 hp. That gives the engine some 3 hp less than the power ratings of the inherently aspirated competitors-Honda Civic (150 hp), Hyundai Elantra (147 hp), and the Toyota Corolla (169 hp).
The disappointing thing for driving enthusiasts is that the manual transmission has been axed for nearly all trim levels and is now only available for the sportier 228-hp Jetta GLI model.
Slow and Steady
However, it is endowed with a very solid construction and a surprisingly wide interior space, with ample space for rear passengers. Performance, however, is quite slow. It takes 8.5 seconds now to reach a speed of 60 mph, slower even than the 2022 model, which was only 49 pounds lower but was faster. Another source of frustration is the transmission, especially during low-speed acceleration or hill starts. There are times when the engine seems to lack power, and the transmission searching for the correct gear leads to a jerking kind of movement.
However, during normal driving, this isn’t as apparent because it can change well at highway speeds. At lower speeds, however, there is a noticeable hesitance, with the sensation that the engine is fighting with its turbo. Two test vehicles have fallen prey to this problem.
Comfortable, But Not So Exciting
The ride in the Jetta is very pleasant, but the handling tends somewhat to compromise it. The 18-inch wheels coupled with lower-profile tires make the ride from the higher SEL trim a bit rougher than a good fit to the car’s comforting ride, as these smaller wheels on the lower trims are a better match.
Not of course that efficiency comes without certain drawbacks, as Jetta is rated at 29 mpg city and 40 highway excellent option for commuting over long distances. The 8.0-inch screen, while tiny compared to today’s standards, remains easy to maneuver with the touch-sensitive climate controls added to it.
Conclusion
It is a very practical and sound option for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, but it is quite unsuccessful with some of the more fun competitors. Although it has quite a large interior and is German engineering-wise pretty good for fuel economy, it is overshadowed by what it can do on performance and style. Take, for instance, the Honda Civic and the contemporaries like the new Kia K4; both would offer an engaging and modern experience in all kinds of driving.
For the person who compromises space and comfort in favor of performance, the entry-level Jetta S gives better value on the starting price of $23,720 with identical mechanicals as the more expensive SEL tested here. The entire driving experience does not match with what the feature package comes with at this price point for the Jetta SEL.
Volkswagen Jetta specifications for 2025
- Base price starting at $30225
- Tested price: $30225
- Body Layout: FWD-Front-engine 5-seater 4-door sedan
- Powertrain Underhood: 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 158 hp @ @5500
- Torque: 184 lb-ft @ @1750
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Curb weight: 3170 lb
- MPG city: 29; highway: 40; combined: 33
- EPA-rated Distance: 436 miles.
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