Think New Cars Aren’t Affordable? Volkswagen Begs To Differ, and the 2025 VW Jetta Shows It
It’s what you say to your car-obsessed teen that pretty much shuts down the conversation: Can you afford it? But when she says “YES!” you have to hear her out. If she says “2025 VW Jetta,” keep listening.
Coming to dealers in a short few months is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, as well as the sportier 2025 Jetta GLI, a compact sedan that’s always been a good deal for both its elegant, grown-up looks, basics that don’t feel so basic and affordable price. It’s a car that feels both responsible and sophisticated at the same time.
And get this: with a starting price of $21,995 for the base S model, 2025 comes in at about $250 less than the 2024 model. It’s not a huge drop, but it sure is nice to see a pricing trend go down, not up.
So you can plan your shopping when the 2025 VW Jetta starts to hit dealerships, here’s what it looks like and what details you can expect.
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A Revised Exterior Gives the 2025 VW Jetta a New Look
The 2025 Jetta sports a new look on the front end that unites it with its SUV siblings, including a light bar anchored by the VW badge. This detail is standard on all 2025 models, though the GLI version is slightly different with a red rather than chrome bumper accents. The color here is new, too; it’s called Monterey Blue Pearl.
Powered by the same 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 158 HP that powers the current Jetta, expect the 2025 model to also get about 35 MPG.
A New Rear Look Further Unifies Jetta With The VW Lineup
Oh, the lovely, elegant light bar. I know we’ll get sick of them some day, but right now they feel so modern and sporty. Here, VW added the Jetta name to the light bar, which, like it’s siblings in the lineup, spans the entire trunk from light to light. Also notice the sporty way the lower chrome bar seems to frame exhaust tips.
The 2025 VW Jetta Sports A New 16″ Wheel Design
The wheels are always a giveaway; here, VW added new 16″ wheels, though there will be options, including a 17″ and 18″ wheel, for those who really want to make a statement.
The List of Interior Standard Features Is Quite Long
Rain sensing wipers. Heated side mirrors. Auto headlights. Dual zone climate. 8″ driver display and an 8″ color multimedia screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assist features including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. The S base model has cloth seats, not the leatherette seen here, which is available on the higher SE and SEL trim levels, and they are manual, not power. Also, there are no USB ports for rear sear passengers.
The SEL trim (pricing hasn’t yet been announced) should feel pretty fancy; it adds power leather seats, a 10″ driver display, ambient lighting, Beats premium audio and remote start. And, there will be additional interior color combos available in upper trim levels.
The New Multimedia System Is Standard, Too
The 8″ screen is where you’ll find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, vehicle settings and entertainment. Up grade to the SE model (pricing hasn’t yet been announced) and you’ll get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control, an additional USB port.
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A New Wireless Phone Charger That Won’t Overheat
This is pretty cool, though it’s only available in the SE, SEL and GLI models: a wireless phone charger that is more powerful and cooled so your phone won’t overheat. Pop your phone onto the charge pad and let it connect wirelessly to your car and you’re on your way in an instant.
2025 Jetta GLI Adds Sporty Looks and Power
Notable for the red accents and a larger, more powerful engine, the Jetta GLI also got a makeover for 2025. It retains its 4-cylinder turbo that delivers 228 HP, 258 torque and about 28 MPG. VW isn’t yet saying what the starting price will be for the GLI version, but the current version is priced about $6K more than the base S model price.
Just In Case You Need Inspo
We love Easter eggs and VW obliges with this little reminder to have fun. Stamped on the lower front grille, you’ll have to look for it but once you see it, you’ll always be reminded, this car is designed to be fun.
GLI Comes With An Upgraded Interior
The Jetta GLI will be available in two trims: Jetta S Plus and Autobahn. The S Plus adds 18 wheels, dual exhaust, drive mode selector, a unique GLI grille, sport steering and chassis control and a keyless entry with a push button starter.
And, There’s a Manual!
This is a rarity for two reasons: One, manuals are disappearing, and two, manuals used to be on the cheapest trims. No longer; the manual is only available on the Jetta GLT, clearly intended for those who really like to drive.
More Goodies for Jetta GLI Buyers
The GLI S Plus basically combines all the S Plus features with the GLI sport tuning and design details. The Autobahn edition brings together the GLI details with the SEL edition, from the wireless phone charger to the 10″ digital driver display, voice assistance and more.
SE and GLI models will be able to further upgrade with a sunroof, black wheels and black mirror caps, too.
We’ve always admired the Volkswagen Jetta for its sensible approach to a solid car that’s fun to drive. We’re excited that it’ll still be available in a manual, and that the company is sensitive to pricing. And, to giving a burgeoning young car buyer a reason to invest in a new car with modern features they wants and need without busting the budget.
Categorized:Car Buying