Updated 2025 VW Jetta and Jetta GLI offer refined style and better value

VW refines its Jetta and Jetta GLI gateway models

By Bruce Brown June 26, 2024

2025 VW Jetta GLI and 2025 VW Jetta left front three-quarter image driving on paved road with mountains in the background.
Volkswagen EVs get a lot of coverage, but the company isn’t abandoning gas-powered. Volkswagen introduced the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI with new exterior style accents, colors, and wheel choices, plus an updated interior, including a new dash with a floating 8-inch display. Aware of Jetta’s entry-level role in the brand’s model lineup, VW also promises the 2025 Jetta starting price will be lower than the 2024 Jetta with an automatic transmission, which starts at $21,995.

Contents

Why the VW Jetta matters
New for the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI

Why the VW Jetta matters

Since its introduction in 1980, the Jetta has been Volkswagen’s best-selling car in North America. VW sells many Jettas to first-time new car buyers, newly graduated college students, and people looking for value in a new car that seats five. VW also views the Jetta as a gateway car for future car sales when owners have positive experiences with their Jettas and are inclined to stay loyal to the VW brand.

Because Jetta is the lowest-priced VW in the U.S., buyers benefit from new features and technologies earlier and at a lower cost than they might with other brands or models. VW hopes to benefit from current and future sales by continuing to attract new customers by updating the Jetta platform and keeping the entry price low for the brand.

New for the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI

2025 VW Jetta GLI left front three-quarter view driving on a paved road in the countryside with mountains in the background.
Notable new features for both the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI include:

New colors and wheel choices
Revised front fascia with LED headlights
New trunk lid with a light bar connecting the tail lights
New dashboard with an 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display
Standard Climatronic Touch automatic climate control
Standard IQ Drive has an extensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) suite.

The 2025 Jetta’s standard 1.5-liter, 158-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, is carried over from 2024.

For 2025, the Jetta GLI, aka the GTI with a trunk, The sportier GLI, available with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, has a sport-tuned engine that makes 228php and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLI also has larger brakes, an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential, an electronic differential lock, an adaptive damping system, and a sport exhaust system.

VW expects the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI will begin to arrive at U.S. dealers in late Q3 2024.
2025 VW Jetta right front three-quarter view driving on a paved road in the countryside with mountains in the background.

Digital Trends Contributing Editor Bruce Brown is a member of the Smart Homes and Cars teams. He also writes technology news…

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