Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto

VW releases 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI starting prices: Two models are gone

VW simplied the Jetta gas engine model lineup by dropping two models

By
VW releases 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI starting prices: Two models are gone.
VW / VW

VW released the starting prices for the restyled and updated 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI. Volkswagen followed up on its earlier promise that the 2025 Jetta would have a lower starting price than the previous model year’s cost with an automatic transmission. VW added value to both models, but what’s missing?

The 2025 Jetta S with an automatic transmission starts at $23,220, including delivery and destination fees, $40 less than a comparable 2024 model. The 2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, with either manual or automatic transmission, also with fees, starts at $33,940, $930 more than the 2024 Jetta Autobahn it replaces.

Recommended Videos

So what’s missing?

2025 VW Jetta parked on the side of a road with rocky hillside in background.
Comparing model lineups from 2024 and 2025, it’s apparent that Volkswagen simplified by dropping two models from the Jetta and Jetta GLI family. In 2024, you could buy a Jetta S with a six-speed manual transmission, but for 2025, all Jettas have automatics.

Related

You can get a 2025 Jetta with a manual transmission, but only in GLI Autobahn trim, the only GLI version available for 2025. In 2024, VW offered the GLI and spiffier Autobahn as separate models, but for 2025, there’s just one GLI.

2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI performance

There’s no price difference between 2025 Jetta GLIs with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG (direct-shift gearbox) dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Because GLI buyers would theoretically prefer more involvement with the sportier versions of the economy sedan, VW is wise to offer a manual transmission for traditionalists and the more modern, typically faster-accelerating, and more fuel-efficient DSG for more tech-forward drivers.

The GLI’s 228 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder ICE’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings with the manual transmission are 26 mpg city, 36 mg highway, and 30 mpg combined. So, the automatic transmission, in this case, costs an extra mile per gallon, with the DSG’s slightly lower EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 35 mg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

The 158 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-pot engine in the Jetta. Now available with an eight-speed transmission only, it achieves EPA-estimated 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined in the Jetta S and nearly identical 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined in the Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL trims.

2025 VW Jetta interior showing front seats, console, and dashboard.
VW / VW

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown
A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…
Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary model celebrates the ultimate sportbike
It's not just the Hayabusa's speed that make it great
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary model dring on a highway our of a city left front three-quarter view.

There are many sportbikes, but very few can compete with the Suzuki Hayabusa. When the first generation Hayabusa launched in 1999, it was acclaimed as the fastest production motorcycle in the world, with a top speed of 188 miles per hour. Still one of three or four production bikes with top speeds approaching 200 mph, the 2024 Hayabusa is available in a special 25th Anniversary Edition.
What makes the Hayabusa so special?

Top speed is the hot topic with supersport bikes, but when you think of zooming at 194 mph, the current model's maximum, power isn't the only concern. Sure, durability and reliability are important, and sometimes costly, considerations with high-speed vehicles of any category, but unless you only want to go for one ride, braking, handling, and stability are right at the top of the list.

Read more
Tesla slashes prices on its Cybertruck and Cyberbeast
Now you can buy a Cybertruck for 20K less
tesla cybertruck

Aside from the obvious, Tesla is not a car company that fits into the typical mold of the historically significant players up to this point. Elon Musk's company chooses when and what to report on an occasionally erratic timetable that seems a tad suspicious to critics of the EV giant.

However, it seems that Tesla is following one of the tried-and-true moneymaking strategies we've seen repeatedly in the autoverse. With the introduction of a new highly anticipated vehicle, whether that is the Chevrolet Corvette or the Maserati GranTurismo, price points are typically highest in the beginning, subject to occasional (and often insane) dealer markups, in an attempt to capitalize on demand. But, when that demand begins to wane, it is time to add new trims or variations to the lineup and, of course, cut prices to allow a whole new customer base entry into the exclusive club of XYZ car or truck. In this case, it is the Cybertruck.

Read more
Audi e-tron’s high voltage batteries may short circuit, VW recall says
What to know about the Audi e-tron recall
Audi e-tron GT quattro, e tron Gran Turismo, and RS eTron GT Performance..

Ironically, it seems the topic of EVs has become as polarizing as the batteries that power these cars. So, when a recall shows up saying that the high-voltage batteries may short-circuit, it will more than likely cause one of two types of reactions. If you are anti-EV, the "here we go, I knew it!" sentiment will probably come to mind, validating all of the fears and concerns surrounding electric vehicles.

However, if you are pro-EV, this recall will probably be filed under the "this is just a hiccup along the path of progression of batteries" portion of your brain. In either case, here is the information to do with as you will:

Read more