2025 VW Jetta Summary Points
- The Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI have entered the 2025 model year with updated façades and interior designs.
- The 2025 Jetta GLI retains its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.
- The article below is a comprehensive overview of the 2025 VW Jetta, which includes a look at the car’s steering and suspension systems, connectivity features via the myVW mobile app, and other standard features by trim level.
2025 VW Jetta Powertrain
There are no changes under the hood for the 2025 VW Jetta. It has retained the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (EA221) with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque, the same engine found in the 2024 model year Jetta.
The engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drivetrain, includes modifications to the Miller cycle (the intake valves close earlier in the induction stroke to help fuel efficiency). It also features a compression ratio of up to 11.5 to 1.
Jetta GLI
The 2025 Jetta GLI has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (EA888) with direct injection, variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, and variable exhaust valve lift to produce 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque.
Key features of the EA888 engine include water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger and an electronic coolant control system for a shorter warm-up. Both improve the GLI’s fuel efficiency.
The Jetta GLI is your gateway to three-pedal driving with its standard six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) with paddle shifters is optional. Every 2025 VW Jetta GLI is front-wheel drive.
XDS & VAQ Differentials
The 2025 VW Jetta Sport and GLI are standard with the XDS Cross Differential System. XDS is an electronic substitute for a conventional mechanical limited-slip differential, monitoring data from each wheel sensor. As described by Volkswagen, when the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel to reduce understeer.
Unique to the GLI is Volkwagen’s VAQ electronically-controlled front limited-slip differential. The VAQ differential offers the benefits of a traditional limited-slip differential but can monitor data—vehicle and wheel speed, yaw, and lateral g-force—from each wheel sensor while moving. With that data, the VAQ adjusts to maintain an optimum torque balance between the left and right front wheels.
If necessary, 100 percent of the available torque can be transferred to either side of the Jetta GLI.
EPA Fuel Economy
The Jetta S can return an EPA-estimated 29 in the city, 39 on the highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL are good for 29/40 city/highway and 33 combined.
The Jetta GLI achieves an EPA-estimated 26 in the city, 36 on the highway, and 30 mpg combined with the six-speed manual. GLI models with the DCT automatic return an EPA rating of 25/35 city/highway and 29 combined.
Rigid MQB Platform
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI are riding on the automaker’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture with a more significant percentage of ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel. The benefit is a lighter yet more rigid structure that improves the Jetta’s ride quality compared to prior generations of the car.
Every 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI has a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms, long-travel coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The Jetta has a torsion beam rear setup with telescopic dampers, while the GLI has a multi-link rear suspension.
The Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL feature a 0.6-inch lower ride height than the 2024 Jetta. The Jetta GLI has a rear anti-roll bar, gas-filled shock absorbers, and stiffer springs with a 0.6-inch lower ride height than a standard model.
Steering System
Every 2025 VW Jetta has a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering assembly, which is speed-dependent. In other words, on the highway, the steering will be tighter and more firm, while drivers will receive more “steering assistance” at lower speeds to help with maneuverability (the turning circle is 35.8 feet).
However, the Jetta GLI has a progressive variable-ratio electric power steering system. As described by Volkswagen, this steering system addresses a common problem with steering systems: different speeds and maneuvers ideally require different steering rates.
With the Jetta GLI and its system, the teeth on the steering rack are spaced more tightly toward the center than on a standard rack. The lower steering ratio in the center means the GLI responds faster when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at the ends of the rack reduces the effort needed near the steering lock, such as when parking (the steering wheel goes from lock to lock in 2.1 turns).
DCC Adaptive Damping System
The 2025 VW Jetta GLI is standard with the DCC adaptive damping system, which manages rebound and compression rates based on the road’s surface to provide a more comfortable ride.
Like the VAQ system, the DCC system takes into account various data points like steering, braking, and acceleration. As such, the required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four dampers within fractions of a second.
Drivers can customize the DDC system to some degree. For example, putting the 2025 Jetta GLI into Comfort mode will tell the DCC to optimize the car for highway driving, while Sport mode will tell the DCC to firm things up.
Aerodynamic Exterior Design
The 2025 VW Jetta has new upper and lower grille designs, LED headlights and daytime running lights, an illuminated light bar in the front grille (standard on Sport, SEL, and GLI), and a new trunk with a standard light bar. The Jetta GLI adds a rear diffuser and broader dual exhaust tips, while the optional Black Package will give the GLI a black roof.
The shape of the VW Jetta was optimized to slice the wind. It has an active radiator shutter, air curtain intakes on each side, and underbody panels. The standard model has a 0.26 Cd drag coefficient, while the GLI has a 0.31 Cd.
Moreover, all Jettas have aerodynamic-inspired wheel designs. The Jetta S has 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, while the Sport and SE have 17-inch wheels. The Jetta SEL and GLI have 18-inch wheels.
Interior Features
All VW Jettas receive a redesigned dashboard with a standard eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and a Climatronic Touch automatic climate control system. The Jetta SEL and GLI have an upgraded 10.25-inch configurable gauge cluster with up to four views, including full-screen navigation.
Color Combinations & Seating Surfaces
SE models have perforated and two-tone CloudTex leatherette seating surfaces in Grey and Titan Black or Seawall Blue and Storm Grey. The SEL has perforated Vienna leather in Grey and Titan Black or a Brown and Titan Black color combo. GLI models have perforated Vienna leather in Grey and Titan Black with red stitching.
The Jetta Sport has embossed “molekular” black cloth seats like in the GLI 40th Edition, while the base Jetta S has black or gray Rhombus cloth seats.
All variants except the base S model have heated front seats, while the SEL and GLI add ventilation for the front seats. The GLI comes standard with a heated and leather steering wheel with touch controls, 10-color ambient lighting, and illuminated scuff plates.
Cargo Space
The 2025 VW Jetta is a five-passenger compact car with 41.1 and 37.4 inches of front and rear legroom, respectively. The trunk offers 14.1 cubic feet of storage room, and it’s easier to carry longer items with standard 60/40 split-folding seats.
Volkswagen Car-Net
The 2025 Jetta has Volkswagen Car-Net connectivity services. Users can download the myVW mobile app to activate Car-Net features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Vehicle Insights.
Remote Access
Remote Access includes a five-year plan at no extra cost. Through the myVW app, owners can remotely start the Jetta, lock and unlock the doors, honk the horn and flash the lights, see the last parking location, and call roadside assistance.
Safe & Secure
Safe & Secure is available at no extra charge for five years. It includes automatic crash notification, emergency assistance, information assistance, anti-theft alert, stolen vehicle location assistance, vehicle H.E.L.P., and roadside awareness alerts.
Vehicle Insights
Users receive a seven-year plan to access features like vehicle health, status, and maintenance alerts at no extra cost. The system automatically generates vehicle health reports monthly and sends the data to the user’s email address.
In addition, Volkswagen Car-Net offers annual paid subscription packages to access online map updates, traffic reports, parking information, fuel prices, and voice controls. Also available is the Plus Speech with AI package. It utilizes generative AI to produce answers to questions or requests made by the driver.
Post-Collision Braking & Crash Response
All 2025 VW Jetta models have six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC).
In addition, VW’s IQ.Drive system is standard. IQ.Drive utilizes front and rear radars, a front camera, and ultrasound sensors to enable adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and emergency assist.
Additional safety features include Automatic Post-Collision Braking and Intelligent Crash Response. In certain types of accidents, VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System will apply the brakes when the airbag sensors detect a primary impact to reduce residual kinetic energy. Crash Response shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and activates the hazard lights if an accident occurs.
VW Factory Warranty
The 2025 VW Jetta has a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty (with powertrain coverage) and 24-hour roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles. The plan also includes a Carefree Maintenance Program that provides service at one year or 10,000 miles and two years or 20,000 miles.
Options are available to extend the warranty on any Volkswagen, including the Jetta.
2025 VW Jetta Starting MSRP
The 2025 VW Jetta starts at $23,220, while the Jetta GLI has a $33,940 base price. The price figures include the $1,225 destination charge. If you have questions about new vehicle financing, this Auto Loans 101 guide will help.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.