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2025 Volkswagen Jetta: Upgraded Powertrain and Safety Features

Updated for 2025, the Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI offer driver assistance systems, interior and exterior refinements, and new technology.

September 13, 2024
A powder blue 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and a white 2025 Jetta GLI parked on a road.

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta (left) has an MSRP of $21,995, lower than the 2024 automatic. The 2025 Jetta GLI (right) has an MSRP of $32,715.

Photo: Volkswagen

4 min to read


Volkswagen announced pricing, features, and model year changes for the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI.

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The 2025 Jetta offers a revised interior, driver assistance updates, an upgraded powertrain, and an MSRP of $21,995, lower than the 2024 automatic. The 2025 Jetta GLI has an MSRP of $32,715.

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Volkswagen's digital cockpit, standard on all models, includes an 8-in. display with customizable views on lower trims and a 10.25-in. fully configurable display on higher trims.

Interior of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta displaying driver assistance systems on the infotainment center.

Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance is standard on all trims for 2025. This system offers hands-on semi-automated driving technology. 

Photo: Volkswagen

ADAS Include Semi-Automated Technology

The Jetta and GLI models combine passive and active safety systems, including several electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature of the Jetta models is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which applies the brakes when airbag sensors detect a primary collision, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy. The model year also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain collisions.

Volkswagen also made the IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance standard on all trims for 2025. This system offers hands-on semi-automated technology using front and rear radar, a front camera, and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area.

Other driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Traffic Alert, and Emergency Assist (not available on manual-transmission models).

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Light Assist is also available on SEL and GLI trims, automatically controlling high beams based on traffic conditions.

Front view of a powder blue 2025 Volkswagen Jetta driving down a road during the day.

The 2025 Jetta has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined for the S model.

Photo: Volkswagen

Enhanced Driving Dynamics Across the Lineup

Under the hood, the Jetta retains its 1.5L EA211 turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Producing 158 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, the EA211 features Volkswagen's modified version of the Miller cycle, wherein the intake valves are closed early in the induction stroke to help with fuel economy.

The EA211 is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a combination offering an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined for S. Sport, SE, and SEL models have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI is powered by a Volkswagen EA888 2.0L turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine with 228 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger also helps reduce full-load fuel consumption.

The power is routed to the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission, with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission option available. Jetta GLI models with the standard six-speed manual transmission have an EPA-estimated rating of 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

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The Jetta and GLI are built upon Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform architecture. Both body and chassis have a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel, which allows the use of thinner and lighter parts without loss of strength.

At the back, standard Jetta models feature a torsion beam rear setup with telescopic dampers, while Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL models add a 0.6-in. lower sport suspension. GLI models, with a 0.6 in. lower stance than the base model, feature a multi-link rear suspension, a rear anti-roll bar, and sport-tuned gas-filled shock absorbers.

The braking system comes equipped with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).

Interior of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta's front seat view of the wheel and dashboard.

Volkswagen's digital cockpit, standard on all models, includes an 8-in. display with customizable views on lower trims.

Photo: Volkswagen

Exterior and Interior Revisions

The 2025 Jetta exterior has a coupe-like profile featuring new upper and lower grilles, LED headlights, and an available light bar. The rear includes a new trunk lid with a light bar connecting the taillights.

The cabin has a spacious layout and updated technology, like an 8-in. floating touchscreen infotainment system and dual-zone climatronic touch automatic climate control. Connectivity features include App-Connect, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and BeatsAudio systems in higher trims.

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Interior of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta's back seat.

The 2025 Jetta's seating options vary by trim, offering high-quality materials like perforated leather and new color combinations.

Photo: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Car-Net provides options like remote access, vehicle alerts, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities with optional paid subscriptions, which could be helpful to commercial fleets in the field.

The Jetta's seating options vary by trim, offering high-quality materials like perforated leather and new color combinations.

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