2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Review

This week I find myself behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Jetta - the brand's best-selling sedan and and third best-selling model last year.  And what a year it was for the compact sedan - with VW reporting Jetta sedan sales up 51.5% year over year - quite a jump!

For 2025, it's been "redesigned". By that I mean the lineup gains a more refined look thanks to notable design updates inside and out, plus it adds some tech upgrades. There are no changes under the hood.  

Exterior

New grille, headlight, taillight and wheel designs give the sporty 2025 Jetta an updated look.  The SEL rides on new 18-inch alloys. Up front, a restyled grille with a new available integrated, illuminated light bar adds a modern vibe.  But I do have to admit the jury is still out for me on the chrome treatment to the lower front bumper.

The SEL's sports new LED headlights and daytime running lights along with chrome window trim. In back,  designers also sleekend things up with a new trunk lid that integrates a standard light bar that connects the LED tail lights.   I do like the SEL's chrome accented tail end.

The SEL is also equipped with nice convenience features like rain sensing wipers, heated, foldable, side mirrors and a heated wiper park area. 

Powertrain

The front-wheel drive Jetta SEL is powered by a 158-horsepower 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed transmission. The powertrain delivers 184 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration feels fine but if you like more power you'll want the GLI model which is good for 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.  Also, if stop/start bugs you, keep in mind it is noticeable on VW models. On the plus side, the SEL has remote engine start.

Interior 

Volkswagen's given the Jetta cabin an updated, more modern look for 2025 thanks to a new dash design and upgraded tech.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at just how unexpectedly new soft-touch the dash is.  It also integrates a new three-bar design passenger air vent. The other defining feature is a floating 8-inch center touchscreen that runs VW's terrific Discover Media system with navigation and voice control. This multimedia system has great graphics.

My test vehicle sports a Grigio and Titan Black Vienna leather interior with padded leatherette door panel inserts.  Cushiony sport seats with side bolsters are comfy but on the narrow side. The front seats are heated and ventilated, but only the driver's seat is power adjustable. A leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel makes a statement with its bold silver trim, which also lightens up an otherwise dark cabin.  I have to say the heating element on both steering wheel and driver seat is outstanding.  And I always love to see VW's 10.25-inch configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with full-screen navigation staring back at me. It's a great driver display.

The center stack gets a great update, too.  Designers ditched antiquated-looking traditional A/C controls for new - and standard across the lineup - dual-zone Climatronic haptic touch controls. Wow, do they make the cabin look more upscale. They work great, too. The slim center console is unchanged for 2025, and houses the gear shifter, two cup holders and the available wireless charger.

Now let's talk audio. My test vehicle's 9-speaker BeatsAudio sound system is awesome. HOWEVER:  it is not available on models built after January 1st. So you'll want to pay attention to build date. SEL models built after January 1, 2025 are equipped with a six-speaker BeatsAudio system from SE models. 

A roomy 60/40 split second row is heated and offers passengers a drop-down center armrest and soft-touch seat backs.  Cargo space is great and there's even a spare tire hidden under the cargo floor.

Other standard SEL features include wireless charging,  ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,  SiriusXM with 360L, power sunroof with sunscreen, a rear view camera and 10-color ambient lighting.

Connectivity features include front-row USB-C ports as well as a charging port in the front row armrest.

Options

The only option on this model is the premium paint hue, bringing the MSRP to roughly $31,000.  

Ride and Drive

The Jetta is inherently a commuter car, quite capable of delivering a comfortable ride and drive in Volkswagen-style. Acceleration is smooth (though I do miss paddle shifters) and handling is confident. No, it's not the quietest ride on the highway, but that's to be expected in this segment.

Steering is on the looser side - as opposed to say a Honda - though Sport mode improves steering responsiveness.  For a sportier ride you'll want to step up to the best-performing member of the Jetta lineup - the GLI. 

Safety

The Jetta lineup is equipped with standard IQ DRIVE which includes Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Land Assist Keeping System, Front Assist, Active Blind Spot monitor and Rear Traffic Alert. The technology itself works well once you enable it, I just wish it were a little more intuitive to initially operate.

Verdict

If you've passed on the VW Jetta before,  updates for 2025 make it worth another look if you're in the market for a midsize sedan that's stylish, fuel efficient and now offers its best technology yet. Plus - all this, for roughly $31K? Wow! What a value!