2025 Volkswagen Jetta Sport: The Brand’s Entry-Level Compact Sedan

Highlight: This is one of the most affordable vehicles in the United States for consumers to purchase.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $24,500 (Base Model): $23,220

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; AWD; an auto dimming rearview mirror; a lane assist keeping system; a stability control system; a rearview camera; a hill hold control system; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision assist system; an active blind spot monitor; a post collision braking system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (S): 16-inch wheels; front wheel drive; a manual transmission; a leather wrapped steering wheel; heated foldable side mirrors; cloth seats; manual adjusted front seats; split folding rear seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; an 8-inch infotainment screen system; a dual automatic climate control system; and an 8-inch fully digital instrumental cluster 

Standard Equipment: (Sport): 17-inch two toned alloy wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; cloth seats; heated front seats; a 6-inch lower sport suspension that previous year models; and VW's XDS system is an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical slipped differential

Options: none

Trims:

SE

SEL

Jetta GLI

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder/158-horsepower

Mileage: 29-city/42-hwy

What’s New: For the 2025 VW model year, the Jetta receives a new fascia, an updated rear end. a revised dash design and new technology.

Why (Test Model):

Roomy interior 

Large cargo area for a compact

Affordable

A host of standard safety driving aids

An automatic climate control system

Easy-to-use infotainment

Great visibility

Stylish design

Maintenance included for 2 years

And above average new-vehicle warranty

A radar activated cruise control system

An instrument panel that includes a clean and modern layout

Wireless charging device

An automatic brake hold feature

A variety of trims available

But:

Only one powertrain available on the Jetta

No sliding or adjustable center armrest

Powertrain warranty falls short of some of its competitors

No AWD available

No hybrid powertrain available

Manual transmission is no longer available

Verdict: With only a handful of cars in the United States priced under $25,000, the entry-level 2025 Jetta is a great value proposition. The sporty looking four door sedan is only available in a front wheel drive configuration.

Moreover, while dropping the fun-to-drive manual transmission, the Jetta receives a few updates for 2025 model year, ranging from cosmetic exterior changes to a new infotainment center. When placed side-by-side against the competition, the Jetta is noticeably larger. Although the vehicle is classified as compact, it can easily straddle the line with midsize vehicles until one goes toe-to-toe adding on features.

Overall, for the price point, the Jetta is a relatively great riding sedan. Its definitely a worthy contender to consider for those seeking a traditional looking vehicle without all of the glitz.

Competition: Honda Civic; Hyundai Elantra; Kia K4; Mazda3; Nissan Sentra; and Toyota Corolla