The Jetta undergoes a late life cycle update for the 2025 model year. The front grille, headlights and fascia have been renewed and a light bar accent has been added as well. The back of the car is treated to a restyled trunk lid, redesigned taillights and a lightbar connecting the lights. Inside, refreshes include a new dashboard with a separate infotainment screen that replaces the one previously incorporated into the main dashboard. The mainstream 1.5 turbo Jetta is exclusively automatic but the 2L GLI variant can be twinned with a manual transmission.

Volkswagen’s 1.5L four is quick and flexible, with luxury class refinement. The conventional eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and is reacts quickly to driver input.

The Jetta’s steering feels is nicely weighted, geared and holds its line well on the highway. Though the rear suspension clunks occasionally, ride is very good and handling is steady.

With a smooth powertrain and very good road and wind noise suppression, the Jetta 1.5T is an impressively refined vehicle.

The TFT gauge package is crisply marked, the large infotainment screen is easy to use and minor controls are very easy to use.

Pleasing sound from the Beats-branded audio system.

The door mirrors defrost quickly but the rear window is slow to clear.

The 2L GLI is very fast and the engine is well-matched to the creamy-smooth seven-speed DSG transmission. Exhaust rumble is more intrusive than expected and unless you need more power than the 1.5T offers, the smaller engine is more refined. The Jetta 2L GLI exhibits quasi-lurid wheelspin from a stop on wet surfaces.

The 2L GLI has a  very good ride-handling balance for a sporty-themed vehicle and the car enjoys the same room as its 1.5T stablemate.

Like most of Volkswagen’s recent new vehicles, like the Golf, Tiguan and Atlas, the Jetta is built on VW’s MQB platform. Most Jettas will be powered by a 1.5L turbo four. Power reaches the front wheels via an right-speed conventional automatic. Seating, long a VW strong point, is very comfortable. Legroom is ample up front and acceptable for rear seat riders. Cabin materials are attractive but are just class competitive, compared with the lavish VW cabins of the past. Large trunk. The 2L GLI can be linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Trendline, with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, heated seats, a digital gauge package, alloy wheels, and a wireless version of the iOS-android cellphone interface, is well equipped. The Comfortline Sport upgrade includes a large-format sunroof, a 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster. The Highline boasts a Beat-branded audio system, a navigation system and ventilated leather seats. The sports-oriented GLI is equipped in a similar fashion as the 1.5L Highline but costs nearly $3000 more, basically due to the engine. On the GLI, the manual and automatic transmission variants are priced the same.

Not rated, insufficient data. Electrical issues are to be expected as are turbo wastegate failures.