2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Review: Exceptional Value for a Reasonable Price

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL enters the market with a refreshed design, practical features, and a price that remains competitive in an era where car prices seem to be climbing relentlessly. With its updated styling and improvements inside and out, this sedan offers a great balance between affordability and practicality. In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything the new Jetta SEL has to offer, from its engine performance to interior updates, highlighting why it stands out as one of the best choices for its price. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this model a solid contender in the compact sedan segment.

Engine and Performance: What Powers the Jetta?

The 2025 Jetta SEL is powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that Volkswagen has used in previous iterations of the Jetta. While the engine isn’t new, it’s certainly proven its reliability. It produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which is sufficient for most driving conditions. Whether you’re commuting through the city or cruising on the highway, this engine delivers a balance of performance and fuel economy that suits everyday needs.

Though the engine won’t win any races, it provides enough power to handle most driving situations without feeling underpowered. The acceleration is smooth, and thanks to the turbocharger, the Jetta feels peppy in low- to mid-range speeds, making it easy to merge onto highways or pass slower vehicles.

One of the key benefits of the Jetta’s powertrain is its eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts seamlessly through the gears. Volkswagen has opted to keep things traditional with a real gear selector, as opposed to the push-button or rotary selectors found in some modern vehicles. This makes for a more engaging and intuitive driving experience. For those who desire a bit more excitement, the GLI model offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 228 horsepower and the option for a manual transmission, which makes it a more performance-oriented alternative.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth but Unexciting

On the road, the Jetta SEL provides a driving experience that is comfortable and composed but not particularly sporty. The torsion beam rear suspension does its job adequately for everyday driving, though it’s not as sophisticated as the independent rear suspension found on the sportier GLI. For most drivers, this won’t be an issue, as the Jetta’s suspension handles bumps and road imperfections well enough, though there are some areas where it falls short.

For instance, you might notice a booming noise from the rear suspension when going over bumps or uneven surfaces. This low-frequency sound can be a bit irritating on longer drives, but it’s not loud enough to be a major distraction. Much of this noise seems to come from the large, uninsulated trunk area, which is cavernous but lacks proper sound-deadening materials. However, it’s important to note that the car comes with a real spare tire, which is a plus in a world where many manufacturers are opting for tire repair kits instead.

The steering feel in the Jetta SEL is neutral and light, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and city driving but lacks the feedback that enthusiasts may crave. The car isn’t overly sporty, but it gets the job done for daily commutes and longer trips alike. What’s surprising, though, is that the Jetta shows a slight tendency to oversteer under certain conditions, adding a touch of excitement to an otherwise composed drive. It’s not something that most drivers will notice in normal driving, but it’s there if you push the car a little harder.

Design and Exterior Updates: A Subtle Facelift

For 2025, Volkswagen has given the Jetta SEL a mild facelift, with refreshed front and rear designs that bring it in line with the brand’s current styling direction. While the changes are subtle, they do give the car a more modern look. The Monterey Blue Pearl color, in particular, stands out and is one of two new color options available for this model year.

From the outside, the Jetta still retains its conservative design language, which some may find understated, but others will appreciate for its timeless appeal. It doesn’t try too hard to stand out, but it also avoids looking dated. The exterior design is clean and cohesive, with sharp lines that give it a sophisticated and mature appearance.

Interior Comfort and Technology: Modern Yet Familiar

Inside, the 2025 Jetta SEL has received some notable updates that improve its overall comfort and convenience. One of the biggest changes is the new VW steering wheel, which still features physical buttons rather than the touch-capacitive controls that have been met with criticism in other Volkswagen models like the Golf. This change alone will be a relief to many drivers who prefer the tactile feedback of real buttons over the often frustrating touch-sensitive controls.

The dashboard has also been slightly redesigned, with integrated air vents that flow seamlessly into the rest of the cabin. Another major improvement is the inclusion of an eight-inch touchscreen as standard across all trim levels. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can be used wirelessly or via a wired connection, providing great flexibility for different preferences.

One aspect that has received mixed reactions is the touch-capacitive climate control system, which is positioned low on the center console. While it’s not the most intuitive system out there, Volkswagen has made some improvements by backlighting the controls, making it easier to see and adjust fan speed and temperature. It’s still not perfect, but it’s usable once you get the hang of it.

The digital cockpit is another highlight, offering a customizable and easy-to-read display that can show everything from navigation to vehicle performance data. You can configure it to display the traditional circular dials for speed and RPM, or expand the map to take up most of the screen, depending on your preferences. The graphics are crisp and clear, and the system responds quickly to inputs.

When it comes to space, the Jetta continues to impress. The cabin is roomy, especially for a compact sedan, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The trunk space is also generous, offering more than enough room for groceries, luggage, or whatever else you need to haul around. In fact, the Jetta’s trunk is one of the largest in its class, which adds to its practicality.

Safety Features and IQ.DRIVE: Tech That Protects

One of the standout features of the 2025 Jetta SEL is the inclusion of Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE system as standard across all trims. This suite of advanced driver assistance features includes things like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to make driving safer and more convenient, particularly in heavy traffic or on long highway journeys.

The system isn’t fully autonomous, but it does provide Level 2 autonomy, meaning it can handle certain tasks like lane centering and maintaining a set distance from the car in front of you. It’s a great feature to have, especially at this price point, where many competitors charge extra for similar systems.

Pricing and Value: A Deal That’s Hard to Ignore

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is its price. While many automakers have been increasing prices due to inflation and other factors, Volkswagen has actually lowered the base price of the Jetta for 2025. The base model now starts at $21,995, which is slightly less than the 2024 version. Higher trim levels like the SEL have seen modest increases, but none exceed $200, which is rare in today’s market.

The model I tested, equipped with a few additional options, came in at $30,225. While $30,000 might seem like a lot for a compact sedan, it’s actually quite reasonable when you consider the level of features, technology, and space that the Jetta offers. In a world where even economy cars are starting to creep closer to $40,000, the Jetta remains a value-packed option for buyers who want a well-rounded, reliable vehicle without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: The Jetta Still Holds Strong

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL may not be the flashiest or most exciting car on the market, but it continues to deliver on the things that matter most to buyers in this segment: comfort, practicality, and value. With its refreshed design, updated interior tech, and competitive pricing, the Jetta remains a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a compact sedan. While there are a few minor quirks, such as the suspension noise and the touch-capacitive climate controls, they aren’t enough to overshadow the many positive attributes of this vehicle.

For those looking for an affordable and reliable car with a bit of modern flair, the 2025 Jetta SEL is certainly worth considering. It may not be the fastest or most luxurious option out there, but it strikes a solid balance between price, features, and practicality, making it a strong contender in a crowded market.