New 2025 VW Jetta & GLI review // Great power and value in both!

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the new 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and GLI compact sedans. We are in Ann Arbor, Michigan to drive the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and GLI!
2025 Volkswagen Jetta and GLI hit dealerships this fall. In a recent US press release a starting price of $21,995 USD was released. Volkswagen US says, the 2025 model has a lower MSRP starting price than the 2024 automatic.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta and GLI gets some nice updates including, tweaks to the exterior styling with an updated front fascia and new upper and lower grille designs, new LED headlamps, an available light bar, new trunk lid and a standard light bar connecting the taillights. The interior offers more refinement and there’s new technology. There are also two new exterior colour options, Monterey Blue Pearl, Alpine Gray in Canada and Monument Gray in the US.
The interior of the Jetta features a new dash design with new colour options other than black depending on the trim you choose. There are a variety of trim pieces too like chrome optic and matte or piano black. The standard 8” touchscreen is very easy to use, one up from the base model will get you wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability. In the US, two up from the base. The good news is the volume and tuning knobs are still here but the HVAC has been replaced with a more finicky setup like other VW models. Higher trims add the 10.25” digital driver display. Cloth upholstery is standard, there is available leatherette or perforated Vienna leather. GLI models add a sport steering wheel and DSG models have paddle shifters. The available sunroof opens and has a sunshade.
Other available features include, a wireless charger, power driver’s seat, lumbar support, driver seat memory, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 10-colour ambient lighting, navigation and a 6-speaker Beatsaudio system.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta has a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission, 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, the manual is gone for 2025.
The 2025 Volkswagen GLI is powered by a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual transmission, optional 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission with up to 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is a FWD sedan and you can use regular fuel. I am so happy the GLI still has the manual option.
The sport-tuned GLI features larger brakes, an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, an adaptive damping system and a sport exhaust system.