There’s a reason the Jetta has been Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in North America for more than the last 40 years.

My guess is it’s the vehicle’s winning combination of style, quality, safety, and value. Simple attributes, but difficult to pull off. And for the 2025 edition, the German automaker adds greater refinement, new technology, and even better value.

My tester, the four-door SEL, was powered by a1.5-liter, TSI, 16-valve, DOHC, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine paired with a an eight-speed Tiptronic, automatic transmission. It’s a front-wheel driver with engine start/stop and driving mode selection. The combination generates 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Jetta comes in four trims, starting with the entry-level S, and climbing in order to the Sport, SE, and top-of-the-line SEL. There’s also a GLI sports sedan for driving enthusiasts.

SEL is perfect for families on a budget. Jetta seats four adults, or five with three kids in the back. All the amenities to keep everyone smiling are included, and the car delivers 40 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.

The “Driving Mode” selection feature in Jetta SEL and GLI models offers four modes: “Comfort,” “Eco,” “Sport,” and “Custom.” Comfort and Sport have a different steering heft and throttle response, while Custom allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle to their preference.

The car cuts an elegant, coupe-like profile , complemented by a revised front fascia that features new upper and lower grille designs that emphasize the Jetta’s athleticism. New LED headlights, as well as an available light bar, provide a distinct and modern appearance, while a new trunk lid with a standard light bar connecting the taillights, adds a touch of class to the rear.

Interior features will spoil everyone. Front passengers receive leather heated and ventilated seats; rear passengers have to get by with only heated leather seats. All occupants benefit from a BeatsAudio premium sound system with subwoofer, dual-zone climate control, USB-C charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-color, adjustable ambient lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Front passengers wireless charging for compatible devices, a floating, eight-inch, touchscreen multi-function center display, navigation system, and Volkswagen’s digital cockpit pro digital instrument display.

To help protect occupants, Jetta and GLI models provide a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control.

But that’s just the start.

VW’s IQ.DRIVE safety suite offers semi-automated driving assistance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, emergency assist, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.

Jetta SEL and GLI also feature light assist (high beam control for headlights), which automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 18 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if

there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 12 mph, the high beams automatically switch off. With cataracts beginning to develop in my senior-riddle eyes, the feature was appreciated during our dark, rainy, fall days. For the price point, the technology cannot be beaten.

Base Price: $30,225

Price As Driven: $30,225

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.