We Review the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

December 20th, 2024 by

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Pure WhiteThere is a well-known fact that enthusiasts would rather have a great, well-balanced performance sedan than anything else. Better yet, one that does not carry a huge price tag. Recently, we took a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI out for the week to see how much has changed for the new model year.   

Outside, the 2025 Jetta GLI receives a new front clip. The grille above the bumper is narrower but open to take air inside the engine bay. A new set of LED headlamps finish up the area above the bumper. The bumper itself has grille slats to capture air, which first meets the intercooler for the turbocharger on its way to the radiator. The rear LED taillights have also changed. There is now an LED strip that connects the two lamp units with just the GLI badge in the middle. Other than a cleaner front fender design with the GLI badges on each front door, the Jetta retains its sleek silhouette that is enhanced by the Black Package’s 18-inch alloy wheels on our tester.  

Inside, you will notice that the infotainment screen gets its own tablet-like housing. The 8.0-inch touchscreen is surrounded by tactile controls that make things easier to use. You can connect your smartphone device wirelessly to playback your favorite tunes or to get directions to the nearest coffeehouse. 

Volkswagen Jetta Infotainment screenRed accents make everything inside the 2025 Jetta GLI pop, including the Digital Cockpit instrumentation screen. It switches from a standard blue surround to red when you select Sport mode on the Dynamic Chassis Control screen. You will find the automatic climate control right on the center stack, along with a slick shifter for the DSG gearbox.  

You take control of the 2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn via a well-bolstered driver seat adorned in leather. The rear seat offers plenty of leg room. Trunk space is a generous 14.1 cubic feet.  

Motivating the 2025 Jetta GLI is the 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers 258 pound-feet of torque. We drove the 2025 Jetta GLI with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. By the way, you can still get one with a six-speed manual transmission, if you wish to use the third pedal on the left.  

If you have never experienced a Volkswagen with Dynamic Chassis Control, let us explain how it works. Once you select the Drive Mode button on the center console, a page appears on the infotainment touchscreen for you to make a selection between Normal, Comfort, and Sport. Based on customer feedback, these are the three modes most drivers use. We only used Normal and Sport for a comparison on how the 2025 Jetta GLI drives.  

Volkswagen Jetta Generations Lineup

In Normal mode, the suspension and steering are neutral feeling. Switch the DCC to Sport, you do feel a bit more firmness from the suspension and in the steering. You can also feel the engine, transmission, and exhaust open up for a more powerful-sounding experience. If you drive the Kansas Turnpike all the time, you will be just fine keeping the 2025 Jetta GLI in Normal. However, if you find yourself in a place where the roads get a little twisty, select the DCC into Sport and see the difference.  

You can imagine where we put our 2025 Jetta GLI most of the time. Sport mode is where enthusiasts enjoy their Jetta GLI the most. We agree. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI only comes in the Autobahn trim. Prices start at an MSRP of $32,715.  

If you are an enthusiast and like what the 2025 Jetta GLI has to offer you, contact us at Bud Brown Volkswagen to see one soon! You will find how wonderful it is to drive anywhere you take one—even for an evening out in Kansas City.Â