Volkswagen of America is giving price-weary auto shoppers a break.
The 2025 model, expected at dealers by the end of the third quarter, starts at $21,995, which is actually $250 less than the current model year, plus a $1,300 destination fee.
The automaker unveiled the Jetta and Jetta GLI via a 6-minute video on YouTube Tuesday morning featuring Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
"Ever since 1980, when it first went on sale in America, the Jetta has been our best-selling car, and a gateway into the VW brand," Di Si says. "For most of the time, it was also the best-selling European car in North America. We have sold more than 3.7 million. Whether I'm in Canada, Mexico or the U,S., people are always coming up to me and telling me how fondly they remember their Jetta."
Jetta's combination of style, affordability, safety features, quality and sportiness making it the perfect first car, he says, adding that he's speaking from personal experience.
"About a year ago, I bought a Jetta for my family," Di Si says. "As my sons begin their journey into adulthood, it will be the official vehicle for getting to class, coming home for Christmas, commuting to their first jobs, and going on the great American road trips with friends. Seeing them behind the wheel reminds me that a Volkswagen really isn't a Volkswagen until there are people in it. And our Jetta will be there to help create memories for my beautiful boys, who will always remember it."
Jetta remains as popular today as ever. Through April 2024, VW has sold 17,000 Jettas, a 122% increase vs. the same period last year.
From a brand perspective, Jetta has the highest awareness for VW, with a strong loyalty rate and the highest segment share in VW's portfolio, Di Si says.
"That's why keeping it fresh is so important to us," he adds. The model was last refreshed in 2021 for the 2022 model year.
Updates for the 2025 model include new front and rear end treatments, alongside new wheel choices and colors. A revised interior features new materials and revamped dash with floating 8-inch infotainment display.
The Jetta retains its 1.5-liter, 158-hp turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine matched with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission.The Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter EA888 engine that offers up to 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which can still be paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen recently is launching a campaign focused on its partnership with U.S. Soccer Federation featuring soccer star Christian Pulisic, who coins America as the "Home of Soccer."
Created by Johannes Leonardo, the effort shows the diverse and multigenerational community of soccer fans.