2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T Sport Review & Updates

We ran a full test across urban streets, highways, and some uphill routes just outside Pasadena, and the results were refreshingly grounded. In heavier city traffic, especially during warmer afternoons with the AC running, the car averaged around 30.5 miles per gallon—not groundbreaking, but certainly respectable for a non-hybrid setup. On longer highway runs, cruising at steady speeds, we saw a peak of about 37.2 mpg, which shows this engine knows how to settle in and save fuel when given room to breathe. For mixed suburban loops with elevation changes and normal throttle behavior, the average landed around 32.7 mpg. While it’s not rewriting the rules of efficiency, the powertrain delivered consistently without struggling in heat or during hill climbs. The suspension felt well-tuned for daily driving, and brake fade was never an issue, even after some spirited miles. Overall, it’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just look good on paper—it holds up when you’re actually behind the wheel, filling up less often, and still getting where you need to go without compromise.

We took the 2025 sedan on a long test trip that included everything from a morning commute, a weekend freeway run, and even some rougher road patches just to check how the ride quality holds up—and overall, it felt quiet, roomy, and more upscale than expected for the segment. The cabin has a clean, restyled dashboard with smartly placed touchpoints and controls that are easy to enter. The menus are simple, the steering is light but precise, and the ergonomic layout means all the information is where it should be—visible at a glance, with no need to twist around or hide behind confusing buttons.

Once seated in the front or rear, even tall passengers will appreciate the generous cubic-foot space and the comfort of firm yet cushier seats, especially with heated options on the SEL trim. The leather-wrapped elements add a bit of sophistication, and the acoustic headliner and glass keep noise levels low even when those 16-inches tires roll over bumps or rough sidewalls. The wide windows and upright driving position give a great visual of the road, making lane changes and city traffic feel far easier than they should.

Compared to rivals like the Lexus UX 300h or even its larger Arteon sibling, this car may not have all the spoils, but it holds its own with solid economy, good acceleration, and a well-shaped trunk that doesn’t waste space. There is a minor downside—the back seat can get a little snug for a fifth passenger, but the support is still decent for shorter rides. All told, it’s a sophisticated, breezy interior that manages to look sharp, feel refined, and still be a place you’d actually enjoy spending time in—whether you’re the fourth, fifth, or lucky enough to ride up front.

I went in with low expectations—half expecting the usual aging compact formula—but I came away pleasantly surprised. This car doesn’t try to be something it’s not, yet somehow ends up being better-looking, better-equipped, and honestly a better-driving option than a few of its Civic and Corolla-sized rivals. The features feel thoughtfully refreshed, the price stays in the sweet spot, and while there are a few nitpicks, nothing big enough to hate or even stress over. For what it’s asking, you’re getting a solid mix of comfort, usability, and just enough charm to make the decision feel smart—whether you’re parked at Trader Joe’s or cruising home thinking about how it kinda gives off subtle Audi vibes. It might not be a Lexus ES 350, and it’s definitely no Land Cruiser, but in terms of daily driving and real-world bargains, it hits closer to that fantastic value than many give it credit for. And if you’re into a good, no-nonsense gas saver that doesn’t feel like a penalty box, this might just be the modern vintage you’ll end up enjoying for years to come.