Sometimes, despite what teens may think, some advice is worth repeating.
So here it is: If you’re looking for an automotive bargain, consider compact sedans instead of crossovers, budget-busting SUVs, or pickups.
This advice is especially practical if you’re single, a couple without the need for massive cargo space for kids and their gear—or if you simply enjoy the act of driving.
This week’s prime example is the Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T SEL. But really, any Jetta trim will make your checkbook feel like you’ve forgotten to add a zero or two to the down payment.
To spoil any suspense, consider this: the base Jetta S starts at just $23,220, including delivery. The SE model, which adds satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, a six-speaker audio system (upgraded from four), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is priced at an impressive $24,500. Just wow!
Step up to the Sport trim, and you get features like a front anti-roll bar for improved handling, special XDS brakes, a limited-slip differential, heated seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 60/40 split rear seat, stainless steel pedals, and black window trim—all for $26,200. Still impressive!
At the top of the lineup, the SEL trim, tested here, lists at just $30,225. It includes heated front and second-row seats, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a premium eight-speaker audio system, a navigation system, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen (compared to 8 inches in lower trims). The only extra on the test vehicle was a $455 King’s Red special paint, bringing the total to $30,680.
That’s nearly everything most buyers want in a crossover or SUV, which would likely cost at least $35,000 to $40,000. Of course, AWD is an option on many crossovers and SUVs, so if you need off-road capability, one of those might make more sense.
However, if you, your spouse, your college-age kid, or even a high schooler just needs solid safety, decent power, and all the comforts of a family vehicle, the Jetta fits the bill. It also delivers sporty handling and a ride that can make the daily commute enjoyable.
I’ve praised the Jetta before, naming it a Zoomie Top 10 Savage on Wheels pick a few years back. That was the sportier GLI Autobahn version, which is still available with a six-speed manual and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That model is in another league and starts at $33,940—not bad for a performance sport sedan.
The 2025 SEL is still a joy to drive and remains one of today’s best automotive bargains, even with its turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 producing a modest 158 horsepower. Its 184 pound-feet of torque compensates for that, allowing the roughly 3,000-pound Jetta to reach highway speeds quickly. While the engine can sound a bit growly under heavy acceleration, and there’s some turbo lag when stepping on the gas, the power is certainly there when needed.
The Jetta’s standard four-wheel disc brakes slow the sedan effectively, and its electric power steering is light yet precise, offering a sportier feel than 95% of crossovers. It feels nimble, even when carrying the added weight of four adults.
The ride is sporty, leaning slightly on the stiff side, but it’s well-controlled and far from punishing—nothing like the jolting experience of a Jeep or pickup.
For those wanting quicker acceleration, the Jetta includes a Sport drive mode, one of four available settings. The others—Normal, Eco, and Custom—can all be selected via a button on the console. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, complementing the car’s overall performance.
Despite its high-value pricing, safety hasn’t been overlooked. The Jetta delivers a strong package of standard features, making it a smart and enjoyable choice for drivers seeking both fun and practicality.
The Jetta SEL comes equipped with an intelligent crash response system, including automatic post-crash braking. Volkswagen also includes its IQ.DRIVE suite, which features adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear traffic alert, a semi-automated driving aid, forward collision warning, and emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, among other safety technologies.
Inside, the tested King’s Red (a bright metallic red) model was stylish and appealing. The seats, door panels, and dashboard were finished in gray and black, with the perforated faux leather seats featuring white stitching for a touch of elegance. Satin chrome accents adorned the door releases and steering wheel spokes, while the dash face showcased black gloss trim. The steering wheel’s leather wrap and the console top were a practical flat black to minimize unwanted glare.
The infotainment screen is user-friendly, with intuitive controls. Notably, Volkswagen includes physical volume and tuning knobs for the Beats audio system, a welcome feature for many drivers.
Below the screen, there’s a wireless phone charger, which is also standard on the Sport trim. Dual climate controls are present, but they are touch-activated, which can be slightly finicky to adjust while driving.
The seats are well-contoured, offering good lower back support. The driver’s seat is powered and includes three memory settings located on the seat’s side. However, the passenger seat is manually adjustable, and some riders found it a bit low, with no option to raise it for better visibility. As noted earlier, the front seats are heated and cooled, while the rear seats are heated as well—along with the steering wheel.
There’s a continuing issue with the Jetta for shorter drivers. At 5-foot-5, I found the steering column bumped my knee when the driver’s seat was raised high enough for a comfortable outward view. To avoid this, I often adjusted the manual tilt-and-telescope wheel all the way up before exiting the car to prevent knee knocks. On the plus side, the Jetta features a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the driver’s seat powers back when the door is unlatched. Still, getting out of the car was a bit awkward.
This is less of a problem for taller drivers, who tend to position the seat farther back, allowing their legs to stretch out and keeping their knees at a lower angle.
On the brighter side, even with the front seat pushed back slightly, there’s ample legroom for adult passengers in the rear seat. The trunk is also spacious, offering just over 14 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the split rear seats increases that capacity significantly.
The SEL trim also comes with a sunroof and a manual sunshade, features that are often optional and cost extra on crossovers.
As a lightweight sedan, the Jetta delivers impressive fuel efficiency. The SEL is rated by the EPA at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. In a mix of city and highway driving, I achieved 34.3 mpg. It runs on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps operating costs down.
One final note: the Jetta is assembled in Mexico, so it could face tariffs from the incoming administration, potentially raising its price. Keep an eye on this as 2025 unfolds, but for now, the Jetta remains a bargain hunter’s dream.
FAST STATS: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 1.5T SEL
Hits: Peppy sedan with sporty handling, yet a fine family car with roomy interior, sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, smart cruise and substantial safety features. Good mpg, well-controlled ride, 4 drive modes, supportive seats, wireless charger, flat-bottom steering wheel, and big trunk.
Misses: Tight knee space to steering column for short drivers. Engine can be a little growly with turbo lag. Climate controls are touchy.
Made in: Mexico
Engine: 1.5-liter turbo I4, 158 horsepower/184 torque
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Weight: 3,071 lbs.
Length: 186.5 in.
Wheelbase: 105.7 in.
Cargo: 14 cu.ft.
MPG: 29/40
MPG: 34.3 (tested)
Base Price: $30,225 (includes delivery)
Invoice: $29,065
Major Options:
Kings Red Metallic paint, $455
Test vehicle: $30,680
Sources: Volkswagen, kbb.com
