beebs

2016 Volkswagen Jetta review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Jetta highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Large cabin
  • Strong powertrains
  • Available hybrid

Cons

  • Cheap materials
  • Subpar handling
  • No more diesel option

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Updated base engine and tech

For the 2016 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta received some updates that are sure to catch your eye. a refresh. The old base Jetta engine was nothing great, but the new-for-2016 standard engine — a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder with 154 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque — delivers punchy acceleration that’ll surely please you. Also new for 2016 are more advanced optional driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. These will help ease your daily commute and ensure you arrive at your destination a little more relaxed.

All Volkswagen Jetta years

What is new for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

  • The Jetta is available in a new trim called the SEL Premium.
  • The Base, TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL trims have been discontinued for 2016.
  • Jetta trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors and Fender Audio as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The S trim now comes with Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The GLI SEL trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

1. Tons of interior space 

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta’s compact body may not leave you expecting much inside, but this sedan is great for your crew. It’s small enough to manage crowded streets and tight parking spaces, but the interior is spacious enough for everyone. The 2016 Jetta’s front seats offer 41.2 inches of legroom and ample padding for a comfortable ride. In the back, the rear seats have lots of room, too, with 38.1 inches of legroom. So, whether you’re hauling around kids, teens, or adults, the 2016 Jetta keeps everyone comfortable. 

2. Roomy trunk 

The 2016 Jetta’s roominess doesn’t stop in the cabin. Its trunk is also quite roomy and can accommodate 15.7 cu-ft of cargo. This is plenty of space to fit all the kids’ sports gear or just a week’s worth of groceries and still have plenty of room to spare. 

3. Plenty of engine options 

The 2016 Jetta has no shortage of engine options despite losing its diesel powerplant. It starts with the new-for-2016 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder unit that delivers 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers zippy low-end acceleration and an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined with the base manual transmission.

There’s also the optional 170-hp turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder that delivers commuter-friendly EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers of 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined with the five-speed manual transmission.
If you’re craving performance, opt for the GLI model, which uses a turbocharged 210-hp 2.0L engine. 

4. Available hybrid model 

For your long commute, you may find the 2016 Jetta Hybrid is a great option. It features a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine for 170 hp. It’s not about power, but it’ll certainly please you with EPA-estimated fuel-economy numbers of 42 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined. 

5. Modern tech options 

The 2016 Jetta gained a handful of new technology options you’ll surely appreciate. It all starts with new driver-assist options as part of the Driver Assistance Package available on TSI, SEL, and SEL Premium trims. This adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Jetta also features the new-for-2016 MIB II infotainment system, which includes features you’ll love, such as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration. You’ll find the new MIB II system in all trim levels above the base S.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a great car. Customers like the gas mileage, the roomy interior, and the reliability of Volkswagon engineering. The car is also affordable and has a lot of features.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Jetta an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Jetta 25th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta features and specs

SEL 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Fender Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Leatherette Seats

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

104.4"

Overall length

183.3"

Width

70"

Height

57.2"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 38.1"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 37.1"

Front tires

P225/45HR17

Rear tires

P225/45HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.