2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

Change Year or Vehicle
$13,976–$20,172 USED Shop local deals
(4.4) 7 reviews
SAVE
Find out if this car is the best match for you.
2016 Volkswagen e-Golf
Compare 2 Trims View Local Inventory
Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
Compare
Back to top
Local Inventory
Compare 2 Trims View Local Inventory

Key Specs

of the 2016 Volkswagen e‑Golf. Base trim shown.

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

The Good

  • Quick recharging with available onboard charger
  • Premium cabin materials
  • Hatchback practicality

The Bad

  • Lack of tire grip
  • Limited range
  • Front seat comfort

Notable Features of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability now offered
  • New active safety and convenience features available
  • Hatchback body style

2016 Volkswagen e-Golf Overview

By Cars.com Editors
Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What's Special

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain's operation
  • 115-horsepower electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that's located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative-braking programs

Here's info on the regular Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen's performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the: Golf GTI, Golf R)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car's dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.

A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, ...

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf last year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What's Special

  • New value-oriented SE trim level
  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain's operation
  • 115-horsepower electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that's located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative-braking programs

Here's info on the regular Golf:

The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas or diesel four-cylinder engine, and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen's performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the: Golf GTI, Golf R)
New for 2016
A newly available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car's dashboard screen. The S trim level gains a backup camera while the SE adds keyless access with push-button start.

A Driver Assistance Package for SE and SEL trim levels includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking.  
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 236 pounds-feet of torque
  • Heated front seats
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Navigation system
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Power sunroof

Golf GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.
What's Special

  • 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual tailpipes 
  • Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
  • Available adaptive suspension 
  • Backup camera now standard

Back to top
Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus ST and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf and Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What's Special

  • 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
  • Quad exhaust pipes
  • Adaptive suspension

Back to top


View 14 Photos

Latest 2016 e-Golf Stories

See all 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.4
7 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.4)
Performance
(4.6)
Interior Design
(4.6)
Comfort
(4.6)
Reliability
(4.6)
Value For The Money
(4.3)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Perfect around town car - Zero Emissions

by Chris_in_SB from Santa Barbara, CA on June 25, 2018

Although the range is only around 90 miles on a single charge, this vehicle is perfect for around town. Takes 8 hrs to fully charge vehicle using a 110V outlet. Very comfortable and reliable. Build ... Read full review

(4.0)

environmental responsibility

by sardine can from La Jolla, CA on November 25, 2017

Great car, great value, good performance, excellent environmentally but a real pain to get a charging station installed in a condo garage and expensive. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf currently has 3 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf has not been tested.

Manufacturer Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper

    36 months / 36,000 miles

  • Powertrain

    60 months / 60,000 miles

  • Roadside Assistance

    36 months / 36,000 miles

CPO Program & Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned by Volkswagen

Program Benefits

100+ point dealer inspection, 2 years of 24/7 roadside assistance, CARFAX Vehicle history report, and three-month SiriusXM All-Access trial subscription

  • Limited Warranty

    2018 model year or later: 1-year/12,000, 72,000 miles eligibility - 2017 model year or earlier: 2-year/24,000, 75,000 miles eligibility - 2016 model year or earlier TDI: 2-year/unlimited, 75,000 miles eligibility

    *See owner’s literature or dealer for your vehicle’s warranty coverage, exclusions, and limitations.

  • Eligibility

    2018 model year or later: 1-year/12,000, 72,000 miles eligibility - 2017 model year or earlier: 2-year/24,000, 75,000 miles eligibility - 2016 model year or earlier TDI: 2-year/unlimited, 75,000 miles eligibility

    Vehicles receive a 100+ point inspection and reconditioning.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

Change Year or Vehicle

Please select a Make

Please select a Model

Please select a Year

Update

All Model Years for the Volkswagen e-Golf

0 / 0 0 Photos
0 / 0

Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The e-Golf received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker