

Sedan
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5 Seats
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27-33 MPG
(Combined)
|
Key specs of the base trim
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Compare 7 trims
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Overview
The Good
- Fuel efficiency, especially diesel and hybrid models
- Terrific manual transmission
- Cornering poise
- Supportive front seats
- Rear-seat legroom
- Big trunk
The Bad
- Interior materials quality
- Pricey for its class
- Wind noise in cabin
What to Know
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New 150-hp turbo base engine
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Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone mirroring now available
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New active safety features available
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Restyled Jetta GLI model
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Gas or diesel power
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Hybrid model offered
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2016 Volkswagen Jetta Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
The five-seat Jetta is Volkswagen’s entrant in the compact-sedan segment. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. A performance-oriented Jetta GLI and a fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid are also offered.
(Skip to details on the: Jetta GLI and Jetta Hybrid)
New for 2016
A 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is the Jetta’s new base engine, and a new available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. New active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking and automatic post-collision braking, which is designed to reduce the incidence of secondary impacts after a crash.
Significant Standard Features
- 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Touch-screen stereo
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- USB port
- 60/40-split folding backseat
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder
- 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Power moonroof
- Backup camera
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Heated front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Fender premium audio
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Navigation system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Blind spot warnin...
Vehicle Overview
The five-seat Jetta is Volkswagen’s entrant in the compact-sedan segment. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. A performance-oriented Jetta GLI and a fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid are also offered.
(Skip to details on the: Jetta GLI and Jetta Hybrid)
New for 2016
A 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is the Jetta’s new base engine, and a new available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. New active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking and automatic post-collision braking, which is designed to reduce the incidence of secondary impacts after a crash.
Significant Standard Features
- 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Touch-screen stereo
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- USB port
- 60/40-split folding backseat
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
- 170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder
- 150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Power moonroof
- Backup camera
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Heated front seats
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Fender premium audio
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Navigation system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Blind spot warning system
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI gets a sportier appearance and upgraded features for 2016. It’s powered by a 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that works with a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What’s Special
Jetta Hybrid
Besides the fuel-saving TDI diesel versions of the Jetta compact sedan, Volkswagen sells a gas-electric hybrid model that competes with the Toyota Prius.
What’s Special
- EPA-estimated 42/48/44 mpg city/highway/combined
- Can travel up to 44 mph on electric power alone
- 150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that works with a 27-hp electric motor
- Electric motor is powered by a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack behind the rear seat
- Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Unique grille styling
- Power gauge takes the place of a tachometer in instrument panel
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
My first purchase
This car is gorgeous. The interior is sleek and beautiful. I love the body style the gas milage is amazing. This was my very first time buying a car and this one is so reliable and exactly what I ... Read full review
Awesome 👍 job Jason!!!
This car meet all my husband needs, he says' it's roomy , is great on gas, insurance is not too high, and he is comfortable. Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Volkswagen
New Car Program Benefits
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Bumper-to-Bumper
36 months / 36,000 miles
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Powertrain
60 months / 60,000 miles
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Roadside Assistance
36 months / 36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned Program Benefits
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Maximum Age/Mileage
MY 2015-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles, MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles, MY 2020 and newer vehicles/ 75,000 miles
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Basic Warranty Terms
For vehicles purchased on or after January 5, 2021: Model-year 2017 and older, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever occurs first) limited warranty; model-year 2018-2019, 1 year/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) limited warranty; model-year 2020 and newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever occurs first) limited warranty
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Dealer Certification Required
100-plus point inspection
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Roadside Assistance
2 year 24-Hour