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2016 Volkswagen Jetta

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$17,680

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

32
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
5

Seating capacity

183.3” x 57.2”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(140 reviews)

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

12 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Volkswagen Jetta trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • New 150-hp turbo base engine
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone mirroring now available
  • New active safety features available
  • Restyled Jetta GLI model
  • Gas or diesel power
  • Hybrid model offered

2016 Volkswagen Jetta review: Our expert's take

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

  • Honeycomb grille
  • Rear diffuser
  • Sport suspension
  • LED taillights
  • Red accent stitching

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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

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Consumer reviews

(140 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.7
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

This is my 2nd Mk6 Jetta.

This is my 2nd Mk6 Jetta. The first one I leased had zero issues with it. It was a 2017 1.4t S trim. My current Jetta a 2016 Sport 1.8t trim is a great vehicle! I bought it in 2019 as a CPO with 38k miles and now it has 127,500 miles and counting! Has give me zero problems. All I’ve done was kept up with its regular maintenance. I’ve used it to get around town and for long trips. Great on gas, roomy, nice backup camera and Apple CarPlay still works with the factory head unit! It also has VW’s built in Navigation system and Sirius XM which has come in handy a few times. The trunk is spacious with rear seats that fold down. The center rear seat comes with an arm rest and a pass through to the trunk. I also love the heated two tones white and black leatherette seats that come with the Sport trim. Driving wise, it handles great with good acceleration for a compact sedan. Easy to park as well!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Fun little car!

I purchased this car new but kept it only 2 years as I needed more space for my growing kids, their friends, and their activities. Mine was a sport model with black and white interior. Despite a rather average gas mileage for the size of the car, everything else was solid and the car was pretty spacious inside. The sport tuned suspension made it more fun to drive than the average Jetta. The only regret that I had is that this year model didn't come with a sunroof, even as an option. Other than that, it's a great car for a small family and the interior is resistant to active children :)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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The best Jetta and my fav car I've owned

This was my second purchase of a new Jetta, the car I traded this one in for was a 2005 VW Jetta. The 2016 Jetta is by far my favorite of the two Jettas and is my favorite car I've ever owned. One of the best features is the Infotainment Center. It has a lot of cool features and the Display is so detailed and cool looking.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 140 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
11.1%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Volkswagen
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles/75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles/75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Vehicles purchased on or after 1/5/21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr/12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification required
100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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