2016 Volkswagen Jetta

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$8,925–$19,741 Inventory Prices
(4.7) 70 reviews
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2016 Volkswagen Jetta
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Key Specs
Our Take
Overview
Photos
Reviews
Safety & Recalls
Warranty & CPO
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Key Specs

of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. Base trim shown.

  • Body Type:
    Sedan See similar vehicles
  • Combined MPG:
    27-33 Combined MPG
  • Engine:
    150-hp, 1.4-liter I-4 (regular gas)
  • Drivetrain:
    Front-wheel Drive
  • Transmission:
    5-speed manual w/OD
  • View more specs

Our Take

From the Cars.com Vehicle Test Team

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

Notable Features of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

  • 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 Overview

By Cars.com Editors
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 s...
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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View 15 Photos

Latest 2016 Jetta Stories

See all 2016 Volkswagen Jetta articles >

Consumer Reviews

4.7
70 reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.7)
Performance
(4.7)
Interior Design
(4.5)
Comfort
(4.6)
Reliability
(4.7)
Value For The Money
(4.7)

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

Perfect Mobile

by Fahrn in der Bergen from Phoenix, AZ on August 11, 2018

Have owned VWs before but bought this used 2016 S model and WOW. SOLID car, lots of amenities for the base model and the infotainment center blew away my older MB. Engine is the rock solid/bullet ... Read full review

(5.0)

Volkswagen Jetta

by Chelsea from Pittsburgh, PA on August 10, 2018

The ride is great and the car has been very reliable. My family has owned Jettas in the past and we have always had a good experience. Read full review

Safety & Recalls

Recalls

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta currently has 2 recalls

IIHS Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

Based on 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

Front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Hip/thigh
good
Lower leg/foot
good
Overall evaluation
good
Retraints and dummy kinematics
poor
Structure and safety cage
good

Head Restraints and Seats

Dynamic Rating
good
Overall Rear
good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry
good

Moderate overlap front

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Left Leg/Foot
good
Overall Front
good
Restraints
good
Right Leg/Foot
good
Structure/safety cage
good

Other

Roof Strength
good

Side

Driver Head Protection
good
Driver Head and Neck
good
Driver Pelvis/Leg
good
Driver Torso
acceptable
Overall Side
good
Rear Passenger Head Protection
good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck
good
Rear Passenger Pelvis/Leg
good
Rear Passenger Torso
acceptable
Structure/safety cage
good

Small Overlap Front - Driver Side

Chest
good
Head/Neck
good
Hip/Thigh
good
Lower Leg/Foot
good
Overall Evaluation
good
Restraints and Dummy Kinematics
poor
Structure and Safety Cage
good
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers.

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: 2-year/unlimited, 75,000 miles eligibility

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

  • Eligibility

    2012 - 2017 Model Years / Less Than 75,000 miles

    Vehicles receive a 100+ point inspection and reconditioning.

Have Questions about warranties or CPO programs?

See Warranty FAQs

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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 Jetta 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