hamburger icon

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 1.4T S 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $17,680
2016 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $18,995
2016 1.8T Sport 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $20,895
2016 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,650
2016 1.8T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,380
2016 2.0T GLI SE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $26,920
2016 2.0T GLI SEL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $29,280

Overview

Volkswagen's Jetta was repositioned a few years ago to compete more directly with other economical compacts. That meant a lower price, simplified equipment choices, and greater emphasis on fuel efficiency. Despite its roomy interior and grown-up looks, the Jetta remains the most affordable route to putting a new VW in your garage.

What's New for 2016

Last year's base engine has been replaced by a more powerful turbocharged unit. The dash receives a new touchscreen interface, and more safety tech features are available.

Volkswagen Jetta

Choosing Your Volkswagen Jetta

The current Jetta is known for its generous interior dimensions. Passenger and trunk space come close to midsize levels, and so does the new base engine. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder puts out 150 horsepower and delivers up to 33 mpg in combined city and highway driving. As before, you can upgrade to a 1.8-liter turbo with 170 horsepower. Both engine come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a six-speed automatic is optional.

At the top of the engine roster is a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that achieves 210 horsepower. The 2-liter can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automated manual.

Trim levels correspond to engine size:

Volkswagen Jetta

1.4T S

Comes with the 1.4-liter engine and all the usual standard features for this class. You also get heated mirrors, a split-folding rear seat, and Bluetooth phone and audio. The available Technology package adds a rearview camera, a larger touchscreen with smartphone integration, and satellite radio. The S rolls on 15-inch steel wheels.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.4T SE

Gets the Technology package as standard, plus keyless ignition, heated front seats and washer nozzles, and 16-inch alloy wheels. You can add a Connectivity package with a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering, leatherette upholstery, and an upgraded sound system.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.8T Sport

Carries the 1.8-liter engine and all of the SE's available equipment. You also get a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, and foglamps. Adaptive bi-xenon headlamps and LED running light are available in the optional Lighting package.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.8T SEL

Gets the automatic transmission as standard, plus an upgraded interior and automatic headlamps and wipers. The SEL rides on the standard (non-sport) suspension. The available Premium package provides a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a cooled glove compartment, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Safety gets a major boost from the available Driver Assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and front collision mitigation with automatic braking. The Lighting package continues as an option.

Volkswagen Jetta

2.0T GLI SE

Receives the 2-liter engine along with upgraded braking and suspension systems. All of the regular SE's equipment and options come standard.

Volkswagen Jetta

2.0T GLI SEL

Carries all the performance and comfort upgrades available on the lower trims, plus 18-inch wheels and a navigation system.

CarsDirect Tip

The entry-level S is clearly a better deal this year thanks to the installation of the 1.4-liter turbo. That said, most buyers will still be more comfortable with the SE, which feels like a complete car.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Jetta »

Read our review on the Volkswagen Jetta »

Volkswagen Jetta
author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan and one of the most popular models from this German automaker. Introduced in 1980 in two- and four-door sedan configurations, the latter composition is the only body style currently offered. A previously provided sport wagon has been moved to the Golf model line.

Pricing and Equipment

Starting at $17,680 (plus an $820 destination charge) for a Volkswagen Jetta S 1.4L with a five-speed manual transmission, this model approaches $30,000 for a top-end GLI SEL edition. Six trim levels are available (including a hybrid) for a model offering three turbocharged gasoline engine choices. For 2016, no diesel engines are available as a result of Volkswagen flouting diesel emission regulations.

Standard equipment for the model tested included:

  • Fifteen-inch steel wheels
  • Cruise control
  • Cloth seating surfaces
  • Manual air conditioning
  • Touchscreen sound system
  • Bluetooth with audio streaming
  • Available Mirrorlink, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay

Performance Pros

Volkswagen Jetta
  • The all-new base 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is energetic, delivering 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with a quick-shifting five-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic transmission.
  • The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta offers outstanding fuel economy, making 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when outfitted with the base engine and the manual transmission.
  • Our testers praised the Jetta’s handling, noting that it is the “driver’s car among compacts.” Credit this model’s four-wheel independent suspension for making a big contribution to its fun-to-drive characteristics.

Performance Cons

Our testers found nothing of consequence to suggest a performance downside for this model.

Interior Pros

Volkswagen Jetta
  • Clean lines and well-organized controls highlight the Volkswagen Jetta’s interior. Where some competitors deliver complicated layouts, the Jetta’s is easy to decipher and use.
  • Our testers were pleased with the classic Volkswagen gauges, featuring a large, circular design.
  • The rear seat is spacious, offering room that rivals some larger cars. The Jetta’s 15.2 cubic foot trunk matches what some midsize sedans offer.

Interior Cons

  • The low starting price for the 2016 Jetta translates into a sparsely contented model. Most buyers will find themselves looking at a different trim level.
  • The standard 5-inch center console display is small, although not unlike the standard displays found in competing models. The navigation system is dated and outclassed by its competitors. A simpler and more advanced system is warranted.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Despite no diesels in the lineup, what remains is a strong family of gasoline-powered cars, including a base engine with a 40 mpg fuel economy rating. The Jetta Hybrid is the fuel efficiency champion, delivering 48 mpg on the highway.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The Volkswagen Jetta’s design is getting “long in the tooth.” Our reviewers said it looked “old, plain and staid,” especially as newer entries with “racier lines” are available. Despite the styling shortcomings, the Jetta remains the most popular model for Volkswagen in North America.

The Bottom Line

Volkswagen Jetta

If you can look past the bland styling and forgive Volkswagen for its emissions cheating, the VW Jetta remains a strong competitor in the compact sedan segment. All three turbo engines provide superior boost with the base engine combining that with excellent fuel economy. Price creep, however, can drive the cost of the Volkswagen Jetta to a level matching some entry-level luxury models. Shop carefully and you should find a well-equipped model for about $25,000.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 150 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 5-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 40 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 150 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 40 / 33 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
14.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$55
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
94 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
183.3 "
Exterior Width
70.0 "
Exterior Height
57.2 "
Front Headroom
38.2 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,939 Lbs. / 3,025 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
18.2 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Steel / 18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan / Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

8 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Volkswagen
1.4T S
Color: Black
Price

$7,495

Mileage

68,507 mi

Map location icon

D & M Auto Sales of Placentia (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 815-5836
Volkswagen
1.4T S
Price

$9,995

Mileage

128,279 mi

Map location icon

Metro Auto (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 740-7244
Volkswagen
SE
Color: Red
Price

$10,728

Mileage

86,173 mi

Map location icon

Cardinale Way Volkswagen (47 mi)

Phone: (888) 340-7287
Volkswagen
Sport
Color: Gray
Price

$10,975

Mileage

106,234 mi

Map location icon

Volvo Cars Ontario (46 mi)

Phone: (909) 605-5700
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Jetta. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.