“Great vehicle - I just wish I could have gotten it with a 6 speed manual transmission. Only problem is the mud flaps scrape over every speed bump - minor annoyance.”
2016 Volkswagen CC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen CC is a newer touchscreen system with USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink across the lineup. Volkswagen also added the Trend trim, renamed the 2.0T Executive as the R-Line Executive, and upgraded equipment on several trims without redesigning the car.
About the 2016 Volkswagen CC
Facelifted first-generation CC (2013-2017 U.S.), late-cycle 2016 model year.
Volkswagen sold the CC as the style-first alternative to the Passat: a sleeker four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline, a richer-looking cabin, and a more European feel than a typical midsize family car. Buyers chose it for design and atmosphere first, then for solid turbo power, comfortable front seats, and upscale touches that felt closer to an entry luxury sedan than a mainstream commuter.
The 2016 CC lineup ranges from the well-equipped Trend to the fully loaded 3.6 VR6 4Motion Executive. The R-Line emphasizes sportier bodywork and 18-inch wheels, while the R-Line Executive adds leather and a panoramic sunroof. The VR6 Executive stands apart with a 280-hp V6, all-wheel drive, driver-assistance features, ventilated front seats, and a driver’s massage function.
What changed, by category
Tech
A newer 6.3-inch touchscreen system with USB and App-Connect smartphone integration became standard across the lineup. Sport and R-Line also gained keyless access with push-button start.
Styling
The former 2.0T Executive continued under the R-Line Executive name, with R-Line body styling, black exterior accents, and 18-inch Montauk wheels. The VR6 4Motion Executive received new 18-inch Shanghai wheels.
Safety
The 3.6 VR6 4Motion Executive gained adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
2016 Volkswagen CC specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Volkswagen CC?
The biggest change is the standard newer touchscreen system with USB and App-Connect. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, making the 2016 CC much easier to use with a smartphone than the prior model.
Did the Volkswagen CC lineup change for 2016?
Yes. Volkswagen added the 2.0T Trend as the entry trim and renamed the former 2.0T Executive as the 2.0T R-Line Executive. The renamed trim combines R-Line exterior details with leather seating and a panoramic sunroof.
Did the 2016 Volkswagen CC gain new safety features?
Yes, but the major driver-assistance upgrades are limited to the 3.6 VR6 4Motion Executive. That trim gained adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning for 2016.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen CC significantly different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 CC is a meaningful equipment and trim update rather than a redesign. Its main advantages over the 2015 model are better smartphone integration, the added Trend trim, the renamed and restyled R-Line Executive, and extra driver aids on the VR6 Executive.
Did the Volkswagen CC engines change for 2016?
No major engine change is identified for 2016. The 2.0T trims use a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the 3.6 VR6 4Motion Executive has a 280-hp V6 and all-wheel drive.
2016 Volkswagen CC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen CC.
4.3
2016 Volkswagen CC
(32 reviews)