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2016 Volkswagen Golf: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is its updated touchscreen technology, with USB connectivity across the range and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink on most trims. It is an equipment update rather than a redesign, and Volkswagen also added a feature-packed Golf SportWagen TSI Limited Edition.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
7th generation (Mk7/A7); second U.S. model year for the redesigned Golf hatchback and second U.S. model year for the Golf SportWagen.
The 2016 Golf family is Volkswagen’s practical compact for shoppers who want a smaller vehicle without giving up cabin quality or cargo flexibility. VW markets it as a smart, turbocharged hatchback and wagon with a more polished interior feel than many compact rivals. The hatchback is the city-friendly all-rounder, while the SportWagen stretches the same formula into a wagon that can stand in for a small crossover while still driving like a car.
The 2016 Golf range runs from the simple TSI hatchback to more comfortable SE and SEL hatchback and SportWagen trims, all built around a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. The TSI S is the everyday sweet spot with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a rearview camera, while the SE adds heated seats and a sunroof and the SEL focuses on navigation and cabin comfort. The SportWagen TSI Limited Edition bundles a panoramic sunroof, heated synthetic leather seats, keyless start, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL were dropped for 2016, removing the diesel versions from the lineup.
Tech
Newer touchscreen systems arrive across the Golf hatchback and SportWagen range, and USB ports replace the older MDI connector. Most trims receive 6.5-inch screens with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink; the base TSI uses a 5-inch USB-equipped system.
Safety
Rearview cameras become standard on every SportWagen and every hatchback trim above the base TSI. The new SportWagen TSI Limited Edition also bundles adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
2016 Volkswagen Golf specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Turbo, 1.8L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Turbo, 1.8L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Turbo, 1.8L | 4-Cyl, PZEV, Turbo, 1.8L |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 5-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd TiP SportMode | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt / Auto, 6-Spd TiP SportMode | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt / Auto, 6-Spd TiP SportMode | Auto, 6-Spd TiP SportMode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 35–36 mpg | 35–36 mpg | 35–36 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 52.7 cu-ft | 52.7–66.5 cu-ft | 52.7–66.5 cu-ft | 52.7–66.5 cu-ft | 66.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Locks | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Volkswagen Golf?
The biggest difference is the 2016 Golf’s newer touchscreen technology. USB replaces the older MDI connection across the hatchback and SportWagen range, while most trims gain Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
Does every 2016 Volkswagen Golf have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. Most 2016 Golf trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but the base TSI hatchback has a simpler 5-inch touchscreen with USB instead.
Which 2016 Volkswagen Golf models have a rearview camera?
Every 2016 Golf SportWagen has a rearview camera, as does every Golf hatchback trim above the base TSI. The base TSI hatchback is the exception.
What is the 2016 Golf SportWagen TSI Limited Edition?
The TSI Limited Edition is a new 2016 SportWagen trim positioned between the S and SE. It combines a panoramic sunroof, heated synthetic leather seats, keyless start, smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
Was a diesel Volkswagen Golf offered for 2016?
No. The TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL were dropped for 2016, so the diesel versions did not continue in the 2016 Golf lineup.
2016 Volkswagen Golf Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.
4.3
2016 Volkswagen Golf
(703 reviews)
“The E-Golf was an absolute pleasure to own, basically free to run once I paid it off, I have solar panels on my home and charged up for free always. I love love love this vehicle. Cargo space was more than enough, I have two family members who use wheelchairs and I was able to fit in two wheel chairs in that car. Best car I have ever owned.”
“My 2016 VW Golf R looks great inside and out. Very nice leather interior, flat bottom steering wheel. Interior trim doesn't feel cheap. Handles like it is on rails and sounds great.”