“The GTI is a great little sporty car with plenty of room to put a bike or two, and a fun drive to whatever destination you are heading in. The pickup is palpable and you can wave to the BMW's you will pass... the GTI is just nothing short of fantastically wonderful.”
2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a new standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This is a light technology update, not a redesign, and the engine, chassis, styling, and three-trim lineup largely carry over.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7th generation (Mk7), second U.S. model year after the 2015 redesign.
Volkswagen positions the Golf GTI as a practical performance hatchback that blends turbocharged punch, sharp handling, everyday cargo flexibility, and a cabin that feels more upscale than most compact rivals. Its core appeal is balance: it is fun enough for an enthusiastic driver, but roomy, comfortable, and polished enough to serve as an everyday commuter. That mix of performance, usefulness, and interior quality is the main reason people choose a GTI over rival sporty compacts.
The S keeps the GTI focused on driving, with a 210-hp turbo engine, plaid heated sport seats, and 18-inch wheels. The SE adds everyday comforts such as leather, a sunroof, premium audio, and keyless starting, while the Autobahn tops the range with navigation, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
Tech
Every trim gets Volkswagen’s newer 6.5-inch touchscreen system with USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Autobahn receives a navigation version of the updated system.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on every trim. Upper trims also gain broader access to advanced driver-assistance features.
2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 210 hp | 210 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2015 Golf GTI to the 2016 Golf GTI?
The 2016 Golf GTI gets an updated 6.5-inch touchscreen with USB, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on every trim, plus a standard rearview camera. Its engine, chassis, styling, and S, SE, and Autobahn trim structure largely carry over from 2015.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2016 Golf GTI has a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Is a rearview camera standard on the 2016 Golf GTI?
Yes. A rearview camera is standard across the entire 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup.
Did the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI get a new engine?
No. The standard engine remains a 210-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the Performance Package retains the 220-hp version.
Which 2016 Golf GTI trim has built-in navigation?
The 2016 Golf GTI Autobahn has built-in navigation through its updated 6.5-inch touchscreen. It also adds leather seating, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, premium audio, and a sunroof.
2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
4.5
2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI
(257 reviews)
“Volkswagen Gti. I have modded this car into a top performance vehicle. It's been fun working on the vehicle to get it to where I wanted it to be. I love this car”
“Great vehicle. Comfortable, looks great, performs well. Good fuel economy. Good instrumentation. Lots of driving flexibility.”