“This car is comfortable, very good traction and safe to drive, good acceleration. It has a roomy interior for the passengers as well as enough space for the luggage. Volkswagen has given me trouble free service for the past 20 years.”
2016 Volkswagen Jetta: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a new 150-hp 1.4-liter turbo engine that replaces the old base 2.0-liter engine, making every gas Jetta turbocharged. This is an update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
6th generation Jetta sedan (2011-2018 U.S. market), second year after the 2015 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Jetta as a roomy compact sedan with a more mature, highway-friendly feel than many small-car rivals. The core appeal is practical: a big back seat, a useful trunk, straightforward controls, and strong turbocharged engine choices that range from efficient to genuinely quick. In 2016, the lineup stretches from the efficient 1.4T commuter trims to the faster 1.8T models, the sport-focused GLI, and the fuel-saving Hybrid, giving the Jetta a broad ‘one sedan, many personalities’ role.
The 1.4T S is the straightforward entry model, while the 1.4T SE adds everyday comforts such as heated seats, a rearview camera, and a larger touchscreen with smartphone integration. The 1.8T SEL and SEL Premium emphasize comfort and stronger performance, while the 210-hp GLI is the sport-focused version. The Hybrid SEL Premium combines a turbocharged hybrid system with navigation, driver-assistance features, and an upscale cabin.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 150-hp 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder replaces the old base 2.0-liter engine, making the gas lineup all-turbo. The 1.4T S joins the range, the former 1.8T SE continues as the 1.4T SE, and the previous TDI diesel trims are dropped.
Tech
A new touchscreen family rolls out across the lineup. Many trims receive a 6.3-inch system with smartphone integration, while the entry 1.4T S uses a 5-inch touchscreen. A new 1.8T SEL Premium trim adds equipment including Fender audio, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver seat.
Safety
Upper trims gain newly offered driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The GLI adds Automatic Post-Collision Braking, while the Hybrid SEL Premium adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
Styling
The GLI receives revised front and rear sport styling. The rest of the Jetta sedan retains the look introduced by the 2015 refresh.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T |
| Transmission | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt | Auto 6-Spd w/Tptrnc & Spt | Auto 7-Spd DSG Tptrnc Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 42 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 35 mpg | 48 mpg |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 150 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 150–210 hp | 150–210 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 207–236 lb-ft | 207–236 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 15.7 cu-ft | 11.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Chrome Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
The biggest change is the new 150-hp 1.4-liter turbo engine. It replaces the old base 2.0-liter engine and makes the entire 2016 gas Jetta lineup turbocharged.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta still have a diesel model?
No. The TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL diesel trims from 2015 were dropped for the 2016 model year.
How is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Jetta mainly differs through its new base turbo engine, updated touchscreen systems, broader smartphone integration, added driver-assistance technology, and refreshed GLI styling. It is not a full redesign.
Does every 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have smartphone integration?
No. The entry 1.4T S has a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth, while many higher trims use a 6.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
What changed on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI?
The 2016 GLI gets revised front and rear sport styling, a newer 6.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and Automatic Post-Collision Braking. It keeps its 210-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and sport-tuned chassis.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
4.2
2016 Volkswagen Jetta
(290 reviews)
“I love my Jetta so much! It has all the features I wanted, a sun roof, touch screen radio, heated seats, etc. This is by far the best car I've ever owned!”
“I love that my vehicle allows me to plug in my smartphone and connect to it via Bluetooth. I love the affordability of it as well.”