The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta may not turn heads like a flashy sports car, but it nails the essentials: it’s affordable, well-built, easy to drive, and offers strong fuel economy—especially with the 1.4T engine. With available turbocharged options, solid safety ratings, and a spacious interior for its class, the 2016 Jetta is a smart used car buy that balances economy and comfort without feeling bare.
Why Consider the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
A Quick Overview
What It Is: A compact 4-door sedan with seating for five
What’s New: 1.4L turbo replaces older base engine; more tech on mid/high trims
Trims Available: S, SE, SEL, GLI, Hybrid
Engine Options:
- 1.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (150 hp) – New for 2016
- 1.8L Turbo 4-cylinder (170 hp) – Available on SE/SEL
- 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (210 hp) – GLI performance trim
- 1.4L Turbo Hybrid (150 hp) – Rare, but exists
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Ideal For: Commuters, students, small families
DIY Friendly? Yes—basic service is easy, though turbo models need more care
2016 Volkswagen Jetta Highlights
Simple, Clean Design
The Jetta’s styling is low-key but still refined. It has clean lines, a conservative look, and decent paint quality.
Pros: Classic shape, no frills
Cons: Bland compared to sportier rivals
Turbocharged Efficiency
The new 1.4L turbo engine brought a big boost to MPG and torque over the old 2.0L. It’s peppy enough for daily use and gets over 40 mpg highway.
Pros: Great fuel economy, smooth torque
Cons: Turbo lag on occasion; hybrids are harder to find
Spacious for a Compact
Rear-seat legroom is better than most compact rivals, and the 15.7 cu ft trunk is one of the biggest in the class.
Pros: Comfortable back seat and trunk
Cons: Some cheap plastics inside on base trims
Decent Tech and Features
All trims come with touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. SE and above offer push-button start, heated seats, and Car-Net telematics.
Pros: Easy-to-use tech; available Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Cons: Base model has smaller screen, fewer features
Strong Safety Ratings
The Jetta earned good marks in crash tests and offers available features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.
Pros: Solid safety record; decent driver aids on higher trims
Cons: Most safety tech limited to SEL and GLI
Common Issues with the 2016 Jetta
Carbon Buildup (Turbo Engines)
Direct-injection engines are prone to valve buildup over time.
Fix: Intake cleaning every 60K–80K miles helps prevent performance issues
Infotainment Bugs
Some users report freezing or unresponsive screens, especially early in the model year.
Fix: Dealer software updates usually fix it
Suspension Noise
A few owners report clunks or squeaks over bumps, often due to sway bar links or strut mounts.
Fix: Replace worn suspension components
Brake Wear
Premature rear brake wear is occasionally noted, especially in urban driving.
Fix: Replace pads/rotors as needed; higher quality parts last longer
Maintenance and Reliability Outlook
Routine Maintenance Schedule
- Oil Change: Every 10,000 miles (synthetic)
- Brake Fluid: Every 2 years
- Transmission Fluid: 60,000 miles (DSG)
- Coolant: 100,000 miles
- Spark Plugs: Every 40,000–60,000 miles
Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated)
- 1.4T: 28 city / 39 highway / 33 combined
- 1.8T: 25 city / 37 highway / 30 combined
- 2.0T GLI: 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined
- Hybrid: 42 city / 48 highway / 44 combined
Reliability
With proper maintenance, the 2016 Jetta is reliable. The 1.4T is a standout for fuel economy and longevity, while the GLI gives you more performance—but requires more upkeep.
Pros: Durable with care; parts are affordable
Cons: Some trims have aging tech and occasional electrical gremlins
FAQs
Is the 2016 Jetta reliable?
Yes, especially the 1.4T model. Just keep up with oil changes and carbon cleaning. Turbo engines need a little more attention, but they’re solid.
Does the 2016 Jetta have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes—available on SE and above trims with the MIB II infotainment system.
How long will a 2016 Jetta last?
With regular maintenance, many owners report well over 150,000 miles. Use quality oil and watch for turbo-related issues.
Is the Jetta a good car for commuting?
Absolutely. It’s fuel-efficient, comfortable, and easy to drive. The 1.4T model is ideal for daily driving and long highway trips.
What’s the difference between the Jetta and Jetta GLI?
The GLI is the performance version—more horsepower (2.0T), sportier suspension, and extra features. It’s quicker and handles better but costs more to maintain.
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a solid compact sedan with a practical layout, strong fuel economy, and enough tech to feel modern. It may not be flashy, but it gets the job done—comfortably and efficiently. If you want a budget-friendly daily driver with a bit of German refinement, the Jetta is still worth a look. Choose the 1.4T or 1.8T for balance, or go GLI if you want performance.