GREEN CHOICE

Volkswagen Jetta

Name: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

The Volkswagen Jetta appeals to the buyer who wants plenty of space, solid feel and a European driving experience. The broad line spans a frugal hybrid and diesel versions and tops out with a sporty, upscale GLI. While the current-generation Jetta started out as a coarse and decontented car, continual updates have significantly improved how the Jetta drives and how it scores in our testing. Now it's a solid, competent and well-rounded sedan with good driving dynamics, roomy interior, easy controls, and competitive performance and fuel economy -- all of which make it very competitive in its compact sedan class.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Jetta

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Cruze

Ford C-MAX

Honda Civic

Honda Fit

Hyundai Elantra

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2016 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

$6,525 - $11,250

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

$5,200 - $7,400

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Sonic

$4,575 - $6,850

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Spark

$5,475 - $5,725

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Volt

$7,000 - $9,025

53 miles

42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Dodge Dart

$5,300 - $7,775

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Fiat 500L

$4,250 - $6,925

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Ford C-MAX

$7,950 - $8,775

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda Civic

$10,000 - $13,375

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda Fit

$9,125 - $10,700

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Accent

$5,625 - $5,925

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Elantra

$6,225 - $7,925

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Elantra GT

$ NA

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Kia Forte

$5,900 - $8,675

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Kia Rio

$5,325 - $6,775

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Mazda 3

$7,800 - $11,300

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

$5,925 - $8,375

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Mitsubishi Mirage

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Nissan Sentra

$5,150 - $6,250

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Nissan Versa

$4,450 - $5,650

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Nissan Versa Note

$4,425 - $5,650

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Scion iA

$8,400

EPA MPG 37 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Scion iM

$9,950

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Subaru Impreza

$7,350 - $11,175

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Corolla

$9,100 - $11,050

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius

$12,675

EPA MPG 52 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius C

$9,625 - $10,550

EPA MPG 50 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius V

$12,600

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Yaris

$6,800 - $9,725

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Golf

$6,225 - $16,775

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.4-liter 4 hybrid (170 hp)
1.4-liter 4 turbo (150 hp)
1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)

7-speed sequential
6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.