2016 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Excellent cargo capacity
- Comfortable seating all around
- Available modern tech integrations
Cons
- The standard automatic suspension shifts roughly
- Driver aids require an extra package
- No standard rearview camera
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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As fun as it is functional
Fun around the corners but packed with useful features and storage to take on life’s next adventure, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf drives like a sedan but has the utility of a small SUV. Powering the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a peppy 1.8L four-cylinder engine that gets matched with your choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Plus, the suspension and steering are tuned to keep the 2016 Volkswagen Golf poised and controlled, letting you enjoy more responsive handling. Finally, the well-equipped trims range from essential to almost luxurious, so you can find the 2016 Volkswagen Golf that matches your style.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?
- The Golf is available in a variety of new trims, including the Base and Limited.
- The Launch Edition, TDI, TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL trims have been discontinued for 2016.
- Golf trims have been upgraded with Memory Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Parking, Lane Departure Warning, and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
- The S trim now comes with Cloth Seats, Power Seat(s), and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
- The R trim now comes with Manual Transmission as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
1. A capable turbo engine
Under the hood of every 2016 Volkswagen Golf sits a 1.8 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 hp and 200 ft-lb of torque. Because there’s so much torque at low RPM, you’ll get snappy acceleration — going from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds (when new). Plus, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf and five-speed manual transmission get EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway and 25 mpg city fuel economy.
2. Two body styles to choose from
Whether it’s the sporty-looking two-door coupe or the family-friendly four-door sedan, the two body styles of a 2016 Volkswagen Golf fit your lifestyle. For example, the four-door sedan gives you easier access to the spacious rear seats, so you can easily install rear-facing child seats into the accessible LATCH anchor sets. Or, get that hot-hatch feeling with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf two-door coupe (base 2-DR and S trim only).
3. A spacious and functional interior
Thanks to the hatchback styling of a 2016 Volkswagen Golf, there’s plenty of passenger and cargo space. The roof height allows for just over 38 inches of rear headroom and 22.8 cu-ft of cargo space in the trunk. Or, fold down the rear seats to unlock a whopping 52.7 cu-ft of cargo room, easily accessible through the wide opening of the rear hatch.
4. Comfortable seating
Sit back and relax in the comfortable, soft leatherette seats in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. You’ll find the cushioning supportive yet plushy enough to keep from feeling hard on long trips. Or, stretch out in the 35.5 inches of rear legroom, more than enough for even tall adult passengers. Finally, look for the SEL trim to add power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support for added comfort.
5. Available driver aids
If having the latest driver assist for your highway commute is essential, look for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE or SEL with the Driver Assistance Package. This includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision mitigation. Plus, a parking assistance system automatically steers the 2016 Volkswagen Golf into a spot while you manage speed and braking.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.9 out of 5
7 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 1 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Golf an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Golf 26th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen GolfVolkswagen Golf features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Golf trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 2D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Manual Transmission
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.8L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.8"
Overall length
167.5"
Width
70.5"
Height
57.2"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35.6"
Head room
F 38.4"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P195/65HR15
Rear tires
P195/65HR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Manual 5
2016 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Limited: 25 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Base: 25 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- S: 25 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- SE: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- SEL: 25 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- R: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The Volkswagen Golf received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Golf as 25 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Volkswagen Golf Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf:
- Base
- Limited
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Memory Seat(s)
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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