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2016 Volkswagen Golf review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

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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Year
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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
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a car that customers like for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and driver-assistance features. Customers also like the car's design and handling. The Sportwagen model is liked for its versatility as a family vehicle or daily commuter.
4
Above Average

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 Golf

Volkswagen Golf features and specs

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
  • 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

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