2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Pros vs Cons

The 5-passenger compact Volkswagen Jetta Sedan is based on the sporty and popular GTI Hatchback. It is arguably the most value-packed VW offering to date. The Sedan returns for the 2016 model year with a couple of changes and styling upgrades that include a new base power-plant and safety upgrades, especially in the premium-priced VW GLI trim level.

The 2016 model year Jetta lineup from Volkswagen begins with the special-order Base, going to the entry-level S, then moving to the packed featured SEL, the SE, and the flashy 1.8T Sport. Up next comes the turbodiesel TDI trim level, which is also in S, SEL, and SE variations.

All the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan trims are once again only offering FWD and come with a hefty trunk space of 15.7 cubic feet, except for the Hybrid. The Jetta Hybrid has a sizeable battery pack hence reduced cargo capacity at 11.3 cubic feet. Every Jetta has now also received a refurbished new touchscreen interface, and more advanced accident avoidance tech included in the options list.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan – The Pros

1) Performance and Powertrains

According to critics, the 2016 Jetta has a comfortable, strong ride and a fuel-efficient engine lineup. 

• The Jetta range should, for the most part, offer a capable and composed drive that ought to keep everybody comfortable and happy. 
• Out there on those winding country roads, your refreshed Jetta will handle itself well enough, proving more than satisfactory.

2) Acceleration and Power

Test drivers have reported that you will get lively acceleration from the 1.4T engine while the 1.8T engine is even perkier. 

• The 4-cylinder turbocharged 1.8-liter engine has replaced the previous 2.5-liter engine.
• The car feels quite sprightly with 184 lb-ft of torque and 170 hp. 

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan SEL and Sport trims are fantastic offerings that boast smooth refinement, impressive acceleration, and comparatively economical fuel economy.

3) High-performance Trims

For 2016, the VW GLI has received an updated exterior styling. Auto reviewers are in agreement that it feels quite fast. It takes 6.7 seconds to sprint to 60 miles per hour from a standstill.

• It brings you a 6-speed manual transmission, turbocharged 2.0-liter, 210-horsepower 4-cylinder suspension engine that is sport-tuned.
• Also available is 6-speed automatic automated manual.

4) Handling and Braking

Test drivers have praised the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan's composed and quiet ride. 

• It has fairly responsive steering, strong brakes and poised handling. 
• Has tidy body control and noise is at good levels. 
• Steering communicates with you regarding road feel.

5) The Interior

At one time the worst attribute of the Jetta, the interior, has now been retouched to give a convincingly good look. It's well put together, very usable and quite comfortable. It is miles ahead of what the 2015 model had to offer.

6) Interior Features

For 2016, Volkswagen has nicely updated the optional and standard infotainment systems in the Jetta.

Reviewers agree that:

• The new car now has simple interfaces that come with user-friendly easy-to-use smartphone integration. 
• Dashboard controls are not complicated. 
• Climate controls are easy to access by the passenger and very simple to operate as you drive.

7) Seating

Automotive journalist concur that the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan is offering a sizeable back seat for such a compact car. 

• The front seats have been praised as supportive, comfortable with plenty of legroom.
• The Jetta’s backseat dwarfs any that you will encounter in just about every other type of compact hatchback and sedan.

8) Cargo Capacity

Test drivers indicate that the trunk of the Jetta has a large opening making loading easy.

• Of special note is the available amount of cargo space located behind the car’s rear seat. 
• With some 15.5 cubic feet, this trunk is certainly in a higher league for that class.
• Whenever more room is required, the rear seats will fold.

9) Safety Ratings

The NHTSA has given the current VW Jetta its best rating at 5-stars for overall crash worthiness. The car has also been awarded an overall “Good” rating by the IIHS.

10) Reliability and Safety Recalls

You get the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan with a 3-year new vehicle 36,000-mile warranty plus a 5-year powertrain 60,000-mile warranty. The 2016 Jetta has not had recalls by the NHSTA due to safety issues.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan – The Cons

1) Average Performance

Although the new 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is comfortable when driven, others outshine it regarding cornering prowess. It will remain composed, give you a capable and comfortable ride although it probably won't keep you too thrilled.

2) Handling

If what you seek is a sportier version of the Volkswagen Jetta, the new GLI sedan certainly hits the right spot. 

• However, the braking, steering, and handling abilities fall short of what you'd experience in some sport compacts such as the VW GTI or the Ford Focus ST.
• Although it rides comfortably and smoothly, some other rivals also manage to give a feeling of being more engaging and alive when you drive around turns.

3) Conservative Appearance

The cabin of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan is resolutely conservative in terms of appearance. Materials range from being glaringly spart in some of the lower trims - to somewhat adequate in the upper trims.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition:

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan has been compared by reviews with the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic. 

• The 2016 Jetta Sedan MRSP $17,680 is almost at par with the Mazda3 ($17,845) both cheaper than the Civic ($18,640)
• At 8.1 interior rating, the Jetta is rated higher than the Mazda3 at 8.0, but only slightly below the Honda Civic at 8.2
• With 15.7 Trunk Volume (cu. ft.), the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan beats both the Mazda3 (12.4) and the Civic (15.1)
• Regarding Length, Overall (in) at 183.4, the Jetta is longer than both the Mazda (180.3) and the Honda Civic (182.3)

Conclusion

Finally, the slow and inefficient Volkswagen Jetta base engine has been shown the door, to be replaced by a small and modern turbocharged 4-cylinder in both the S and the new SE trim levels. The diesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI becomes unavailable in 2016 as automaker Volkswagen corrects non-compliant car emissions system.

Owners and reviewers have praised the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan as well-equipped, agile and potent. If the previous Jetta TDI pleased you, then the new 2016 Jetta Sedan will mesmerize you. Already, the 2016 model is in auto dealer showrooms, taking the battle to its perennial challengers such as the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and the Honda Civic.