2016 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test and Review

2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Tornado Red Front Quarter Left

“Why is there a teenaged girl here?”

That’s what my wife, herself an automotive writer, called out when she opened the front door, having returned home to find a red 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI parked in our driveway.

“What are you talking about?” I replied.

“Red Jetta. Only teenaged girls drive those,” she snickered.

Never short of an opinion about what we’re reviewing for our respective publications, and knowing that I was looking forward to driving this particular version of VW's popular compact car, her comment kicked off a week of feeble attempts to put the humble Jetta in its place. Ultimately, though, she had to admit that there wasn’t much wrong with this car, notwithstanding the red paint.

Jetta Trim Level Differences

Keeping the Volkswagen Jetta lineup straight is an easier task for 2016, because the company has sidelined the TDI turbo-diesel models while it figures out how to make them pass emissions without sacrificing power and performance. As a result, there are just eight versions of this car vying for your attention, ranging in price from $18,500 to $31,940.

Anchoring the lineup as the advertised lease special, the Jetta S gets a new turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that goes a long way toward making the most basic trim level of this aging car appealing. Options include an automatic transmission and a Technology Package containing an upgraded infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen display, a reversing camera, satellite radio, an additional USB port, and VW Car-Net App-Connect technology with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink smartphone projection systems.

Equally popular, the Jetta SE also gets the new engine plus 16-inch aluminum wheels, heated washer jet nozzles, heated front seats, an adjustable center armrest with a small storage area, and push-button engine starting. A Connectivity Package installs an automatic transmission, an upgraded wheel design, body color exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators, and chrome exterior window surrounds. Inside, this option package adds V-Tex leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, floor mats, a rear seat center armrest and pass-through, Car-Net subscription services, front reading lights, and a power sunroof.

Jetta Sport models have a larger and more powerful engine combined with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, and a rear spoiler. Inside, this version is equipped with contrast stitching on the seats, a black headliner, heated front seats, and a navigation system. An optional Lighting Package equips the car with bi-Xenon headlights, LED running lights, and an adaptive front lighting system that helps the driver to see around dark corners at night.

For an upscale look and feel, consider the Jetta SEL. It includes the contents of the SE Connectivity Package plus 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, keyless access technology, soft-touch dashboard material, and upgraded instrumentation. A Lighting Package is optional, as is a Driver Assistance Package containing adaptive cruise control, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

Serving as the top-of-the-line version of the mainstream Jetta lineup, the SEL Premium is equipped with an upgraded wheel design, sport seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a Fender premium audio system, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a cooled glove box, and a programmable garage door opener. Lighting and Driver Assistance option packages are available for this version of the Jetta.

Volkswagen loads the most fuel-efficient version of the Jetta with plenty of equipment. The Jetta Hybrid builds on the SEL Premium with an exclusive gas-electric hybrid powertrain, revised exterior detailing for improved aerodynamics, and a unique aluminum wheel design. The Lighting Package is standard for this model, along with rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, parking sensors, and cornering lights. A blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.

Looking for something fun to drive? Try the Jetta GLI SE. It builds on SEL equipment with a larger and more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, slightly bigger brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and special bumper designs. Inside, the GLI includes aluminum pedal caps, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and sport seats. Rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and parking sensors are also included for this version of the Jetta. Summer performance tires and a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automated manual transmission are options.

Order the Jetta GLI SEL, and this sport sedan is equipped with a Lighting Package, cornering lights, a navigation system, and a programmable garage door opener. A blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard for this model.

Jetta Styling and Design

For this review, I sampled a Jetta SE with the new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in addition to the Tornado Red Jetta GLI SE derided by my wife, and shown in the accompanying photos.

An older design lacking visual excitement, the conservative Jetta is easy to dismiss. Car buyers looking for something flashy and modern won’t want this rather dull 3-box sedan. With that said, and in my opinion, the Jetta’s clean flanks and tailored looks complement the car’s European driving dynamics, and serve as stealthy camouflage for the racy Jetta GLI version of the car.

Inside, the theme of no-nonsense, Germanic simplicity continues. Standard-issue fittings include a sea of blackness below the car’s beltline, combined with a gray roof liner and pillar trim. Some models are available with gray or beige leatherette that provides a more appealing 2-tone appearance.

My GLI test vehicle came with unique metallic finish pedals, a flat-bottom steering wheel, gloss black trim with red accents, exposed red stitching, and polished silver detailing that made the Jetta look and feel like an Audi except for the cheap, hard plastic covering the upper portions of the door panels.

Photo by Christian Wardlaw

Jetta Engines and Fuel Economy

With the Jetta’s turbo-diesel engine placed on hold for 2016, buyers choose from four remaining powertrains.

In the Jetta S, a new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is standard equipment. It generates 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque beginning at 1,400 rpm. When equipped with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, this engine returns 33 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. With the optional 6-speed automatic, that number drops to 32 mpg. These figures represent major improvements compared to the previous standard engine. Plus, the new engine is significantly more powerful and delivers far better performance.

The new engine is also standard for the Jetta SE, replacing a larger and more powerful turbocharged, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now restricted to the Jetta Sport, SEL, and SEL Premium models, this 1.8-liter engine generates 170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 1,500 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg with both the 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions.

For a genuine thrill ride, choose the Jetta GLI with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It makes 210 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 1,700 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) optional. Both are expected to get 27 mpg in combined driving.

Jetta Hybrid models pair a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a combined 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. at 1,000 rpm. More sophisticated than many hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid offers multiple driving modes and technologies designed to either maximize capture of kinetic energy during coasting or to minimize friction for maximum efficiency. The Jetta Hybrid is predicted to get 44 mpg in combined driving.

Jetta Driving Dynamics

Two years ago, a member of my family leased a Jetta S. It is a slow, noisy, inefficient thing. Compared to that car’s weak, 115-horsepower engine, the new turbocharged 1.4-liter that replaced it makes a basic Jetta feel strong, responsive, and enjoyable to drive. It still isn’t fast, but it’s plenty more fun.

Though Jettas are fairly basic, they’re also infused with proper German driving dynamics. The electric steering is accurate and perfectly weighted, the 4-wheel independent suspension is compliant yet communicative, and the 4-wheel disc brakes work effectively to reduce speed. The result is an enjoyable car to drive.

For a genuine thrill, though, the Jetta GLI is the best choice. Equip it with the available summer performance tires, and you’re unlikely to care that it has front-wheel drive unless you’re on a racetrack. While this is the most powerful version of the Jetta, it is quick rather than fast. Thanks to the engine’s broad torque curve and delightful growl when revved, though, it feels and sounds like acceleration is limitless.

Greater control of vertical body motions over undulating pavement would be nice, and the Jetta GLI certainly deserves braking improvements beyond inch wider front discs, but it is nevertheless my favorite version of the Jetta, and is one of my favorite cars in the segment.

Jetta Seat Comfort and Cargo Space

Another reason to like the Jetta is for its roomy and comfortable interior. Boxy exterior design translates to excellent front and rear accommodations, and the Jetta’s trunk is positively huge at 15.7 cu.-ft. (11.3 cu.-ft. for Hybrid models). In fact, except for width, the Jetta’s interior is the size of a midsize sedan.

Front seats are firm and comfortable even after hours of driving. Seat height adjustment and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel ensures a perfect fit, and the steering wheel is a pleasure to hold when wrapped in smooth, soft leather. A center console armrest is available, sliding forward and adjusting for height to make the car more comfortable.

Rear passengers have plenty of room and enjoy a tall seating position that supplies good thigh support. A fold-down rear center armrest enhances comfort, and it is easy to get into and out of a Jetta thanks to its more formal roofline. Loading children into child safety seats is a breeze, too, and using this Volkswagen as a family car makes perfect sense given its impressive safety ratings.

Photo by Christian Wardlaw

Jetta Safety Ratings

Not only is the Volkswagen Jetta one of the largest vehicles in its class, it is also one of the heaviest with a curb weight exceeding 3,000 pounds, and that can help to protect you and your loved ones in certain types of collisions.

Impressive crash-test ratings help to put a parent’s mind at ease, too. The federal government assigns the Jetta a 5-star overall rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls this car a Top Safety Pick.

A reversing camera is included for all models except the base Jetta S. Extra-cost, Car-Net subscription services are offered for the SE model and come standard on other Jettas, providing automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and Family Guardian features that send the Jetta’s owner a text message when the car exceeds a certain speed or exits a geographic boundary. This service is perfect for parents of teen drivers.

Additionally, depending on the model, the Jetta is offered with adaptive headlights that help the driver to see around dark corners, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

Photo by Christian Wardlaw

Jetta Technology Features

New infotainment systems debut for the 2016 Jetta, and they’re impressive aside from the relatively small touchscreen display.

Both versions support Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link smartphone projection technology, and it played nice with my iPhone 6. For the most part, I was able to execute important tasks like making and receiving calls, sending and receiving voice text messages, selecting and playing music platforms and tracks, and asking Siri for help with directions. The experience was not entirely glitch-free, though, and as soon as something unexpected occurred, it produced driver distraction.

My Jetta GLI also came with a Fender premium sound system, and it sounded terrific, proving compatible with the alternative rock that I listen to the majority of the time.

Expert Opinion of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

This is a car I would recommend to the people I know and about whom I care, especially now that the most affordable versions have a much better engine. Non-descript on the outside, no-nonsense on the inside, but comfortable, safe, and loaded with useful technologies at a reasonable cost, buying a 2016 Jetta makes good sense. Better yet, it is pleasing to drive, especially in GLI format, and even when painted red.

Photo by Volkswagen

Jetta Pros/Cons

Pros:

• Engaging driving dynamics
• Comfortable seats, giant trunk
• Easy to enter or exit
• Top safety ratings
• Impressive infotainment systems

Cons:

• Conservative 3-box styling
• Hard plastic on upper door panels
• Limited availability of forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• You get what VW decides to build unless you place a special order