Volkswagen Golf

Name: 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Right from the first door thunk, the Volkswagen Golf exudes a quality feel not found in your average econobox. The Golf has long been a cut above other small cars, being more fun to drive and finished like a more expensive German sedan.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Golf

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Volt

Ford C-MAX

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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

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

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2005

2006

2007

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2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

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2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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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

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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

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2016 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2016 Volkswagen Golf

$5,625 - $15,400

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

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$5,225 - $7,175

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Spark

$4,500 - $5,000

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Volt

$6,325 - $7,150

53 miles

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Dodge Dart

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EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2016 Ford C-MAX

$6,925 - $7,550

EPA MPG 39 mpg

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2016 Ford Fiesta

$3,750 - $7,675

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2016 Honda CR-Z

$10,075 - $11,425

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda Civic

$8,950 - $12,525

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda Fit

$8,975 - $9,975

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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2016 Hyundai Accent

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EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Elantra

$5,550 - $6,600

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

$5,200 - $8,125

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Kia Rio

$4,450 - $6,150

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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2016 Mitsubishi Mirage

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

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2016 Nissan Sentra

$4,900 - $5,825

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2016 Nissan Versa

$4,050 - $5,325

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Nissan Versa Note

$4,000 - $5,400

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Scion iA

$7,825

EPA MPG 37 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Scion iM

$9,350

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Scion tC

$9,150 - $9,225

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Smart ForTwo

$3,775 - $5,025

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Subaru Impreza

$6,650 - $10,375

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Corolla

$8,500 - $11,025

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius

$11,400

EPA MPG 52 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius C

$8,750 - $9,675

EPA MPG 50 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Prius V

$11,475

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Yaris

$6,500 - $9,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Beetle

$8,400 - $17,175

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

$5,925 - $9,750

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

electric (115 hp)
1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (292 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
1-speed direct
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

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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

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Model History

2022

2022 Redesign Year

The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available in a single top performance R with a 315-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Volkswagen builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The Golf R is once again a special model tailored to a Volkswagen enthusiast that craves power, refinement, and exclusivity. The Golf upgrades connectivity and infotainment to the latest from Volkswagen. The interior comes with a large 10-inch infotainment screen. Active safety features such as FCW, AEB, BSW, LKA, RCTW, and ACC are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder powering the previous Golf is replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, which delivers 28 mpg overall. Soft-touch materials, quality components and comfortably supportive seats upgrade the passenger experience considerably. A wagon and a high-performance AWD Golf R were also added to the lineup. While choosing between models is largely a budget decision, we do recommend finding a car with the optional lighting package as the HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package. Note: Volkswagen suspended sales of 2016 TDI diesel versions of the Beetle, Golf, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, and Passat; as well as the Audi A3, due to the EPA notification of emissions violations. USB ports were finally added for 2016 as well as available keyless access and push-button start. The Alltrack, an AWD wagon with a raised ride height, was new for 2017. A 1.4-liter engine became standard in 2019, as did forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

After a brief stint during which it was once again known as the Rabbit, the Golf returned with an impressive 2010 redesign. We got 38 mpg overall from the diesel. (But it may not meet emissions regulations. Be cautious when purchasing a used TDI). Interior quality improved and the car had responsive handling, supportive front seats, and a good ride. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard.

1999-2006

1999 Redesign Year

The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. A fuel-sipping turbodiesel four cylinder is also available. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.