The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sports four engine options, each with its own draw. The base 1.4L is the most affordable and offers decent fuel economy. For a more exhilarating experience, the 2.0L can reach 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, and for the best mileage, the Hybrid gets 44 mpg combined.
Key Points
- The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta offers four turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine options: a 1.4L, 1.8L, 2.0L, and a hybrid that uses the same 1.4L alongside a 27-hp electric motor to assist.
- The 1.8L is a great compromise with 170 hp and up to 29 mpg combined. A flat torque curve and 184 lb.-ft. of torque available from 1,500 rpm makes power accessible in real-world driving.
- The best performance comes from the 210-hp 2.0L, which is exclusive to the GLI models. Expect a 0-60 time of around 6.3 seconds in the GLI. Despite the power, it still returns 27 mpg combined.
- The 170 hp 1.4L I-4 Hybrid maximizes gas mileage, delivering 44 mpg combined, which is 11 better than any other 2016 Jetta model. What’s more, with 184 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,000 rpm, it also provides decent performance.
All Four 2016 VW Jetta Engine Options Offer Strong Reliability, with Few Registered Complaints and No Engine-specific Recalls
The 2016 Volkswagon Jetta engines are a range of highly efficient turbocharged inline four-cylinders varying in size from 1.4L to 2.0L, which includes a hybrid model. Originally, the 2016 Jetta was to have a diesel engine option, but models with these motors were part of the well-known “Dieselgate” emissions scandal. As such, no diesel-powered 2016 Jettas were sold.
There are currently over 100 registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2016 VW Jetta. Nearly a quarter of the consumer feedback is engine-related. The most common engine complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Jettas mention excessive oil consumption, turbo failure, and unreliable acceleration. The 2016 Jetta has five recalls on the books, but none specifically relate to the engine.
Given the small number of complaints and lack of engine-specific recalls, Jetta engines can be considered reliable.
New Entry-level 1.4L I-4 Turbo Delivers Great Fuel Mileage and Acceptable Performance
Volkswagen’s new 1.4L EA211 engine is a turbocharged direct-injection inline-four-cylinder that develops 150 hp at 5,000 rpm and puts out 181 lb.-ft. of torque. It has lightweight aluminum construction, a compression ratio of 10.5:1, an exhaust manifold integrated into the head, and a toothed-belt drive for the double overhead camshaft valvetrain which incorporates variable intake timing. The 1.4L is available in the S and SE trim levels.
The 1.4L improved EPA estimated fuel economy by more than 15 percent over the previous 2.0L I-4, with a rating of 28 mpg city and 40 mpg highway paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and 28/39 mpg city/hwy with the six-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic.
2016 Jetta Hybrid Gets Up to 48 mpg Highway, and its 1,000 rpm Makes 184 lb.-ft. of Torque
The 2016 Jetta Hybrid combines the new 1.4L EA211 gas motor with a 27 hp water-cooled electric motor to develop 170 hp at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque from 1000 rpm. By making so much torque low down the rev range, the Hybrid feels responsive and powerful, yet still achieves a remarkable 42 mpg city and 48 hwy. These figures are partly enabled by an industry first, the use of a sophisticated seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox in a hybrid. Unlike many other hybrids, the 2016 Jetta Hybrid can be driven about a mile in electric-only mode.
Mid-range 1.8L Adds More Horsepower at a Cost of About Three Miles Per Gallon
The 2016 Jetta’s 1.8L features a double-overhead-cam design that produces 170 hp at 6,200 rpm, and 184 lb.-ft. of torque in a broad, flat curve from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm. This means all of the performance is accessible in real-world driving situations.
Designated the EA888, this 1.8L returns up to 25 mpg city and 36 hwy, and is found in SEL, SEL Premium, and Sport trims.
2016 Jetta’s Most Powerful 210-hp 2.0L Engine Showcases Exhilarating Performance and Still Gets Good Gas Mileage
The 2016 Jetta GLI uses a 2.0L version of the EA888 engine, producing 210 hp at 5,300 rpm, and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,700 rpm. These figures allow a Jetta with the 2.0L engine to accelerate from 0-60 in just 6.3 seconds. Despite this strong performance, the 2.0L still delivers good fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg hwy, if paired with the DSG transmission. The 210 hp 2.0L engine is only available in the Jetta GLI SE, and SEL models. It is the same engine as found in the famous VW Golf GTI hatchback.
Of the Four Engines, the Hybrid Powertrain Offers the Most Value, Delivering Great Gas Mileage and Modest Performance
A strong case can be made for each of these engines. The new 1.4L is super efficient and still has adequate performance. The 2.0L in the GLI has great power and makes the 2016 Jetta more fun to drive while managing an EPA estimated 27 mpg in combined driving. However, the best engine option in the 2016 Jetta has to be the 1.4L Hybrid, which has the best fuel efficiency at 44 mpg combined, and similar torque and power characteristics to the 1.8L.
Photos: Volkswagen
