2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Review
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Review
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Used Golf SportWagen for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Golf SportWagen model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Cargo capacity on par with compact crossovers
- upscale interior
- responsive and fuel-efficient engine
- sophisticated ride
- good value.Notably, we picked the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.
Cons
- All-wheel drive not offered
- inconsistent automatic transmission shifts during low-speed driving.
What’s new
A rearview camera is now standard across the board. The S trim loses leatherette upholstery, which is now standard on the SE. A new 6.5-inch-touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink functionality, and a USB input replaces the MDI port. New features are included in the Driver Assistance option package, including blind spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen provides familiar Golf goodness along with a cavernous cargo area. It's a compelling alternative to similarly priced crossovers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$140/mo for Golf SportWagen TSI S
Golf SportWagen TSI S
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is one of our favorite compact cars, but it isn't for everyone. Hatchbacks like the Golf are losing ground to the rapidly expanding small crossover class, due in no small part to their larger cargo areas. Of course, the natural downside to these bigger vehicles is additional weight and a higher center of gravity. If you want the best of both worlds, it's worth considering one of the very few wagons left on the market. Of these, it's hard to beat the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen.
If you are shopping for a small wagon, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is one of your only choices.
Adding a foot to the length of the Golf's cargo area increases available space behind the back row by 33 percent, with the overall area behind the front seats expanding by 26 percent. In raw numbers, that's 30.4 cubic feet in the SportWagen vs. 22.8 in the Golf with the rear seats up, and 66.5 cubes vs. 52.7 with the seats folded (for reference, the Ford Escape provides 34.3 and 68.1 cubes, respectively). The SportWagen is a genuine match for small crossovers in this regard.
The SportWagen also one-ups the Golf in terms of equipment. The new 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard on all trims, while a panoramic sunroof comes on SE and SEL versions. Otherwise, the SportWagen is a Golf through and through, and that means it's driven by a powerful turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides ample propulsion and decent fuel economy. The cabin is attractive in a way that is understated but never boring.
If you need more cargo capacity but don't need the extra heft of a crossover, there are a few other options. The 2016 Subaru Outback is a reasonably priced alternative, with plenty of cargo space, a raised ride height and all-wheel drive (a feature notably absent from the SportWagen). Then there's the 2016 Toyota Prius V and 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid. Both offer impressive hauling capabilities and fuel economy thanks to hybrid powertrains, but they are slow and unrewarding to drive.
Performance & mpg
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen employs a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower. With the base five-speed manual transmission (1.8T S only), it's good for 184 pound-feet of torque, but when equipped with the optional six-speed automatic, the torque number jumps to 199 lb-ft. According to the EPA, the 1.8T returns 29 mpg in combined driving with either transmission.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2016 VW Golf SportWagen include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also standard is a post-collision braking system that automatically applies the brakes after an impact to lower the chances of a secondary crash. As noted above, the optional Driver Assistance package (SE and SEL only) adds front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning and mitigation system, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-departure warning system and a blind-spot monitor.
The standard VW Car-Net emergency telematics system includes automatic crash notification, an SOS button for roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (permitting parents to set electronic limits for young drivers). The Car-Net app lets you control some of these features from your smartphone, and it also grants access to various vehicle status indicators (fuel level, odometer reading, service schedule, etc.).
Driving
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is blessed with a refined 1.8T engine that never feels like it is deficient in the power department. Peak torque arrives very early in the rev range (at just 1,600 rpm), so the SportWagen is rarely more than a downshift away from a decisive passing maneuver. The only blemish for the otherwise exceptional powertrain is occasional laziness from the automatic transmission in low-speed situations.
Despite its name, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen isn't really sporty to drive.
On time-worn pavement, the rigidity of the Golf SportWagen's structure shines through, as the ride is controlled yet supple, with little harshness to speak of. If you've driven a regular Golf, you'll notice the extra foot of length when you're parallel parking, but the SportWagen remains small enough to be an asset in tight urban spaces. It's also an unusually confident high-speed cruiser, so it's great for long trips. Pressed on a winding country road, the SportWagen demonstrates only modest handling talent. It generally fails to make good on the "Sport" part of its name, but overall we like the way this VW drives.
Interior
Inside, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is identical to the regular Golf hatchback, which means it has one of the nicest cabins in this price range. Most of the buttons and switches are sensibly arranged and easy to understand at a glance. Thankfully, the new, larger 6.5-inch touchscreen interface also brought with it a standard USB connection in place of VW's "MDI" electronics port that required a proprietary cable. We also like that a panoramic sunroof comes standard on all but the base S trim.
As in the regular Golf, the SportWagen's standard front seats provide firm support over both short and long distances. Both front seats offer height adjustability, so front passengers won't feel like second-class citizens. Rear seat space is quite generous for a small car, but the SportWagen's relatively low rear cushions deprive tall riders of under-thigh support; most crossovers have a distinct advantage here with their higher seat bottoms.
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen models
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is offered with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. The TDI diesel engine is on hiatus until Volkswagen issues a fix to the emissions system.
The 1.8T S starts with 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, black roof rails, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories anda tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also standard are height-adjustable manual front seats with power recline, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, a cooled glovebox, 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through, hill-hold assist, VW's Car-Net emergency telematics system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 6.5-inch touchscreen interface. The base audio system has eight speakers, satellite radio, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.
The 1.8T SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, heated windshield-washer nozzles, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, heated front seats and a nine-speaker Fender audio system.
Going with the 1.8T SEL gets you 18-inch wheels, silver roof rails, LED interior ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport front seats with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat (with power lumbar) and a navigation system.
The TDI S gets 16-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry and ignition as standard, but the TDI trims otherwise have the same standard equipment as their 1.8T counterparts.
All 2016 SportWagens come with a new touchscreen, but only the SEL has navigation.
All SE and SEL trims offer two options packages. The Lighting package adds xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, cornering lights that shine through turns, and interior ambient lighting. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning and mitigation system, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#21 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen from 2008-2022.$580/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.61x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).11.5%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen.
5 star(47%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(11%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2nd VW
Ss, 12/22/2015
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Great car ! Writing review after owning it for a month. Bought in SF Bay Area. Superb ride quality, excellent visibility and top notch fit and finish. Plenty of cargo space. Definite looker like its cousin Audi A4 wagon. Drives as a German car for sure, responsive, very easy to drive and rock solid feel. Not yet rated for 2016, but based on 2015 Golf safety ratings from last year, most … likely a top IIHS safety pick and 5 star NHTSA safety rating since no change to body structure.
Couple of cons to keep in mind - noticeable Turbo lag at the start from 6 speed transmission but brilliant at highway speeds, pretty much point and shoot at 4, 5 and 6th speeds. No power seats for SE. Come on VW, that is lame.
All in all a versatile, safe, nimble car for young families that is a blast to drive. If you are shopping for a mid range car (the usual Fords, Hondas, Toyotas or Subarus), this is a must test drive car. Better yet, test drive this right after your top choice from other brands, before you decide. You don't have to drive a crossover for added cargo space and worry about rollover later.
4 out of 5 stars
3 Months and Still In Love
Don Thomson, 02/08/2016
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Granted, options are limited for the wagon enthusiasts out there, but I'm really loving this car. A lot. I of course did my homework and drove several cars (Civic, Accord, Mazda 3, and others) before driving the Sportwagen. Like the reviews elsewhere have noted, it's a drivers car; crisp handling, reasonable acceleration, solid as a rock, and very quiet on the inside. That this … combination of subtly surprising performance is cloaked in a wagon's exterior makes it all the more awesome. It does seem to search for the right gear at low speeds (<15 mph), but it find it's groove quickly thereafter. The 1.8 turbo is nicely suited to the car and it never feels under-powered. The seats are also very comfortable, front and back. The resolution of the 5" audio display/back-up camera is a little low, but it's about the only gripe I have about the car.
We also have a Subaru Forester, and we find ourselves driving the Sportwagen whenever we can, even on longer trips, as it's a much more comfortable (and fun) ride. We find that the cargo area actually holds more of our stuff than does the Subie. The cargo area is deeper (though not taller) than the Forester, and 4 of our travel suitcases fit perfectly in the back.
You routinely feel like you're driving a much more expensive car, and I am deeply and smugly satisfied with it.
2 year update:
Still liking the car a lot. A few issues with the electronics/radio, but they were small and easily fixed. Had to replace a simple relay switch in the shifting column because it was signaling a transmission error (no issue with the transmission), but it was under warranty. There was also a recall on a seal in the fuel tank which was repaired without cost. Still a really fun car to drive. Rattles are minimal and fuel economy is as stated. I'd recommend the car for sure.
5 out of 5 stars
The best value , real sport and a wagon !
Rudy, 01/25/2016
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I bought it without even test driving, I had a a 2012 Golf TD six manual that I sold, and previous a A3 hatchback, this 2016 is the best ever made by VW, solid, sport and all the room for you travel ! I pass on Subaru , nothing come close for price and quality like the new 2016 Sportwagen, for the price and what the standard rear camera,XM radio, manual is a must for me, there is nothing … in the market that come close. Love to drive, people that want to go from point A to B look for a Honda or Toyota, boring but good I guess, I had those before. From the unique steering wheel, dash configuration, gearbox smooth, confort seats, the cargo space ? no wagon or some SUV comes close. Torque and city driving is great, if you like to drive manual like me, need the extra cargo space, fun to drive..do not look further .
2 out of 5 stars
Poor Quality
tobyhatesmemes, 10/22/2016
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI Limited Edition 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Great car if you're not worried about quality and reliability issues. I had to bring the car to the dealer for three separate repairs before I hit 10,000 miles. Twice for a leaking sunroof, and I've also had issues with vibration at highway speeds, window squeaks, and peeling paint on the rear bumper.
Engine is alright, but the transmission is completely out of its element at speeds … between 20 and 60 mph. If you keep it in drive, it will have you lugging the engine up a hill in 6th gear at 30 mph.
On a positive note, the ride is excellent (when the car isn't vibrating), the interior is great, and the seats are comfortable.
2016 Golf SportWagen Highlights
TSI S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,625 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $140/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 30.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Golf SportWagen include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.4%
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