2016 Volkswagen Beetle — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Beetle workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2016 listings: Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
Compared with the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle: Fuel economy slips from 40 to 34 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Length | 4278 mm |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 85 cu ft (2,407 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 198 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle across 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 28 mpg (US), or 31 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/33) | 199 | $2,400 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/33) | 198 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 213 | $2,600 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/31) | 213 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 85 cubic feet (about 2,407 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Running Costs: 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 22V945000, reported 21 December 2022. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Service brakes — campaign 20E064000, reported 23 September 2020. Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 19V615000, reported 22 August 2019. Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 15V705000, reported 26 October 2015. Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The most-reported areas are Air bags (46), Electrical system (6), Unspecified (5). Complaints include 2 reported crashes. That is close to the median of 54 complaints across the 9 Volkswagen Beetle model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 46 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 6 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Engine cooling (1 recall campaign) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Volkswagen models in our database. Its 198 g/km CO₂ figure is 15 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 9 Volkswagen Beetle model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 6th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 40 mpg). See every Volkswagen Beetle year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?
Among the 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (46 complaints), Electrical system (6 complaints), Unspecified (5 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 85 cubic feet (about 2,407 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.