Volkswagen Golf

Name: 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The current generation Golf is in its the final one for 2021.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Golf

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Honda Insight

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Venue

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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

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2022

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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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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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

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2021 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2021 Volkswagen Golf

$13,475 - $14,400

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Chevrolet Spark

$7,175 - $11,300

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

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2021 Honda Civic

$16,650 - $38,000

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Honda Insight

$15,075 - $18,325

EPA MPG 52 mpg

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2021 Hyundai Accent

$9,175 - $12,525

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2021 Hyundai Elantra

$13,375 - $16,600

EPA MPG 35 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$13,375 - $16,600

EPA MPG 54 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2021 Hyundai Venue

$12,200 - $13,100

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2021 Kia Forte

$10,050 - $13,975

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$12,525 - $16,050

EPA MPG 49 mpg

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2021 Kia Rio

$9,800 - $11,000

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2021 Kia Soul

$11,625 - $14,600

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2021 Kia Stinger

$19,250 - $27,350

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2021 Mazda 3

$12,275 - $20,825

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

$8,225 - $11,000

EPA MPG 39 mpg

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2021 Nissan Kicks

$11,250 - $14,100

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2021 Nissan Sentra

$12,000 - $14,025

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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$9,975 - $12,425

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2021 Subaru Impreza

$12,625 - $18,050

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2021 Toyota C-HR

$16,725 - $18,850

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2021 Toyota Corolla

$14,750 - $17,975

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$ NA

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$14,750 - $17,975

EPA MPG 52 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Prius

$16,600 - $22,050

EPA MPG 52 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Toyota Prius Prime

$18,150 - $22,100

25 miles

54 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

$12,550 - $17,825

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.4-liter 4 turbo (147 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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.