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2021 Volkswagen Golf

Starts at:
$23,195
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1.4T TSI Manual 1.4T TSI Auto Shop options
New 2021 Volkswagen Golf
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1.4T TSI Manual 1.4T TSI Auto Shop options
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Key specifications

Highlights
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
29 City / 39 Hwy
MPG
147 hp
Horsepower
5
Seating Capacity
Engine
147 @ 5000
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
1.4 L/85
Displacement
184 @ 1400
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
Suspension
Strut
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
N/A
Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
2,945 lbs
Base Curb Weight
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
Safety
Standard
Backup Camera
Standard
Blind Spot Monitor
Standard
Stability Control
Entertainment
Standard
Bluetooth®
Electrical
140
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
480
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )
N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
4-Wheel
Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc
Brake Type

Notable features

Four-door compact hatchback
Turbo four-cylinder engine standard
Manual or automatic transmission
Automatic emergency braking standard
Performance-oriented GTI version available

Engine

147 @ 5000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 Engine Type
1.4 L/85 Displacement
184 @ 1400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

Suspension

Strut Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
2,945 lbs Base Curb Weight
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
13 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

Safety

Standard Backup Camera
Standard Blind Spot Monitor
Standard Stability Control

Entertainment

Standard Bluetooth®

Electrical

140 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
480 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
N/A Drum - Rear (Yes or )
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc Brake Type
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
11 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
11 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness

Photo & video gallery

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The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Engine refinement
Cabin materials
Versatility

The bad

Steering feedback (GTI)
Clutch feel (manual transmission)

Expert 2021 Volkswagen Golf review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf is a four-door, five-seat compact hatchback that’s powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an eight-speed automatic is available. A performance-oriented GTI version gets a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra GT, Toyota Corolla hatchback and Mazda3

What’s New on the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

There are no significant changes for the Golf, but the Golf GTI adds gloss-black mirror caps and a gloss-black lip spoiler. 


What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Golf Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch aluminum wheels
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Reverse automatic braking

Available features include: 

  • Adaptive LED headlights (GTI)
  • Fender premium stereo (GTI)
  • 8-inch touchscreen (GTI)
  • Adaptive suspension (GTI)

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

VW stumbled badly with its diesel emissions scandal, but it’s showing a renewed focus on catering to American tastes while retaining some of its German heritage. That said, the Golf line lacks the styling appeal of some competitors. However, driving one and experiencing its refinement and versatility might be enough to sway some compact SUV–minded shoppers.

2021 Volkswagen Golf review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf is a four-door, five-seat compact hatchback that’s powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an eight-speed automatic is available. A performance-oriented GTI version gets a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra GT, Toyota Corolla hatchback and Mazda3

What’s New on the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

There are no significant changes for the Golf, but the Golf GTI adds gloss-black mirror caps and a gloss-black lip spoiler. 


What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Golf Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 16-inch aluminum wheels
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Reverse automatic braking

Available features include: 

  • Adaptive LED headlights (GTI)
  • Fender premium stereo (GTI)
  • 8-inch touchscreen (GTI)
  • Adaptive suspension (GTI)

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

VW stumbled badly with its diesel emissions scandal, but it’s showing a renewed focus on catering to American tastes while retaining some of its German heritage. That said, the Golf line lacks the styling appeal of some competitors. However, driving one and experiencing its refinement and versatility might be enough to sway some compact SUV–minded shoppers.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Volkswagen Golf base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 20,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is available in 1 trim level:

  • TSI (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf offers up to 29 MPG in city driving and 39 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Volkswagen Golf history

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