2021
Volkswagen Golf

Starts at:
$23,195
Shop options
New 2021 Volkswagen Golf
See ratings
Not rated
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Not rated
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 1.4T TSI Manual
    Starts at
    $23,195
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 1.4T TSI Auto
    Starts at
    $23,995
    29 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf 2021 Volkswagen Golf

Notable features

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

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.

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

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    Volkswagen Golf
    Starts at
    $23,195
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.7
    Hyundai Veloster N
    Starts at
    $27,600
    -
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.9
    Volkswagen Golf
    Starts at
    $21,845
    125 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2021
    5.0
    Volkswagen Golf GTI
    Starts at
    $28,695
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.2
    Toyota Corolla Hatchback
    Starts at
    $21,165
    28 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.7
    Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
    Starts at
    $23,200
    57 City / 59 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2025
    Audi S3
    Starts at
    $48,700
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.3
    Audi A4
    Starts at
    $37,400
    27 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    5.0
    Hyundai Kona N
    Starts at
    $34,950
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

No reviews yet

This car doesn’t have a consumer review yet.
Write the first review

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Volkswagen dealers near you

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

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare