2020 Volkswagen Golf
What’s new
- Lineup reduced to a single trim
- Several driver assistance systems and the 8-inch touchscreen are no longer available
- New Wi-Fi hotspot is standard
- Part of the seventh Golf generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
- Hatchback design provides lots of room for cargo
- Premium interior materials
- New engine and transmission significantly improve fuel economy
- Excellent handling for a car in this price range
- Offers fewer luxury and convenience features than rival hatchbacks
- Touchy brakes make it tricky to stop smoothly
- Less powerful than similarly priced hatchbacks
2020 Volkswagen Golf pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2020 Volkswagen Golf Review
While other markets will enjoy an all-new Volkswagen Golf, the U.S. will soldier on with the same model as last year. That's not necessarily a bad thing since the 2020 Volkswagen Golf is one of our favorite small hatchbacks.
While some other hatchbacks have more rear passenger room or greater cargo space, the Golf counters with its driver-focused nature. The driving position is excellent — there's plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustment to help you get comfortable, for instance — and outward visibility is excellent thanks to the Golf's squared-off design. The cabin is also inviting, with a nice mix of premium materials and an intuitive infotainment system.
Most surprising, though, is the VW Golf's level of performance. The Golf gives you confidence to tackle corners at higher speeds than you'd expect for an economy-minded small car thanks to its stable handling and quick steering response. Given its impressive dynamic abilities, you might expect the Golf's ride to be uncomfortable, which is a common trade-off. But this is not the case since the Golf's suspension and tires do a great job of absorbing bumps and ruts.
Though the chassis is sublime, other aspects of the performance equation can't keep up. Acceleration is leisurely, and the brakes are far too touchy for a commuter-friendly car. We're also bummed at the trim lineup, such as it is. Though this Golf generation launched in a variety of configurations, the options have dwindled over the last few years. Now, your choices are limited to transmission type and color. That said, buyers looking for a greater degree of customization can get in it the related, performance-oriented GTI, which comes in three trim levels.
Which Golf does Edmunds recommend?
Volkswagen Golf models
TSI
On the outside you get:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic windshield wipers
- A sunroof
- Keyless entry and ignition
Inside, the Golf comes with:
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 6.5-inch touchscreen
- VW's Car-Net apps (includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Safety features include:
- Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
- Automatic emergency braking (automatically applies the brakes if a front collision is imminent)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)
Sponsored cars related to the Golf
Features & Specs
| TSI 4dr Hatchback 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,995 |
| MPG | 29 city / 35 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| TSI 4dr Hatchback 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,195 |
| MPG | 28 city / 36 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf safety features:
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Alerts the driver when a car enters a blind spot. Includes rear cross-traffic alert that warns about approaching cars when reversing.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Detects an impending front collision and warns the driver to take action.
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Applies the brakes automatically to avoid a front collision should the driver fail to act.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 13.4% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Volkswagen Golf vs. the competition
Volkswagen Golf vs. Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is an oddly designed three-door hatch (with a rear-hinged rear door on the passenger side) that is a blast to drive and comes in several potent flavors. The standard 2.0 model undercuts the Golf by thousands of dollars, while the Premium trim costs roughly the same as the Golf but comes with extra features.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Honda Civic
We are quite fond of the Honda Civic, which currently tops our list of the best small hatchbacks. The Civic is notable for its roomy cabin and powerful turbocharged engine, which comes standard on all hatchback models. We liked it so much, in fact, that we bought a sedan for our long-term fleet.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Mini Hardtop 4 Door
While it's a little old at this point, the Mini Hardtop 4 Door is a solid choice. Its efficient turbocharged three-cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy, and interior materials aren't far off what you'd find in a car from parent company BMW. We also had a long-term Mini Hardtop in our fleet, though it was a two-door model.
FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf:
- Lineup reduced to a single trim
- Several driver assistance systems and the 8-inch touchscreen are no longer available
- New Wi-Fi hotspot is standard
- Part of the seventh Golf generation introduced for 2015
Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
The least-expensive 2020 Volkswagen Golf is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,195.
Other versions include:
- TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $23,995
- TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $23,195
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf?
More about the 2020 Volkswagen Golf
2020 Volkswagen Golf Overview
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf is offered in the following submodels: Golf Hatchback. Available styles include TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Golf.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Golf featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,915. The average price paid for a new 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $2,213 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,213 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $22,702.
The average savings for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) is 8.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 41 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,115. The average price paid for a new 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $2,142 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,142 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,973.
The average savings for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is 8.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 12 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Volkswagen Golfs are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Volkswagen Golf for sale near. There are currently 85 new 2020 Golfs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $22,945 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,654 on a used or CPO 2020 Golf available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Volkswagen Golfs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Volkswagen Golf for sale - 7 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $24,404.
Find a new Volkswagen for sale - 9 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $14,114.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials