2021 Volkswagen Golf
2021 Volkswagen Golf Review
byChristian Wardlaw, Correspondent
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw, Correspondent is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Hatchback design provides lots of room for cargo
- Excellent ride comfort and quiet cabin
- Free scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles
Cons
- Lacks safety and convenience features
- Budget tires detract from handling and braking performance
- Mediocre acceleration
What's new
- No changes for the final year of production for this Golf generation
- Part of the seventh Golf generation introduced for 2015
In the 1970s, Volkswagen began its transition away from its iconic Beetle to the Golf. More than 45 years later, the 2021 Golf continues as the brand's familiar hatchback. But this is pretty much the end of the line for the car, at least in the United States. Next year, only the redesigned Golf GTI and Golf R (reviewed separately) will make the trip from Germany to our shores. The regular Golf will be discontinued as Volkswagen figures most of us would rather buy an SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$180/mo
Golf TSI
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Car
There's no grand send-off for the 2021 car. It's still a practical and comfortable four-door hatchback. Remarkably, it remains available with a manual gearbox, if you're into that sort of thing. While there is a certain appeal to a Golf's cloak of invisibility, we think most small-hatchback shoppers would be happier with the Golf GTI or hatchback versions of the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla. Find out why by reading our Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
7.4 /10
The Golf is dated but not without positive attributes. It has exceptional ride quality, a quiet interior and excellent fuel economy. And thanks to its well-matched 1.4-liter engine and eight-speed automatic, the Golf is an enjoyable daily companion. But the lack of optional features, downmarket interior plastics and mediocre tires ultimately make the Golf less desirable than more well-rounded competitors.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2021 Volkswagen Golf pricing
in Ashburn, VA
TSI
1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M
Edmunds suggests you pay$23,374
Which Golf does Edmunds recommend?
The 2021 Golf comes only in TSI trim, so you'll just have to choose your transmission type and select from five exterior and two interior colors, as well any dealer-installed accessories. If you're seeking more than a standard Golf offers, consider the sporty Golf GTI, which adds plenty of power and personality to the car.
Volkswagen Golf models
Choosing a 2021 Volkswagen Golf is easy. It comes one way, with TSI trim and a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and an eight-speed automatic optional. Both power the Golf's front wheels. Highlighted features include:
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $24,190
- MPG & Fuel
- 29 City / 39 Hwy / 33 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 147 hp @ 5000 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 167.6 in. / Height: 58.2 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 70.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 2945 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.4 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf safety features:
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking
- Brings the Golf to a stop as soon as possible after a collision to prevent secondary crashes after airbag deployment.
- Family Guardian Alerts
- Part of Car-Net connected services, Family Guardian sends alerts related to speed, geographic location and curfew time to the Golf's owner.
- Front Assist
- Warns when a potential collision with an object or pedestrian may occur and automatically applies the brakes.
Volkswagen Golf vs. the competition
2021 Volkswagen Golf
2021 Honda Civic
Volkswagen Golf vs. Honda Civic
While the Volkswagen Golf's style is buttoned-down and conservative, like a classic navy blue suit, the Honda Civic is more like bejeweled pink pajamas. You love or hate the way the Civic looks, but it grabs attention either way. But aside from the styling, the Civic is superior in almost every objective way. It's more entertaining to drive and gives you more choice for features. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda Civic.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 hatchback boasts sleek styling, interior sophistication and entertaining driving dynamics. Plus, an available all-wheel-drive system gives the Mazda an added benefit in regions where rain and snow regularly occur. You do, however, get more overall utility from the Golf. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3.
Volkswagen Golf vs. Subaru Impreza
Of this trio of competitors, the Subaru Impreza best matches the Volkswagen Golf's emphasis on function over form. It's got plenty of cargo space, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in poor weather. Compared to the Impreza, the Golf is a little more fun to drive, but neither car will wow you like the Mazda 3 can.
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FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Golf both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Golf has 17.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Golf. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf:
- No changes for the final year of production for this Golf generation
- Part of the seventh Golf generation introduced for 2015
Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?
To determine whether the Volkswagen Golf is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Golf. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Golf's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Golf and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Golf is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The least-expensive 2021 Volkswagen Golf is the 2021 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 6M) which starts at $23,195
- TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $23,995
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Golf, the next question is, which Golf model is right for you? Golf variants include TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Golf models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
