2018 Volkswagen Golf
Pros
- Squared-off hatchback design provides lots of room for cargo
- Premium interior materials
- Engine is powerful and fuel-efficient
Cons
- Automatic transmission doesn't shift as responsively or intuitively as we'd like
- Fewer luxury and convenience features offered than on rival hatchbacks
2018 Volkswagen Golf pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Golf does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
When it launched for the 2015 model year, this generation Golf was an outlier in the economy class. It offered higher-quality interior materials and more refined ride and handling characteristics than its competitors, along with the practicality of a hatchback. In many ways, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf is better than ever. This year, you get more standard features, including smartphone integration, LED running lights and taillights, automatic headlights and wipers, and the option of a new 8.5-inch infotainment touchscreen.
But even though the 2018 Golf retains its old charms and adds more features, the rest of the small-car field has evolved. The Honda Civic hatchback offers enjoyable performance and high fuel economy along with a roomy back seat and a slew of technology and safety features available across most of its lineup. Or you could check out the Mazda 3, which is engaging on the road and can be had with an even more upscale interior than the Golf.
It'll be worth your while to scout out these rivals, or even the redesigned Hyundai Elantra GT. Still, the 2018 Golf's positive attributes greatly outweigh its negatives.
2018 Volkswagen Golf configurations
The Volkswagen Golf is a four-door small hatchback available in two trim levels. The base S is pricier than other base compact cars but comes standard with some nice upgraded features, while the SE trim adds a few luxuries and active safety features. The Golf comes standard with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) and a five-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available and bumps the Golf's torque up to 199 lb-ft if so equipped.
The base S comes standard with halogen headlights, LED daytime-running lights and taillights, automatic rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, manually adjustable seats with lumbar adjustment and power recline, cloth upholstery, cruise control and a rearview camera.
Infotainment in the Golf S is handled by a 6.5-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system.
Upgrading to the S adds heated washer nozzles, 16-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof. Inside, the SE upgrades to simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start. You also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Pedestrian recognition will be added to the collision mitigation system later this year.
The SE's infotainment system is upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen that adds a CD player and satellite radio, along with VW's Security & Service app.
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf safety features:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- 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.
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback with a near-luxury interior and refined driving dynamics. For this year, Volkswagen simplified the Golf lineup to two trim levels: the S and the SE. Both trim levels come standard with a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
The manual-equipped Golf returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined (25 city/34 highway), while the automatic drops each of those numbers down by 1 mpg. In our testing, Volkswagen's economy hatchback covered 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is quick for the class.
New for the 2018 Golf S are standard LED daytime-running lights and taillights, automatic wipers and automatic headlights. Inside, Volkswagen upgraded the standard infotainment system to a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Golf SE comes with more luxuries such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, and keyless entry with push-button start. You also get active safety features including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. New to the 2018 Golf SE is an 8-inch touchscreen.
While the cost of entry is higher for the Volkswagen Golf than for many other economy compacts, its base equipment by and large matches what you'll find in competitors' midlevel trims. However, active safety features and driver aids are more limited on the Golf than on many more recently redesigned cars.
Still, we like the Golf's quiet, roomy and upscale interior, in no small part because it feels more entry-level luxury than economy compact. We also appreciate the refined ride quality and good driving dynamics. The Golf is a fun, little car that's also a nice place to spend time.
Make sure to check out our full review for more information. If you think this is the right car for you, take advantage of Edmunds' shopping tools to get the best deal on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf in your area.
2018 Volkswagen Golf Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is offered in the following submodels: Golf Hatchback. Available styles include TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M), and TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M).
What do people think of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Golf 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2018 Golf.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 2018 Volkswagen Golf?
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,070. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,248 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,248 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$20,822.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is20.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 21 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $24,785. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) is trending $5,275 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,275 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$19,510.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) is21.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI SE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $23,325. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,285 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,285 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$18,040.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is22.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 21 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $22,040. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) is trending $5,082 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,082 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$16,958.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) is23.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 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) 2018 Volkswagen Golf for sale near. There are currently 87 new 2018 Golfs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $21,995 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 Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,328 on a used or CPO 2018 Golf available from a dealership near you.
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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 2018 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
Related vehicle information
2018 Volkswagen Golf Information
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Features & Specs
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Pictures
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Review
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Dealer Price Quotes
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Used For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Ownership Costs