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Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

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 SE 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.

Which Golf trim does Edmunds recommend?

The upgrades between trim levels are largely luxuries and not serious quality-of-life improvements. The base S has more equipment than ever, and it gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so we don't see a major need to upgrade. That said, if you want any active safety features or heated seats, you'll need to spring for the SE.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Evansville, IN
Vehicle
Golf TSI S
Golf TSI SE
Vehicle
TSI S
1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M
See all Golf TSI S for sale
TSI SE
1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M
See all Golf TSI SE for sale
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
Navigation
Not available
Not available
Satellite radio
Not Available
standard
Keyless Ignition
Not Available
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not available
Not available
Parking assistance
Not available
Not available
Upholstery
cloth
leatherette
Heated seats
Not Available
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not available
Not available
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
standard
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
Engine power
170 hp @ 4,500 rpm
170 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Engine torque
199 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
199 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Engine displacement
1.8 l
1.8 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
5-speed manual
5-speed manual
Tire size
195/65R15
205/55R16
Wheel size
15 X 6.0-in
16 X 6.5-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
25 / 34 / 29 MPG
25 / 34 / 29 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gal.
13.2 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
330 / 449 miles
330 / 449 miles
Fuel Type
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
35.8 ft.
35.8 ft.
Curb weight
2,945 lb.
2,945 lb.
Ground Clearance
5.4 in.
5.4 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
70.8 in.
70.8 in.
Height
58.2 in.
58.2 in.
Length
167.5 in.
167.5 in.
Wheelbase
103.8 in.
103.8 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
22.8 cu. ft.
22.8 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
38.4 in.
38.4 in.
Front Leg Room
41.2 in.
41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.6 in.
35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 in.
53.9 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
Not Available
Not Available
Average Cost Per Mile
Not Available
Not Available
Depreciation
Not Available
Not Available
Financing
Not Available
Not Available
Taxes & Fees
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel
Not Available
Not Available
Insurance
Not Available
Not Available
Maintenance
Not Available
Not Available
Repairs
Not Available
Not Available
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Interior
Titan Black, cloth
Beige, cloth
Beige, leatherette
Titan Black, leatherette
Exterior
Tornado Red
Silk Blue Metallic
Night Blue Metallic
Pure White
Platinum Grey Metallic
Deep Black Pearl Metallic
Tungsten Silver Metallic
Tornado Red
Silk Blue Metallic
Night Blue Metallic
Pure White
Platinum Grey Metallic
Deep Black Pearl Metallic
Tungsten Silver Metallic