2021 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price: $14,795
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Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 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.
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $16,359
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to$
Price
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
Overview
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
32 listings
- $17,600good price$1,171 below market
- 54,124 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, rental vehicle
- 29 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Hanover Volkswagen (61 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
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Located in Hanover, PA
Please come shop at Hanover Volkswagen! Hanover Volkswagen www.hanover-vw.com
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (29 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VWG57AU2MM011947
Stock: V6195P
Certified Pre-Owned: Yes
Listed since: 03-06-2026 - $18,498fair price$979 above market
- 53,863 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 29 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- Flow Volkswagen of Charlottesville (86 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Charlottesville, VA
All of our Pre-Owned vehicles go through a QRP(Quality Renewal Process). Our customers tell us that we have the most professional trustworthy & court...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
32 Combined MPG (29 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VWG57AU7MM013726
Stock: 8P2080
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-14-2026
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.4
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Volkswagen Golf on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Golf drive? How much you'll enjoy driving the Golf every day depends on what you want out of this little hatchback. The Golf scoots through daily traffic with ease. But under full-throttle acceleration, we recorded a slightly tepid 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, which is slower than the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Hyundai Veloster. However, the Golf's quick-shifting eight-speed automatic makes it one of the smoothest-driving cars in the class.
The Golf has earned a reputation for sporty Germanic handling over the years, but there's little evidence of that with the current Golf. The tires are the worst aspect; their lack of grip hurts emergency braking performance as well as handling. Our test Golf needed 132 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is longer than any other small hatchback.
The Golf has earned a reputation for sporty Germanic handling over the years, but there's little evidence of that with the current Golf. The tires are the worst aspect; their lack of grip hurts emergency braking performance as well as handling. Our test Golf needed 132 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is longer than any other small hatchback.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Golf? The Golf has an excellent ride quality over all manner of surfaces. It absorbs even moderate road imperfections with ease and never feels the least bit floaty, even at highway speeds. Praise also goes to the taller sidewalls on the otherwise unimpressive tires. Road and wind noise levels are low.
The Golf offers straightforward climate controls and adjustable vents capable of cooling the cabin with ease. We like the standard simulated leather seating surfaces, but seat comfort is mediocre, especially for taller drivers.
The Golf offers straightforward climate controls and adjustable vents capable of cooling the cabin with ease. We like the standard simulated leather seating surfaces, but seat comfort is mediocre, especially for taller drivers.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Golf has an uncluttered dash and easy-to-reach controls. The steering wheel controls are a little confusing at first, but previous Volkswagen owners will find them instantly recognizable. The Golf's boxy exterior design provides excellent visibility.
There is excellent room for front passengers no matter how tall they are. Rear passengers will find enough knee room and legroom as long as they are under 5 feet 10. Headroom in the back is generous.
There is excellent room for front passengers no matter how tall they are. Rear passengers will find enough knee room and legroom as long as they are under 5 feet 10. Headroom in the back is generous.
Technology
6/10
How’s the tech? The Golf's infotainment interface is pretty lacking. Its smallish 6.5-inch screen looks dated and cannot be upgraded to the newer units you can get in the GTI or the Jetta. Its overall operation leaves a lot to be desired too, as some simple adjustments require multiple menus to select. Other disappointing features are the basic audio system and the single(!) USB port for the entire car.
Driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and rear traffic alert are standard, but there are no optional packages to upgrade to adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Those are offered by the Golf's competitors.
Driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and rear traffic alert are standard, but there are no optional packages to upgrade to adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Those are offered by the Golf's competitors.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? In typical hatchback fashion, the Volkswagen Golf offers up a fair amount of cargo capacity for its size. With 22.8 cubic feet on offer, it ranks above the Mazda 3 (20.1 cubic feet) and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback (17.8 cubes). The Civic does offer marginally more room with 25.7 cubic feet. The Golf's rear seats are split 60/40. They fold flat and offer a center pass-through. As an added bonus, the rear-seat release buttons can be accessed from the trunk.
Inside, the Golf offers adequate storage from a cubby in front of the shifter, two cupholders and a sizable center console. The door pockets are generous for all passengers and are lined with felt, but not completely, which leaves a hard plastic surface for items to bang into.
As far as installing child safety seats, larger ones will likely require sliding the front seat forward. But the anchor points are in plain view and easy to reach.
Inside, the Golf offers adequate storage from a cubby in front of the shifter, two cupholders and a sizable center console. The door pockets are generous for all passengers and are lined with felt, but not completely, which leaves a hard plastic surface for items to bang into.
As far as installing child safety seats, larger ones will likely require sliding the front seat forward. But the anchor points are in plain view and easy to reach.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Golf is reasonably fuel-efficient. The EPA estimates the automatic-equipped model gets 32 mpg combined (29 city/36 highway). We achieved an impressive 36.7 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route. That's better than we've seen from the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Golf a good value? With the exception of choosing between the standard six-speed manual and an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, there are no options for the Golf. Our automatic-equipped test car stickered for just under $24K, making it less expensive than the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 hatchbacks. Unfortunately for the Golf, those two competitors offer interiors made from higher-quality materials as well as other options, such as upgraded audio systems and extra driver aids, that the Golf doesn't.
If you've previously owned a Golf, you might be disappointed to find that Volkswagen has shortened the warranties, in both time and allowable mileage, starting for 2020. Still, the Golf's warranties are fairly standard for the class, and Volkswagen offers two years/20,000 miles of free maintenance.
If you've previously owned a Golf, you might be disappointed to find that Volkswagen has shortened the warranties, in both time and allowable mileage, starting for 2020. Still, the Golf's warranties are fairly standard for the class, and Volkswagen offers two years/20,000 miles of free maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Golf does a fairly good job of impersonating a budget Audi. With a torquey engine, a supple ride and quiet cabin, the Golf packs a lot of refinement into a practical hatchback package. But as competitors embrace the concept of an upmarket small car, the corners VW has cut in recent years become more apparent, especially when you take a critical look at interior materials.
There's no denying the inherent goodness of the Golf's chassis or its overall competence and fuel efficiency. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, and maybe a set of better tires, you could have all the refinement the Golf offers, plus a little bit of fun to boot.
There's no denying the inherent goodness of the Golf's chassis or its overall competence and fuel efficiency. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, and maybe a set of better tires, you could have all the refinement the Golf offers, plus a little bit of fun to boot.
2021 Volkswagen Golf trim level differences
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: Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Golf trim levels in-depth.
Which Golf trim 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.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$146/mo for Golf TSI
Golf TSI
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #26 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#26 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$459/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
1.1x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
10.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 20V716000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 91BB / 91B
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 32148
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 2 years / 20,000 miles
Volkswagen Golf Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(77%)
4(6%)
3(3%)
2(6%)
1(8%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Upscale hatchback
5 out of 5 starsDavid, 07/26/2018
2018 Volkswagen Golf TSI S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
I had a Mazda Miata previously, so the VW Golf is definitely a big step up in terms of stability and comfort. I am a person who actually likes to drive and am a moderate driver. Having driven and researched the Japanese hatchbacks and smaller cars, the Golf is absolutely a much better driver's car. The others drive like school buses. The SE has a few bells and whistles I wasn't too … worried about, so I bought the S model. Driving the S with the 5 speed manual is not a lot different than the 2010 GTI I owned (not as fast of course). The 2018 Golf gives one a feeling of solidity and control that other cars lack. It is quiet, comfortable and refined, gets great mileage and handles very well. Electronics are very nice. I think the Germans have done good work improving the Golf over the years. I only have 3000 miles on this car, so this is an initial assessment. I can't comment on reliability, but I hope for the best and am careful with the car, researching the owner's manual and following it explicitly. I am very happy with my Golf and am looking forward to taking it on a longer trip to see how it performs.
Update at 12,000 miles: smooth as silk. No squeaks, rattles or problems. A car one enjoys driving.
19500 miles. No problems. Highway mileage usually about 39-42 mpg. I appreciate the ease of using GPS and CarPlay. Great car. I follow maintenance schedule closely, use Top Tier fuel, etc.
26000 miles: Zero problems. Quick and stable car that’s still a pleasure to own.
40,000 miles: I am following the maintenance requirements carefully. Zero problems! No rattles, drives great. At 75 mph getting a consistent 41-42 mpg on cruise. Hope to keep this Golf a long time.
59000 miles. Drives great. Zero problems. Just traveled 1400 miles on a road trip driving 70-75 mph and got just over 40 mph. Still big on strict maintenance, using Top Tier gas and changing oil each 5000 miles. I really enjoy the car.
UPDATE: Reliable, stingy on gas, drives very well, comfortable. This is my second Edmunds review on this Golf, but I have 75000 miles now with nary a problem. The front bumper has had some pebble and rock damage, and since I am keeping this car forever I am having it repainted to look like new.
Every review I have read is that the 2018 VW TSI Golf is the best year to buy. I intend to keep this thing for a long time.
PHENOMENAL PERFORMER
5 out of 5 starsDannyMac, 07/02/2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I’ve had the car one week. Contrary to this review, the brakes are very smooth; they do not grab. I find, with the 6-speed manual, acceleration is not leisurely, as the review notes. The turbo kicks in quickly; acceleration is robust. I let out the clutch smoothly as I accelerate; I time the full release of the clutch to match the power band of the turbo. It takes right off. The … gearbox gives precise shifts, up or down. Steering is crisp, sharp and smooth. I’ve found, fairly readily, a great driving position. Given the tall roof, my head easily clears the sunroof. I’m pleased with the back-up camera’s assist with rearward visibility while blind spot monitoring is a welcome supplement. One note: Blind Spot Monitoring is not turned on by default; I realized I did not see the indicators switch-on when a car passed by; the check-box setting was easily found using the right-side steering wheel settings under Vehicle Systems. VW provides a door lock/unlock switch on BOTH front doors. All four windows are one touch up & down. There were no flaws in either the upholstery or the dashboard; FIT & FINISH are superb. I haven’t been this pleased and happy about a new car in a long time. (I’ve driven a lot of cars in my 50 year driving experience.) I drove a 2011 Honda Fit with a 5-speed manual for 9 years. It was a superb handling car and very reliable even at 95,000 miles. I bought the GOLF to forestall the declining availability of manual transmission “regular” cars. The GOLF is, by far, a more luxurious vehicle. Current generation FITS lack the handling prowess of the 2009->2013 generation. Plus, the VW is a safer automobile. My generation FIT scored a POOR in the Small Offset Crash Test; Honda has not submitted the current generation FIT to IIHS for that test. It makes me suspicious that the current generation FIT would perform as mine did; i.e. Poorly.
SUCH A GREAT VEHICLE
5 out of 5 starsDannyMac, 07/07/2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Very smooth-shifting 6-speed Manual Transmission. Excellent attention to detail inside & outside. There was talk in the reviews that performance sags a bit, until the Turbo kicks in. I find that I can control that with the clutch. I accelerate as I gradually let out the clutch to match the power curve. I do find that I must downshift to 2nd gear when turning into a residential street … that requires a 25 MPH turn. Being a MT, there is no automatic engine shutoff at a stop. It’s a very comfortable driver’s seat with the multiple adjustment modes. I’m very pleased with the car. The infotainment system with integrated back-up screen is quite easy to use. It’s a very luxurious car.
Engine issues 2019 Golf Highline
1 out of 5 starsSJ, 05/27/2021
2019 Volkswagen Golf 1.4T S 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Automatic. I bought new 2020 in my first month I brought it in bc of a hesitation while shifting gears, they tested it and told me that’s how they drive.
A year later into ownership and an error came up for start stop system as well as engine light. They told me I needed to buy only top tier gas and that could be why it’s causing this as all other tests played out normal. They put a … fuel additive in and when I came to pickup the vehicle I started and lights were back on. I was told now they would get to the bottom of it. Since that time i picked up my vehicle twice. Both times lights came back on. It was in the shop for about a month or so as each “fix” they tried did not fix the issue at hand. A few things came up while it was in that were not related. My coolant pipe had a leak, and a vacuum to my brake system needed to be replaced. Cylinders were moved around, new wiring was installed. Then they found my exhaust valve was not closing causing a cylinder to receive 30% less compression which is why it was driving slower. There was more to it than that but since then my lights have not come back on. But it still doesn’t drive smoothly and the hesitation is still there. Considered going with Camvap but bc lights are not on I’m worried it won’t help me. VW Canada has done nothing. With many attempts to talk about options. The dealership is offered me $400 credit for services for my experience. That doesn’t give peace of mind. So they came back with trade in assist or extended warranty. Knowing I can’t bring my car back in and go with Camvap (it’s one or the other) they are not telling me what is included for those two options unless I bring my car back. This is my 6th car. I’m 29. I bought new for the first time for peace of mind and this is what’s happening in my first year of ownership. I don’t know what to do and would appreciate any advice.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf since its last redesign.
2021 Golf Features & Specs
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $23,195 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 33 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $146/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.4 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Golf models:
- 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.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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