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Volkswagen Golf

EPA MPG: 26 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,025 - $11,700

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

A nice ride, crisp handling and the solid feel make any Golf a good choice. The 2.5's engine lacks refinement and fuel economy is middling. The diesel TDI gets excellent fuel economy, but does not meet emissions regulations. Many of these TDI versions have been bought back by VW as part of a settlement with owners and the EPA.

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2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$6,125 - $11,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,675 - $5,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,775 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 33 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,425 - $4,575
economy-icon
EPA MPG 31 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 37 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    2-door hatchback
    4-door hatchback
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbodiesel (140 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (256 hp)
  • 2.5-liter 5 (170 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 6-speed sequential
  • 5-speed manual
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2022-
Current Generation

The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available in a single top performance R with a 315-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Volkswagen builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The Golf R is once again a special model tailored to a Volkswagen enthusiast that craves power, refinement, and exclusivity. The Golf upgrades connectivity and infotainment to the latest from Volkswagen. The interior comes with a large 10-inch infotainment screen. Active safety features such as FCW, AEB, BSW, LKA, RCTW, and ACC are standard.

2015-2021
2015 Redesign Year

Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder powering the previous Golf is replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, which delivers 28 mpg overall. Soft-touch materials, quality components and comfortably supportive seats upgrade the passenger experience considerably. A wagon and a high-performance AWD Golf R were also added to the lineup. While choosing between models is largely a budget decision, we do recommend finding a car with the optional lighting package as the HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package. Note: Volkswagen suspended sales of 2016 TDI diesel versions of the Beetle, Golf, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, and Passat; as well as the Audi A3, due to the EPA notification of emissions violations. USB ports were finally added for 2016 as well as available keyless access and push-button start. The Alltrack, an AWD wagon with a raised ride height, was new for 2017. A 1.4-liter engine became standard in 2019, as did forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

2010-2014
2010 Redesign Year

After a brief stint during which it was once again known as the Rabbit, the Golf returned with an impressive 2010 redesign. We got 38 mpg overall from the diesel. (But it may not meet emissions regulations. Be cautious when purchasing a used TDI). Interior quality improved and the car had responsive handling, supportive front seats, and a good ride. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard.

1999-2006
1999 Redesign Year

The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. A fuel-sipping turbodiesel four cylinder is also available. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.