Volkswagen Golf Review: Pricing, Specs & More

Sign Up to get great deals for cars!
Subscribe to our blog that will make you look like an expert dealer.
When you're in the market for a compact car, you have many options.
You can choose from sedans, hatchbacks, and even small SUVs. Each has its pluses and minuses, and you'll probably experience tradeoffs whichever one you choose.
A small SUV might have plenty of room and utility but not the best fuel economy.
A compact sedan can provide reliable, affordable transportation but may offer a driving experience that’s less than memorable.
But there's one car that offers a good portion of several attributes, like usability, driving enjoyment, cargo space, and fuel economy: the Volkswagen Golf.
Wondering what makes it such a great vehicle? Read on for our full Volkswagen Golf review.
Why is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?
With its excellent standard features, peppy and efficient engine, and abundant cargo space, the Volkswagen Golf hatchback is a great all-around vehicle.
Its power comes from a turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine that makes for a spirited performance no matter where you drive.
And not only does the Golf accelerate and cruise with ease, but it’s also light on fuel. With an EPA-rated mpg in the high 20s for city and high 30s for highway, you'll spend less at the pump when you own a VW Golf.
Volkswagen has many years of experience building turbocharged engines, and with their excellent driving attributes, it shows.
Although the VW Golf has a comfortable ride, it also grips the corners when encountering back roads. And along with its compliant suspension, the Golf has nicely weighted steering for even more driving enjoyment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Golf a five-star crash-test rating, so you can drive knowing you're a safe vehicle. And the Golf's standard safety features help you detect and avoid collisions. These include blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Volkswagen Golf prices
For 2022, Volkswagen produced a single trim level of the Golf, available with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The manual gearbox-equipped standard Golf has an MSRP of $24,190 MSRP, while the automatic transmission version goes for slightly more at $24,490.
Whether standard or automatic, the Golf comes standard with many great features like a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start, leatherette upholstery, and 16-inch wheels. And front-wheel drive offers versatility and all-weather traction.
A six-speed manual is an excellent option for additional driver involvement, while the eight-speed auto offers smooth gear changes around town.
When you're in the market for a compact car like the VW Golf, buying used can save you thousands. But locating a pre-owned Golf in excellent shape can be a hassle. Even if an advertisement looks good, how can you know a pre-owned vehicle isn't hiding mechanical issues? But Shift makes buying your next car easy. Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new. Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected vehicles located across the country that are ready to go.
The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. And if you need to finance, we have that covered too. Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Applying for financing with Shift is quick and easy, with no cost or obligation. Whether you want an economy car for grocery runs, a supercharged sports car for back roads, or an SUV for road trips, Shift has what you need.
Volkswagen Golf interior
The VW Golf's interior uses a simple, functional design and has plenty of cargo space.
The standard MIB3 infotainment system features the connectivity of Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
With its spacious legroom and plush cushioning for both front seats and rear seats, you and your passengers will be comfortable no matter how long the trip.
One of the Golf's best attributes is its ample cargo capacity. Although the trunk holds an impressive amount of cargo, when you fold down the seats, it more than doubles, so you can transport just about anything.
2015 Volkswagen Golf (from $17,450)


Volkswagen Golf reliability
The 2019 VW Golf received an 80 out of 100 J.D. Power rating for quality and reliability, which considers malfunctions, defects, and design issues reported by actual owners. This rating accounts for the entire vehicle, from the engine to the infotainment system. The 2017 and 2018 Golf obtained similar scores, so when you buy one used, you know it’s a reliable vehicle.
The fewer issues reported by owners, the higher the score on a J.D. Power quality and reliability rating.
The VW Golf comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, along with a powertrain warranty for the same period.
And to keep your Golf in excellent shape, Volkswagen covers routine maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.
2017 Volkswagen Golf (from $18,950)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Volkswagen Golf review in summary
The Volkswagen Golf is an excellent car for someone who wants an ideal blend of practicality, efficiency, and affordability.
Though the Golf has a reasonable starting price, it also sports many premium features like a panoramic sunroof, alloy wheels, and keyless entry.
And with its powerful yet economical turbo four-cylinder engine, you'll have the power to spare and have to visit the pump less often.
The refined interior has plenty of room for you and your passengers, and with its high-tech MIB3 infotainment system, you’ll have all of the connectivity you need.
When you drive the VW Golf, its five-star safety rating offers reassurance against collisions, and its driver's assistance features help you avoid them.
The Golf's significant cargo space sets it apart from other choices in the compact car segment, with cavernous storage when you fold down the seats.
When you're on the hunt for a pre-owned compact car like the Volkswagen Golf or the sportier Golf GTI, where can you find one that'll stand the test of time? With Shift's best-in-industry service contracts, you know your vehicle's good to go for the long haul. With a Shift Vehicle Protection Plan, not only are essential components covered, but you also receive roadside assistance if you run into trouble on the road. Wherever you happen to be in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Shift takes the stress out of car buying with our fair, no-haggle prices driven by powerful machine learning algorithms and tons of data. And for extra reassurance, any car you buy from Shift has a seven-day refund policy. In case you aren't fully satisfied with your purchase, you're able to return it with no questions asked. With Shift's expertise and experience selling used vehicles, you can rest assured your used car purchase will be good to go from the moment you take delivery.
2016 Volkswagen Golf (from $17,450)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Legal notes
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or Shift Technologies, Inc. Shift does not endorse or evaluate the accuracy of any claims made or data provided by third party sources referenced herein.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our effort to advance auto education. We believe this constitutes "fair use" of any such copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The material in this [article/blog/website] is distributed without profit and only to those who have demonstrated an interest in receiving the included information for research or educational purposes.
All prices are based on vehicle availability and pricing as of
April 20, 2022
.
Pricing shown is not guaranteed and does not include taxes or other product fees.
What are you looking for in your next car?
