
2020 Volkswagen Golf
TSI 4-door hatchback Front 1.4-liter 4 (147 hp) turbo (Regular Gasoline) Automatic 8-speed
Retail Value: $14125 ~ $15225
Trade-in Value: $11430 ~ $12495
MSRP: $23195 ~ $23995

Most Volkswagens are well-built, agile, fun-to-drive cars that feel slightly more premium than their competitors. Its lineup is focused on SUVs, most of which have spacious, comfortable interiors and unexpectedly responsive driving dynamics. Its Golf hatchback, especially in performance trims, is a rare balance of practicality and driving thrills. Most models, including its EVs, have excellent fit and finish. Brand-wide downsides include unintuitive controls and infotainment systems, and below-average reliability for new cars. Reliability for used VWs is average.
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.
Car Specifications
Air Pollution Score | 7 |
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Front Head Room | 4.0 |
Front Leg Room | 44.0 |
Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 |
Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 |
Height | 57 |
Length | 168 |
Luggage | 2+1 |
Max Load | 1005 |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
Rear Head Room | 3.5 |
Rear Leg Room | 28.0 |
Rear Shoulder Room | 52.5 |
Smartway | Yes |
Weight | 3090 |
Wheel Base | 104 |
Width | 71 |
Fuel Economy Specifications
Annual Fuel Consumption (Gal) | 435.0 |
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Annual Fuel Cost (Dollar) | 1410.0 |
Cruse Range (Miles) | 365 |
Test Results
Acceleration 0-60 MPH (secs) | 8.7 |
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Avoidance Speed (MPH) | 54.0 |
Braking from 60 MPH (ft) | 130 |
City MPG | 19 |
Highway MPG | 38 |
Overall MPG | 28 |