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2019 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2020 Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf and 2020 Volkswagen Golf contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2019 Volkswagen Golf and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.

When comparing the 2019 Volkswagen Golf's and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf and 2020 Volkswagen Golf have the same interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf's and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the 2020 Volkswagen Golf.

Pricing: A used 2019 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $13,085 to $20,998 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $15,873 to $22,925.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf both lose 34.5 percent of their value.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10. Volkswagen Golf is ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2019 Volkswagen Golf and the 2020 Volkswagen Golf makes 147 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. This gives the 2019 Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Volkswagen Golf. Both models use regular unleaded.

Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.

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Model & Pricing
2019 Volkswagen Golf
2020 Volkswagen Golf

2019 Volkswagen Golf
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2019 Volkswagen Golf for Sale

2020 Volkswagen Golf
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2020 Volkswagen Golf for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$21,845

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

$21,340

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

$14,795 - $40,395

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$23,195

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

$20,870

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

$14,995 - $28,595

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$17,675

Price Range:

$13,085 - $20,998

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$19,292

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$11,224 - $33,439

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

25

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

61,277

# Good or Great Deals:

12

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$19,421

Price Range:

$15,873 - $22,925

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$20,060

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$12,327 - $29,211

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

13

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

56,632

# Good or Great Deals:

4

Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2019 Volkswagen Golf

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

6.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

4.1 - 9.5

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.8%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Volkswagen Golf

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

7

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

6.1 - 9.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.8%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

6.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

4.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

0.5 - 15.5

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.8

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

3.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

0.6 - 17.8

Volkswagen Golf Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $25k

5 / 13

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

6 / 21

Safest Small Cars

7 / 43

Best Small Cars

8 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

9 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

14 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

29 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

30 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

32 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

33 / 43

Volkswagen Golf Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $25k

5 / 13

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

6 / 21

Safest Small Cars

7 / 43

Best Small Cars

8 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

9 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

14 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

29 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

30 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

32 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

33 / 43

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2019 Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels

S, SE

2020 Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels

TSI

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

6 years / 72000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

6 years / 72000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


29 / 37 / 32

Range (city/hwy):

383 / 488 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


28 / 36 / 31

Range (city/hwy):

370 / 475 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

N/A

Heated Seats

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Lane Departure Warning:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.9 inches

Cargo Space:

22.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

116.3 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.4 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.9 inches

Cargo Space:

22.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

116.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2873 lbs

Width:

70.8 inches

Height:

58.2 inches

Length:

167.6 inches

Wheelbase:

103.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.4 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2873 lbs

Width:

70.8 inches

Height:

58.2 inches

Length:

167.6 inches

Wheelbase:

103.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.4 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

195/65R15

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

205/55R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Night Blue Metallic / Silk Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic / Tungsten Silver Metallic

Red

Tornado Red

White

Pure White

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Silk Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic / Tungsten Silver Metallic

Red

Not available

White

Pure White

Silver

White Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Black

Titan Black

Interior Colors

Beige

Beige

Black

Titan Black

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