Kia Niro vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Niro and 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 Kia Niro and the Volkswagen Golf.
In comparing the Kia Niro's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Niro's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf.
Pricing: A used 2021 Kia Niro ranges from $14,291 to $23,992 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $14,517 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Niro loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 5.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Niro.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Niro’s base engine makes 139 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Niro is rated to deliver an average of 49 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 547 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. This gives the Kia Niro the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Niro, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf has higher safety ratings than the Kia Niro, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24690
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
33044
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
24690 - 41500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
23195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
21197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15295 - 28695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19150
Price Range:
14291 - 23992
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
22839
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
19150 - 26788
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
32
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57479
# Good or Great Deals:
11
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18641
Price Range:
14517 - 22997
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
19841
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11819 - 28783
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
15
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67675
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.133
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.415229014192974
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
2.4 - 3.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9188929339555512
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 12.4
Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
36 out of / 36Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 37Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 37Ranking
32 out of / 37Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX Premium, LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
51 / 46 / 49
Range (city/hwy):
607 / 547 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):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
19.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 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:
17.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3100 lbs
Width:
71.1 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
171.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2945 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Cerulean
Red
Runway Red
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Beige
