MINI Clubman vs. Volkswagen Golf

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the MINI Clubman 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 MINI Clubman and the Volkswagen Golf.

When comparing the MINI Clubman's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the MINI Clubman has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the MINI Clubman's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the MINI Clubman.

Pricing: A used 2021 MINI Clubman ranges from $22,905 to $35,916 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $15,188 to $22,985.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the MINI Clubman loses 38.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 3.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the MINI Clubman.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the MINI Clubman is 7.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the MINI Clubman being ranked 3 out of 5 Best Wagons and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the MINI Clubman is 7.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf an advantage in reliability compared to the MINI Clubman.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the MINI Clubman’s base engine makes 189 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Clubman is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the MINI Clubman. The Clubman uses premium unleaded, and the Golf uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The MINI Clubman, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.

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