Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf
When we compare the Subaru WRX's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and 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 and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Subaru WRX's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Subaru WRX.
Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf Pricing
A used 2021 Subaru WRX ranges from $25,992 to $44,579 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $17,231 to $24,998.
Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru WRX loses 29.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 40 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 10.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf.
Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru WRX is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru WRX being ranked 11 out of 26 Best Compact Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 26. Out of 43 Best Small Cars, the Subaru WRX is ranked 16 and the Volkswagen Golf is ranked 10.
Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Golf Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru WRX is 7.0 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 Subaru WRX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Subaru WRX’s base engine makes 268 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 429 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 Subaru WRX. The WRX uses premium unleaded, and the Golf uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
25992 - 44579
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.292954
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
17231 - 24998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.400111
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.766666 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
9.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.724282 / 10
Reliability:
8.172846 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 26Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
16 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 24Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 26Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
31 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, STI, STI Limited
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
318 / 429 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium 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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.2 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.6 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
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3294 lbs
Width:
78.9 inches
Height:
58.1 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 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:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16