Toyota Corolla Hatchback vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback 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 Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the Volkswagen Golf.
When comparing the Toyota Corolla Hatchback's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback has the advantage in the areas of resale value 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 and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
Pricing: A used 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback ranges from $19,282 to $25,516 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 Toyota Corolla Hatchback loses 28 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla Hatchback retains 6.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s base engine makes 168 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Corolla Hatchback is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 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 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Both models use 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 and rear leg room. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear shoulder room and cargo space. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Volkswagen Golf are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$20,715
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,295 - $28,695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,295 - $28,695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,350
Price Range:
$19,282 - $25,516
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
136
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,561
# Good or Great Deals:
43
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,473
Price Range:
$15,188 - $22,985
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
32
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
54,779
# Good or Great Deals:
7
Toyota Corolla Hatchback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 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 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
7.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
7.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Toyota Corolla Hatchback Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
9 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 24Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
9 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota Corolla Hatchback Trim Levels
SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XSE
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 37 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 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):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
102.4 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:
3060 lbs
Width:
70.5 inches
Height:
57.1 inches
Length:
172 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 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 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blue Flame / Blue Flame w/Black Roof
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic / Magnetic Gray Metallic w/Black Roof
Green
Galactic Aqua Mica
Red
Supersonic Red / Supersonic Red w/Black Roof
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic / Classic Silver Metallic w/Black Roof
White
Wind Chill Pearl / Wind Chill Pearl w/Black Roof
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Moonstone
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Beige