Volkswagen Golf vs. Volvo V60
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf and Volvo V60 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 Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V60.
In comparing the Volkswagen Golf's and the Volvo V60's specifications and ratings, 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 and overall quality score. The Volvo V60 has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf's and the Volvo V60's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Volvo V60.
Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $15,188 to $22,985 while a used 2021 Volvo V60 is priced between $31,650 to $42,385.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Volvo V60 loses 48 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 13.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo V60.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volvo V60's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the Volvo V60 the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volvo V60.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volvo V60 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The V60 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Golf the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volvo V60 the advantage in maximum range. The Golf uses regular unleaded, and the V60 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Volvo V60 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf and Volvo V60 are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf and the Volvo V60 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
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:
19
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57,938
# Good or Great Deals:
2
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$37,196
Price Range:
$31,650 - $42,385
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
0
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volvo V60 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volvo V60
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.4%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
Volkswagen 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 / 37Volvo V60 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 12Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
Volvo V60 Trim Levels
T5 Inscription, T5 Momentum, T5 R-Design
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 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:
4 years
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:
5 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:
5 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):
0.050 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 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 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 34 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
366 / 541 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
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
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
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
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:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
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:
17.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
22.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
60.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
Not applicable
Overall Interior Volume:
116.5 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3813 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Stone
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Birch Light Metallic / Osmium Grey Metallic / Pebble Grey Metallic / Pine Grey Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Metallic
Red
Fusion Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Brown
Maroon Brown
White
Blonde / Blonde City Weave