Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Golf.
In comparing the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI 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 and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and Volkswagen Golf have the same interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $22,385 to $30,998 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 35 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Golf's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 17 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Golf the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 228 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 396 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Golf have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$28,695
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:
$26,954
Price Range:
$22,385 - $30,998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
48
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,195
# Good or Great Deals:
13
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:
23
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55,857
# Good or Great Deals:
7
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
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:
1.5%
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:
2.1
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
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 24Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
32 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
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
TSI
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
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:
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:
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 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):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
304 / 396 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
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
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
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
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
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
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:
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
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:
3133 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
168 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Dark Iron Blue Metallic
Red
Tornado Red
White
Pure White
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Pure White
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
White Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Beige
Beige
