Against 517 other 4-cyl cars rated 2019–2021, the Golf beats their 27 mpg average by 6 mpg, about $258 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 1.9L 4-cyl (1996–2006), does 37 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2010–2014), 26.2: $428 a year apart.
Every Volkswagen Golf engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 33.7 / 43.1 | 1996–2006 | $1,038 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 31 / 39.3 | 1985–1989 | $1,120 | |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 29 / 37 | 2019–2021 | $1,189 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 26 / 34.1 | 1993–2015 | $1,320 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 23.3 / 31.6 | 1988–2018 | $1,438 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 23.6 / 30.6 | 2010–2014 | $1,466 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 43.5 mpg, the Lexus IS 23.3 mpg and the Nissan Versa 35 mpg, next to 33 mpg for the 2021 Golf.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2021) | $0.097 |
| Fuel per year | $1,164 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,820 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2019–2021 | −$258 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,331 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf gives up 10 mpg in town: 39 on the highway against 29 in the city, $339 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2021) | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 39 mpg | $985 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (34%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Golf changed over the years
The Golf peaked in 2003 at 38 mpg (35 city, 44 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 24 — 14 mpg apart, or $589 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2021 car does 33. The biggest single-year change came in 2016: 35 to 29 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 / 39 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 2020 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2019 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2015 | 31 / 41 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2014 | 26 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2013 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2012 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2011 | 26.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,302 | |
| 2010 | 26 / 33.5 | 2 | $1,324 | |
| 2006 | 31 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2005 | 32 / 41 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2004 | 32 / 42 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2003 | 35 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 2002 | 35 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 2001 | 35 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 2000 | 35 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 1999 | 35 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 33 / 44 | 1 | $1,038 | |
| 1996 | 34 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 1995 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1994 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1993 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1992 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1991 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1990 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1989 | 31 / 39 | 1 | $1,129 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 39 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Golf — 6 engines across 1985–2021. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,331. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf get?
33 mpg combined, 29 city and 39 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the Golf has averaged 31.1 mpg.
Is the 2021 Golf more efficient than the 2020?
Yes: 33 against 32 mpg combined, about $36 a year less to run.
Which Golf year has the best gas mileage?
The 2003, at 38 mpg combined (35 city, 44 highway).
Does the Golf get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 33 mpg for the 2021 Golf against 43.5 for the 2022 Toyota Corolla, about $281 a year more to run.
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