2018 Volkswagen Golf

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Rating6.7

Ranked #7 in 

Hatchback
Write Review
$20,910 - $30,245
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Affordable price range offered compared to rivals

Does Not handle well in slushy conditions

Trims such as SEL and Wolfsburg edition have been discontinued for 2018

Cabin speaks of quality materials and design

Rivals offer a more precise handling response

Small revised styling

Upgraded infotainment system offering premium technology features

New infotainment system offered

New SE trim has been added to the lineup

Specs & Features

$22,010

price

170 hp @ 4500 rpm

horsepower

184 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback is a compact hatchback offered in 2 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $20,910. For that price, it mainly competes with the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback, the Ford Focus Hatchback, and the Honda Civic Hatchback. Between 2 trims, the Volkswagen Golf offers a single powertrain. It is a 1.8L turbo inline-4 engine making 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. However, there is a choice between a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission. With the automatic transmission, the torque output bumps to 199 lb-ft. The Volkswagen Golfreaches 60 mph from zero in 8.6 seconds and can manage a combined fuel economy between 28 and 29 mpg depending on the transmission. While we’re on the topic of choices, the 7 striking colors the Volkswagen Golf comes in really pull you towards itself. 

Buying Advice

The Volkswagen Golf comes in 2 trims out of which the TSI SE trim holds the best value. Standard features such as satellite radio, cruise control, heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, etc is what gets on top of everything standard on the base trim. 

Trims

    S
    $20,910 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Cross-Traffic Alert
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    SE
    $23,655 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • V-Tex leatherette Seat trim
    SEL
    $30,245 onwards
    • Engine: 1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 170 hp @ 4500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 199 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 28 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$20,910- $30,245

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.68

Horsepower

170 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque

199 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$34,700

Gasoline

7.85

306 hp @ 6500 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

4

Read Review

$23,475- $30,565

hybrid

7.43

121 hp @ 5200 rpm

105 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.6 sec15.3 sec-
    5.2 sec13.7 sec168 mph
    9.7 sec18.9 sec-

    2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      25 mpg34 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.330/448.8 mi.
      54 mpg50 mpg52 mpg11.3 gal.610.2/565 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg12.4 gal.272.8/347.2 mi.

      2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        167.6 in.70.8 in.58.2 in.5.4 in.103.8 in.
        179.4 in.73.9 in.56.5 in.5 in.106.3 in.
        178.7 in.69.3 in.58.1 in.5.1 in.106.3 in.

        2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

        Ranked #3

        170.9 in.70.7 in.57.7 in.5.9 in.104.3 in.

        2018 Volkswagen Golf R

        Ranked #4

        168.4 in.70.8 in.56.5 in.4.8 in.103.5 in.

        2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

        Ranked #5

        168 in.70.8 in.57.8 in.5.1 in.103.6 in.

        2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.4 cu.ft.93.5 cu.ft.53.7 cu.ft.
          24.6 cu.ft.93.1 cu.ft.126 cu.ft.
          25.7 cu.ft.97 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.

          2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            53.7 cu.ft.17.4 cu.ft.53.7 cu.ft.
            126 cu.ft.24.6 cu.ft.126 cu.ft.
            46.2 cu.ft.25.7 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.

            2018 Volkswagen Golf vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              981 lbs.2963 lbs.
              763 lbs.3117 lbs.
              825 lbs.3075 lbs.

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              0-60 : 6.6 sec

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