DecodedCars2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–228 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 29 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2021 compact car (27.5 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 228 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2021 models.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (29 city / 39 highway), 20% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Golf/GTI — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Golf/GTI →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +20% | $2,050 | 267 |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +16% | $2,100 | 279 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | -2% | $2,500 | 324 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -5% | $2,600 | 343 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.4% |
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Nov 18, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V716000 · 32,048 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91BB/91BC.
Not every 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 63 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2017 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 117 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | Not rated | 9 | 85 |
| 2015 Golf/GTI | 35 | – | Not rated | 12 | 131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →