2017 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- A peppy and fun engine
- Excellent cargo space
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- No two-door version
- Lacks many of the tech features competitors have
- The automatic transmission is rough at slow speeds
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $15,998*
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Function and fun blended into a hatchback
It’s got four doors and is ready to go. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback that’s as engaging to drive as it is comfortable. Thanks to the interior space offered by the hatchback styling, there's lots of passenger space in all five seats. Plus, the taller height and rear hatch give you easier loading access into the cargo space. Additionally, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is snappy off the line and has the power for highway passing, and the five-speed manual transmission lets you get the most out of the engine.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf?
- Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance and features.
- Trim Discontinued: Base Model, streamlining the lineup.
- Standard Equipment on all: Now includes advanced safety features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
- New Equipment: All trims now feature a larger infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Volkswagen Golf photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volkswagen Golf
1. Plush and supportive seats
Whether enjoying a long road trip or running errands around town, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf seating stays comfortable without feeling too soft. Plus, the raised sides and lumbar support hold you comfortably while you zip around. Additionally, the leatherette upholstery and heated front seats in the Wolfsburg trim improve the overall interior look and feel.
2. An engaging driving experience
Sport-tuned suspension and a quick-shifting five-speed manual in the 2017 Volkswagen Golf deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Plus, when you put your foot down, the turbocharged engine and available six-speed automatic transmission get from zero to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds (when new). So, whether you’re enjoying a scenic ride through twisting back roads or overtaking on the highway, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf delivers the performance you want.
3. Turbocharge your drive
At the front of every 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a 170-hp turbocharged 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission by default. That 1.8 L engine and manual transmission deliver 36 mpg highway and 25 mpg city in EPA-estimated fuel economy.
However, a six-speed automatic transmission is available, which has snappy responsiveness at highway speeds.4. The Wolfsburg trim
Because there are only two versions of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, you get a comprehensive list of comfort and tech features in the upgraded Wolfsburg trim. For example, Wolfsburg tech features include Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and VW Car-Net Connect that lets you control some functions from an app (subscription required). Plus, a selection of conveniences and active driver assists round out the impressive list of Wolfsburg features.
5. Impressive cargo capacity
One of the advantages a 2017 Volkswagen Golf enjoys over compact sedans is its hatchback styling. The shape creates ample interior space that provides almost SUV-like cargo capacity numbers. For example, the rear trunk is 22.8 cu-ft, which is plenty for daily activities, but that opens up into a whopping 52.7 cu-ft when you fold the second-row seats down.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
4 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 3 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 1 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Golf an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Golf 26th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen GolfVolkswagen Golf features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Golf trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Wolfsburg Edition 4D Hatchback 2WD
Standard Features
- Power Locks
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- ABS Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Traction Control
- Rear View Camera
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Side Airbags
- Air Conditioning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Windows
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Defroster
- Heated Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- CD Audio
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- AM/FM Stereo
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Automated Cruise Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.8L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.8"
Overall length
167.5"
Width
70.8"
Height
57.2"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35.6"
Head room
F 38.4"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P205/55HR16
Rear tires
P205/55HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Volkswagen Golf, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Volkswagen Golf Reviews.
The Volkswagen Golf received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Golf as 26 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf: Pros - Fuel Economy - Ride and Handling - Value Cons - Cargo Space - Cost to Maintain - Interior Space
Here is what's new for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf:
- Wolfsburg Edition
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Lane Departure Warning
- Remote Start
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 25 city / 36 highway MPG (Wolfsburg Edition trim) • Gas: 25 city / 35 highway MPG (SEL trim) • Gas: 25 city / 36 highway MPG (S trim) • Gas: 23 city / 30 highway MPG (R trim) • Gas: 25 city / 35 highway MPG (SE trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
Research other vehicles
- 2025 BMW X3 review
- 2021 BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid review
- 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited review
- 2025 Chevrolet Malibu review
- 2023 Dodge Challenger Hellcat review
- 2023 Dodge Charger review
- All things EV
- 2013 Toyota Prius c review
- 2025 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2012 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2014 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2020 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2022 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2023 Volkswagen Golf review
- 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge PHEV review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.