2019 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- SUV-like cargo capacity
- Above-average interior quality
- Sporty handling
Cons
- Lacks a few driver-assist and tech features
- Overly sensitive brakes
- Merely adequate power
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The Volkswagen Golf gets a new engine and transmission for 2019
It's a good idea to get the smallest vehicle that meets your needs; that way you pay only for what you need and will typically spend less on fuel. That's easier said than done now that shoppers have experienced the convenience of SUVs, but there's a small group of hatchbacks that could fill the gap between traditional sedans and crossovers.
The Volkswagen Golf has a long history of delivering the space and flexibility that hatchbacks are known for. For 2019, the Golf has a new drivetrain, consisting of a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. This new engine is down on horsepower but produces the same amount of torque as before, so it should drive similarly. The payoff comes at the gas pump, as the 2019 Golf enjoys an EPA-estimated 4 mpg advantage over the 2018 model. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Overall, the 2019 VW Golf is a strong rival to the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda3, even though we would appreciate a few more tech features.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
- The SEL trim has been discontinued for 2019.
- Golf trims have been upgraded with Full Roof Rack and Cassette Player as standard equipment this year.
- Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.
- The S trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2019 Volkswagen Golf trims
Curious how Volkswagen Golf trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
- 147-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
- 168-hp, 199-lb-ft of torque 1.8L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Volkswagen Golf S inventory
SE:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Leatherette Seats
- Sunroofs
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Lane Departure Warning
- CD Audio
- View our Volkswagen Golf SE inventory
R:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- 288-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Automated Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Adjustable Suspension
- Navigation System
- Fender Audio
- View our Volkswagen Golf R inventory
Volkswagen Golf photos
What We Like
Large cargo space: Behind the rear seats, the Golf can hold up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo. That's marginally more than the rival Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla hatchbacks, as well as some small SUVs. Fold the rear seats flat into the floor and that capacity expands to 53.7 cubic feet, one of the largest in the class.
Refined interior: The Golf's interior benefits from some higher quality materials when compared to rivals' cabins that have a bit more hard plastic elements. The sturdier and soft-touch surfaces in the Golf give it a more upmarket appearance and feel, but there are still a few creaky plastic bits tucked away.
Fun-to-drive: In general, hatchbacks tend to be more entertaining to drive than the sedans that many are based on. The VW Golf takes that athleticism just a bit further by tuning the suspension for sportier handling. It should get some spirited drivers to smile on a fun road and instill confidence for plenty more, without negatively affecting comfort.
What Needs Improvement
Some popular features are missing: The base 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is rather small for the class, but an eight-inch display is offered on the SE trim. The system is further limited by a single USB port and the lack of a native navigation system. You get the basic driver-assist features expected from a hatchback, but items such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance are absent.
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Ratings & reliability
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
SE 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Alloy Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.4L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.8"
Overall length
167.6"
Width
70.8"
Height
58.2"
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
2019 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE: 29 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- R: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- S: 29 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
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 25 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Volkswagen Golf, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Volkswagen Golf Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf:
- Full Roof Rack
- Cassette Player
- Remote Start
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitor
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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.
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