2020 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Hatchback provides plenty of trunk space
- Excellent ride comfort
- Quiet cabin
Cons
- Lacks the luxury and convenience features you might expect
- Acceleration is mediocre at best
- Few options to choose from
Mileage (EPA estimate)
28 city, 35 highway, 31 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Peppy, practical, and straightforward.
If you're looking for a car that's practical but also has plenty of pep and personality, the 2020 Volkswagen Golf may be right for you. The Golf is a four-door hatchback that's equally at home commuting through the city, bringing your family to a beach day, or transporting instruments to your next gig. The 2020 Golf keeps things simple with one trim level, though there are plenty of tech and driver-assistance features that come standard, as well as upscale touches like a sunroof. A standard turbocharged engine makes the Golf fun to drive, while the hatchback styling gives it great European appeal. Keep reading our 2020 Volkswagen Golf review to discover why the Golf might be the car for you.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?
- The Golf is available in a new trim called the TSI.
- The R and SE trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- The S trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Leatherette Seats, and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.
2020 Volkswagen Golf trims
Curious how Volkswagen Golf trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesTSI:
Includes 147-hp engine, manual transmission, available automatic transmission, leather-wrapped seats, heated front seats, sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more.
View all Volkswagen Golf TSIs in stock
Volkswagen Golf photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Golf
1. Peppy, turbocharged engine
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf comes standard with a 1.4L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower—enough to move quickly, whether you're accelerating from a stop or cruising down the highway on the way to work. The Golf also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, or you can shop for a model with the available eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic has Sport mode and a Tiptronic transmission, which allows you to use the paddle shifters.
2. Lots of standard features
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf has plenty of standard features. All 2020 Golfs have leatherette seats—which are heated in the front—and a power-tilting sunroof. You'll also have access to tech features like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® connectivity, making it easy to turn on your favorite music or podcast on your commute. With just one trim, finding the Golf for you is simple.
3. Driver-assistance features
The 2020 Golf comes standard with driver aids that can give you peace of mind on the road; chief among them is the Volkswagen Intelligent Response Crash System. If you're in an accident, this system unlocks the car doors, turns on interior lights and hazard flashers, and turns off the engine and electronics. All of the Golf's standard driver aids, including emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, are designed to give you confidence on the road.
4. Capable cargo hold
Whether you're packing your golf clubs for a day on the course or folding up a stroller, the cargo hold of the VW Golf is up for the job. The 2020 Golf has 16.5 cubic feet of space with the cargo shelf in place, increasing to 22.8 cubic feet when it's taken out. The 60/40 split on the back seat allows you to balance cargo and passenger needs for your next adventure.
5. Outstanding styling
With its hatchback design, the Golf is evocative of European chic. The Golf is streamlined inside and out to feel stylish yet comfortable. Touches like the standard sunroof, daytime running lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels add to the Golf's appeal. This is a car that you'll enjoy looking back at in the parking lot.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Volkswagen Golf, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Mazda Mazda3 is available as a hatchback or sedan, both of which have seating for five. The car was redesigned in 2019 and has been available in front- or all-wheel drive ever since. The Mazda3 has strong engine options and standard features, giving you the chance to find a model that suits your driving style, no matter where you want to go.
Here's what you'll find standard on the 2019-2021 Mazda Mazda3 hatchback:
8.8-inch display screen
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car with seating for five. It's available as a sedan or hatchback, and only in front-wheel drive. It has a 2.0L four-cylinder base engine that produces 147 hp in 2017-2019 models and 128 hp in 2020-2022 models. The Elantra is a good-looking vehicle that's also practical for city living.
Here's what you'll find on the 2017-2021 Hyundai Elantra:
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Available lane keep assist and other driver aids (standard on 2020 and later)
The Honda Civic is a great compact car that's available as a hatchback, sedan, or coupe. (The coupe is only available before the 2021 model year.) The Civic offers many trims, body styles, and engine options, so you can find the model that's right for you.
Here's what you'll find on the 2017-2021 Honda Civic:
Seven-inch touchscreen
Available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Available turbocharged engine options
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
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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
TSI 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Manual Transmission
- 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
- Full Roof Rack
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
Manual 6
2020 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
Volkswagen Golfs are generally considered fun to drive, as the 147-hp engine provides plenty of power for the road. Plus, the available Tiptronic transmission and Sport mode can give the Golf extra pizazz if you really want to jazz up your commute.
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf only comes in front-wheel drive, which is decent but not outstanding in the snow. For an all-wheel-drive option, consider the 2019 or prior Golf models, which offer available AWD.
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf comes in one trim only. It has upscale touches as standard, including leatherette seats and a sunroof. This makes it easy to find the 2020 model that's right for you.
More about the 2020 Volkswagen Golf
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Black Pearl
Platinum Gray Metallic
Pure White
Silk Blue Metallic
Tungsten Silver Metallic
White Silver Metallic
Interior colors:
Beige
Black
Interior details
The 2020 VW Golf comes standard with leatherette seats. The front seats are heated for those chilly mornings and are six-way adjustable, with lumbar support for maximum comfort. The rear seats offer 35.6 inches of legroom, which is great for adults. Behind the seats, the Golf has 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 52.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. The Golf has a 6.5-inch display screen and a USB-C port, and a sunroof comes standard.
Child seat details
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf has two sets of LATCH anchors in the rear outboard seats. All three rear seats have car seat tethers, although fitting three seats in the Golf is unlikely. Rear-facing car seats can also be difficult to place in the Golf without impacting the legroom of the driver or the front passenger.
Performance
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf comes standard with a 147-hp 1.4L four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. The available automatic transmission adds Sport mode and paddle shifters. The 2020 Golf accelerates from zero to 60 in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new). The 2020 Golf with the standard 1.4L four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined.
Year comparison
2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf (seventh generation)
The seventh generation of the Volkswagen Golf focuses on athletic performance and smart styling while maintaining practicality. In model years 2015-2019, the Golf came with plenty of engine options: the base engine, a more powerful option, a fully electric engine, and a diesel engine. In those years, the Golf offered all-wheel drive and an array of trim levels. For 2020-2021 the Golf lineup was condensed and streamlined, offering just one engine option and one trim level.
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