Volkswagen Golf MPG by Year & Engine (EPA)
EPA fuel-economy ratings for every rated Volkswagen Golf model year from 1986 to 2021 — each engine and transmission with its official city, highway and combined figures. Over these years the Golf has been offered with 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl, 1.9L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl engines; the most efficient version is the 2003 (up to 38 MPG combined). Data: U.S. Department of Energy & EPA, fueleconomy.gov; prices are live medians from VehiSales listings.
Volkswagen Golf fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Engines | Median used price | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 32–33 MPG | 1.4L 4-cyl | $16,980 | 25 listings |
| 2020 | 31–32 MPG | 1.4L 4-cyl | $15,849 | 32 listings |
| 2019 | 32 MPG | 1.4L 4-cyl | $16,990 | 39 listings |
| 2018 | 28–29 MPG | 1.8L 4-cyl | $13,995 | 51 listings |
| 2017 | 29 MPG | 1.8L 4-cyl | $12,489 | 150 listings |
| 2016 | 29 MPG | 1.8L 4-cyl | $11,999 | 90 listings |
| 2015 | 29–35 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl | $10,703 | 160 listings |
| 2014 | 26–32 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl | — | — |
| 2013 | 26–32 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl | — | — |
| 2012 | 26–32 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl | — | — |
| 2011 | 26–32 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl | — | — |
| 2010 | 25–32 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl | — | — |
| 2006 | 24–34 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2005 | 24–35 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2004 | 24–36 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2003 | 23–38 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2002 | 23–38 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2001 | 22–38 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 2000 | 22–38 MPG | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1999 | 22–24 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1995 | 22–24 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1994 | 21–24 MPG | 2.0L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1989 | 22–34 MPG | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1988 | 23–25 MPG | 1.8L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1987 | 22–33 MPG | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl | — | — |
| 1986 | 22–35 MPG | 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl | — | — |
2021 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2021 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.4L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 32 to 33 MPG. Used 2021 models currently list for a median of $16,980 on VehiSales (25 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 29 | 39 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 36 | 32 MPG |
2020 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2020 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.4L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 31 to 32 MPG. Used 2020 models currently list for a median of $15,849 on VehiSales (32 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 35 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 28 | 36 | 31 MPG |
2019 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2019 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.4L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 32 MPG. Used 2019 models currently list for a median of $16,990 on VehiSales (39 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Regular | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
2018 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2018 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 28 to 29 MPG. Used 2018 models currently list for a median of $13,995 on VehiSales (51 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 25 | 34 | 29 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 24 | 33 | 28 MPG |
2017 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2017 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 29 MPG. Used 2017 models currently list for a median of $12,489 on VehiSales (150 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 25 | 35 | 29 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 25 | 36 | 29 MPG |
2016 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2016 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy of 29 MPG. Used 2016 models currently list for a median of $11,999 on VehiSales (90 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 25 | 36 | 29 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 25 | 35 | 29 MPG |
2015 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2015 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 29 to 35 MPG. Used 2015 models currently list for a median of $10,703 on VehiSales (160 for sale).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 30 | 43 | 35 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Diesel | 31 | 41 | 35 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 25 | 36 | 29 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 25 | 35 | 29 MPG |
2014 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2014 Golf was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 29 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 23 | 30 | 26 MPG |
2013 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2013 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 29 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 33 | 26 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 26 MPG |
2012 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2012 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 29 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 26 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 33 | 26 MPG |
2011 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2011 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 29 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 24 | 31 | 27 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 33 | 26 MPG |
2010 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2010 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 25 to 32 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Diesel | 29 | 37 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Diesel | 29 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Regular | 23 | 30 | 26 MPG |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 22 | 30 | 25 MPG |
2006 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2006 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 34 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 31 | 40 | 34 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Diesel | 28 | 40 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 27 | 24 MPG |
2005 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2005 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 35 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 32 | 41 | 35 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Diesel | 28 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
2004 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2004 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 36 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 32 | 42 | 36 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Diesel | 28 | 39 | 32 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
2003 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2003 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 38 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 MPG |
2002 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2002 Golf was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 38 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 MPG |
2001 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2001 Golf was EPA-rated in 6 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 38 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 22 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
2000 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 2000 Golf was EPA-rated in 6 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 38 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 35 | 44 | 38 MPG |
| Golf | 1.9L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Diesel | 29 | 40 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Premium | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Premium | 19 | 26 | 22 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 26 | 22 MPG |
1999 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1999 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 24 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 MPG |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 26 | 22 MPG |
1995 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1995 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 24 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf III | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 MPG |
| Golf III | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
1994 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1994 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 24 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf III | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 MPG |
| Golf III | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 18 | 26 | 21 MPG |
1989 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1989 Golf was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 34 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 31 | 39 | 34 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 22 | 31 | 25 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 20 | 26 | 22 MPG |
1988 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1988 Golf was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 22 | 30 | 25 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 MPG |
1987 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1987 Golf was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 33 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 31 | 37 | 33 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 21 | 25 | 22 MPG |
1986 Volkswagen Golf: engines & MPG
The 1986 Golf was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 35 MPG.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Diesel | 31 | 40 | 35 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 MPG |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 21 | 25 | 22 MPG |
Frequently asked questions
What MPG does a Volkswagen Golf get?
Depending on year and engine, EPA combined ratings for the Golf range from 24 to 38 MPG. The most efficient rated version is the 2003 model year.
What engines does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf have?
The 2021 Golf was EPA-rated with 1.4L 4-cyl engines — see the 2021 table above for each version's exact city/highway figures.
Does the Volkswagen Golf require premium gas?
Some versions do: EPA lists regular gasoline and diesel and premium gasoline depending on year and engine — check your year's table above.
https://vehisales.com/research/fuel-economy/volkswagen/golf.
Fuel economy of other models
Volkswagen Tiguan MPG by year · Volkswagen Atlas MPG by year · Volkswagen Jetta MPG by year · Volkswagen Taos MPG by year · Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport MPG by year
See also: Volkswagen Golf hub — live listings, prices & reliability · Used Volkswagen Golf prices by year · Most fuel-efficient cars by segment · Model price trends. Media inquiries: [email protected].