Volkswagen Golf GTI MPG by Year & Engine (EPA)

EPA fuel-economy ratings for every rated Volkswagen Golf GTI model year from 1985 to 2021 — each engine and transmission with its official city, highway and combined figures. Over these years the Golf GTI 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 GTI fuel economy by year

YearCombinedEnginesMedian used priceFor sale
2021 32–33 MPG 1.4L 4-cyl $23,297 24 listings
2020 31–32 MPG 1.4L 4-cyl $20,200 50 listings
2019 32 MPG 1.4L 4-cyl $19,995 39 listings
2018 28–29 MPG 1.8L 4-cyl $16,995 25 listings
2017 29 MPG 1.8L 4-cyl $15,000 131 listings
2016 29 MPG 1.8L 4-cyl $12,999 35 listings
2015 29–35 MPG 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl $12,217 66 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, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
1999 22–24 MPG 2.0L 4-cyl
1998 22–24 MPG 2.0L 4-cyl
1997 22–37 MPG 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
1996 22–38 MPG 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
1993 21–24 MPG 2.0L 4-cyl
1992 23–25 MPG 1.8L 4-cyl
1991 23–25 MPG 1.8L 4-cyl
1990 23–25 MPG 1.8L 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
1985 23–35 MPG 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2021 Golf GTI 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 $23,297 on VehiSales (24 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2020 Golf GTI 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 $20,200 on VehiSales (50 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2019 Golf GTI 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 $19,995 on VehiSales (39 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2018 Golf GTI 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 $16,995 on VehiSales (25 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2017 Golf GTI 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 $15,000 on VehiSales (131 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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

2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2016 Golf GTI 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 $12,999 on VehiSales (35 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2015 Golf GTI 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 $12,217 on VehiSales (66 for sale).

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic (AM-S6) Diesel 31 41 35 MPG
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 6-spd Diesel 30 43 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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2014 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2013 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2012 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 Manual 5-spd Regular 23 33 26 MPG
Golf 2.5L 5-cyl Automatic (S6) Regular 24 31 26 MPG

2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2011 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 26 to 32 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 27 MPG
Golf 2.5L 5-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 23 33 26 MPG

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2010 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl), with combined economy from 25 to 32 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 23 30 26 MPG
Golf 2.5L 5-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 30 25 MPG

2006 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 2006 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 34 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2005 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 35 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2004 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 24 to 36 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2003 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 38 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2002 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 38 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2001 Golf GTI 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.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 2000 Golf GTI 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.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 21 28 24 MPG
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 1999 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 24 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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

1998 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1998 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 24 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 28 24 MPG
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 19 26 22 MPG

1997 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1997 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 37 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Diesel 33 44 37 MPG
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 29 24 MPG
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 19 26 22 MPG

1996 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1996 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 38 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.9L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Diesel 34 44 38 MPG
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 20 28 23 MPG
Golf/GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 19 26 22 MPG

1993 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1993 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (2.0L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 21 to 24 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf III / GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 21 29 24 MPG
Golf III / GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 19 27 22 MPG
Golf III / GTI 2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 4-spd Regular 18 26 21 MPG

1992 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1992 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 29 25 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG

1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1991 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 29 25 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG

1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1990 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 22 29 25 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 26 23 MPG

1989 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1989 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 34 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 1988 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 2 versions (1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 25 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 1987 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 33 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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 GTI: engines & MPG

The 1986 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 3 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 22 to 35 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
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

1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI: engines & MPG

The 1985 Golf GTI was EPA-rated in 4 versions (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl), with combined economy from 23 to 35 MPG.

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCityHwyCombined
Golf/GTI 1.6L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Diesel 31 41 35 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 23 31 26 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Manual 5-spd Regular 23 29 25 MPG
Golf/GTI 1.8L 4-cyl Automatic 3-spd Regular 21 25 23 MPG

Frequently asked questions

What MPG does a Volkswagen Golf GTI get?

Depending on year and engine, EPA combined ratings for the Golf GTI range from 24 to 38 MPG. The most efficient rated version is the 2003 model year.

What engines does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI have?

The 2021 Golf GTI 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 GTI 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.

About this data: EPA ratings from the official U.S. DOE/EPA dataset (fueleconomy.gov), as of July 2026; refreshed monthly. Market prices and listing counts are live medians from VehiSales inventory, updated daily. How to cite: “VehiSales Research, Volkswagen Golf GTI EPA Fuel Economy by Model Year” with a link to https://vehisales.com/research/fuel-economy/volkswagen/golf-gti.

See also: Volkswagen Golf GTI hub — live listings, prices & reliability · Used Volkswagen Golf GTI prices by year · Most fuel-efficient cars by segment · Model price trends. Media inquiries: [email protected].

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