2021 Volkswagen Golf Pros vs Cons

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a compact four-door hatchback. It offers a surprising amount of interior room and cargo space considering its overall size. Steering and handling are exceptional, and the ride quality is smooth, thanks to a great chassis and suspension system. The base model provides great fuel efficiency while the GTI models offer excellent performance.

There are a number of good reasons to buy a 2021 Volkswagen Golf. There are also a few drawbacks you should be aware of before making a decision. It is also important to look at how the Golf stacks up against its competition. Here are some lists of the top things to consider before making a purchase.

What's New for 2021?

There aren't too many new additions for the 2021 models of the Volkswagen Golf. A few of the previous optional features now come standard. This includes a panoramic sunroof and leatherette upholstery. A set of 16-inch wheels and push-button start are now standard as well.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2021 Volkswagen Golf – The Pros

1. Cargo Space in a Compact Car

There's a lot of cargo space inside of this small hatchback. With all of the seats in use, it's a respectable 17.4 cubic-feet of space. Once you fold down the rear seats, however, this amount is greatly expanded. You have a maximum cargo space of up to 53.7 cubic feet. Those numbers are fantastic for this size and class of vehicle.

2. It's Fun To Drive

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf offers excellent steering and handling. The steering is responsive and feels great. This little hatchback hugs tight curves in the road with ease. The chassis makes sure there is little body roll when you hit a sharp turn. The suspension system soaks up most of what the road throws at it. There's a sporty and athletic feeling to the driving dynamics that makes this car a joy to drive.

3. It's Practical and Fuel Efficient

The ample cargo space isn't the only reason why the Golf is a practical vehicle to own. The Golf is also an efficient hatchback. It should save you a lot of money over the long haul. According to the EPA, you should get around 29 miles-per-gallon in the city and 39 miles-per-gallon on the highway. Those numbers come from a Golf equipped with a standard transmission system. They may differ slightly with an automatic transmission.

4. Athletic Performance From the GTI

If you need a hot hatch with the performance capabilities of a sports car, the Golf GTI may be right for you. This model of the Golf has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that can crank out 228 horsepower. Acceleration is fantastic with this model. When combined with the excellent handling and fantastic suspension system, this is an exhilarating hatchback to drive.

5. Two Excellent Transmission Systems

No matter what engine you get, there are two excellent transmission systems available for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf. It's nice just having the option between an automatic and a manual. The automatic is an 8-speed while the manual is a 6-speed. Both options work smoothly and shift accurately. The clutch pedal with the manual transmission is extremely easy to use.

6. A High-Quality Interior

The seats are supportive and comfortable. They come covered in V-Tex leatherette, which feels remarkably like real leather. Even better, it's easier to clean and maintain than real leather. The seats are power adjustable and offer heating up front.

The interior design is focused on the driver's experience. The interior is open and airy with plenty of space for maximum comfort. All of the gauges are easy to see, and all of the controls are within easy reach.

7. A Nice Infotainment System

The infotainment system features a large 6.5-inch touchscreen display. There are several USB ports for connecting or charging your smart devices. Bluetooth technology makes it easy to stream your favorite tunes. The infotainment system can be used to connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

8. Modern Driver-Assist Technology

Volkswagen has packed the latest Golf with plenty of modern technology. Driver-assist technology makes driving and parking both easier and safer. The 2021 Golf has a Blind-Spot Monitor to increase driver awareness. It covers potential blind-spots in front of the vehicle as well as cross traffic to the rear. The Golf also has a Forward-Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.

9. Good Crash-Test Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performs a number of tests on vehicles each year. These tests are designed to assess just how safe the vehicles are in a number of categories. They can give you a good idea of how the vehicle will hold up in the event of a collision. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf scored a perfect five-out-of-five in the NHTSA Overall Crash Test.

10. The Safety Features

Every Golf comes equipped with a rear-view camera system. This makes parking and backing out of driveways a lot safer. The frame incorporates a safety cage with crumple zones to protect passengers during a crash. The Tire-Pressure Monitor makes sure the tires are always inflated to a safe level. The Intelligent Crash Response System cuts off the fuel pump, unlocks all doors and activates the hazard lights when the airbags are deployed.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2021 Volkswagen Golf – The Cons

1. The Golf Is Missing All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive is a popular feature for compact crossover vehicles and hatchbacks like the Golf. Unfortunately, Volkswagen does not offer this feature for the Golf. Still, the Golf handles well and offers fantastic driving dynamics. While some will be disappointed, others won't mind the lack of all-wheel drive.

2. The Base Engine Lacks Passing Power

The base engine for the Golf is a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces around 147 horsepower. While that may seem like a low number, it's really not bad when you're just zipping around town. Keep in mind that the Golf is a small, lightweight vehicle. The problem comes when you need some passing power at higher speeds. Unfortunately, at those times, the engine just can't cut it.

3. Its Design Isn't for Everyone

Golf fans love the classic look of this vehicle, but it's not for everyone. The 2021 Volkswagen Golf has a simple and boxy exterior design. There are competitors in its class that offer more elegant looks and others with an aggressive, sporty design. The Golf is neither of those things.

4. This Will Be Its Last Year

After the 2021 models, there will no longer be a standard Volkswagen Golf sold in North America. This leaves some uncertainty about long-term support and parts availability for the vehicle. This shouldn't be too concerning, however, as Volkswagen still plans to sell the Golf GTI models next year. Although Volkswagen likes to treat the Golf GTI like a separate vehicle, it's built on the same platform and has the same appearance as a standard Golf.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2021 Volkswagen Golf vs 2021 Ford Focus

Ford's Focus has a lot in common with the Volkswagen Golf. One thing the Focus has going for it is that it's a lot cheaper than the Golf. The Golf, however, does come with a lot more standard features. The base engines have comparable performance with the Ford offering slightly more horsepower while Volkswagen offers more torque.

The Golf provides a more refined riding experience and has much better handling. It's overall a lot more fun to drive. It's more practical to own too, with better fuel efficiency and more cargo room. The rear-seat area is larger in the Golf, making it more comfortable for your passengers.

The Golf may be more expensive, but all of the extras and the better fuel economy make it a bargain. The extra storage space, great handling and comfortable ride makes it a better buy than the Ford Focus.

2021 Volkswagen Golf vs 2021 Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper has a distinct European style that will appeal to some buyers more than the boxy Volkswagen Golf. It also offers a fun driving experience with exceptional handling. The Mini Cooper has more options and more trim levels to customize the ride to your liking. You can get a base Mini at a lower cost than the cheapest Golf too.

For overall performance, the base models are comparable. The Golf GTI model, however, is better than any version of the Mini Cooper. The Golf once again has a better ride quality. The interior is nicer in the Golf, and there's more cargo space. Volkswagen offers more standard features in their base model than Mini does.

Many buyers will choose between these two vehicles based on appearance. It will all depend on their personal preference. If performance, comfort and practicality are your priorities, the Volkswagen Golf is the better vehicle.

Conclusion

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a fine choice if you're looking for a compact hatchback. You get a lot of cargo space in a small vehicle that's easy to park and maneuver around town in. It's fun to drive too, with its smooth ride quality and excellent handling. The interior is quite nice, and there are plenty of high-end features that come standard. A suite of driver-assist technology and safety features make it a sound purchase for families or single drivers.