2019 Volkswagen Golf — Full Specifications
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The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback powered by a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Golf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2018 Volkswagen Golf: Fuel economy improves from 35 to 38 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2019: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo. No longer listed: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 93 cu ft (2,633 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 170 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf, all with the 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 171 | $2,100 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 170 | $2,100 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf
Running Costs: 2019 Volkswagen Golf
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2019 Volkswagen Golf at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2019 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2019 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Fuel system (1), Tires (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 24V110000, reported 14 February 2024. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V604000, reported 30 August 2023. Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Tires — campaign 22V815000, reported 31 October 2022. Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Unspecified — campaign 21V321000, reported 5 May 2021. Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf. The most-reported areas are Engine (40), Power train (17), Unspecified (16). Complaints include 4 reported crashes. That is well above the median of 64 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (40 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 15 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (17 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2019 Volkswagen Golf's 38 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 170 g/km CO₂ figure is 43 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years we cover, the 2019 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Volkswagen Golf year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have?
It's fitted with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2019 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (2), Fuel system (1), Tires (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
Among the 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (40 complaints), Power train (17 complaints), Unspecified (16 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.