2021 Volkswagen Golf — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback powered by a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 40 mpg (UK) / 33 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 38–40 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Golf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Volkswagen Golf: Fuel economy improves from 38 to 40 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. 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) | 40 combined / 35 urban / 47 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 33 combined / 29 city / 39 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 166 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf, all with the 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 32 to 33 mpg (US), or 38 to 40 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. 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 (29/36) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (29/39) | 166 | $2,050 |
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 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Running Costs: 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Volkswagen Golf at 40 mpg combined, expect roughly 909 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,050 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.
2021 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 20V716000, reported 18 November 2020. Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volkswagen Golf. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (6), Power train (2), Engine (2). Complaints include 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 64 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (6 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (2 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (2 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
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 2021 Volkswagen Golf's 40 mpg is 7 mpg above that make average. Its 166 g/km CO₂ figure is 47 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (40 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 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 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 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
The most efficient configuration returns around 40 mpg (UK) combined, or 33 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 38 to 40 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,050 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 2021 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 2021 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2021 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1). 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 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
Among the 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (6 complaints), Power train (2 complaints), Engine (2 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 2021 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.