2021 Volkswagen GolfFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
29
MPG
Highway
39
MPG
Combined
33
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 1 owner report via EPA fueleconomy.gov
37.2MPG average+12.8% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 33 MPG · Owner reported avg: 37.2 MPG
Driving mix: City 30% / Highway 70%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 37.2 real world MPG based on 1 owner report. EPA combined rating is 33 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 6-spd
Regular
City
29
Hwy
39
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,050/yr
Automatic (S8)
Regular
City
29
Hwy
36
Comb
32
Fuel cost: $2,100/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 6-spd | Regular | 29 | 39 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Automatic (S8) | Regular | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,100 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,050
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$1,750
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: 7/10
GHG Score: 7/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 267 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.0 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 8-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.4L, 4-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Direct Injection
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,041/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,708/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,767/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,880/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,055/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,050/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,541/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,099/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,975/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,022/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,041/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,708/yrHIGHEST | +$667 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,767/yrLOWEST | $-274 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,880/yr | $-161 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,055/yr | +$14 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,050/yr | +$9 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,541/yr | +$500 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $2,099/yr | +$58 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,975/yr | $-66 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,022/yr | $-19 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 33 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov)Overall Safety Rating
5/5
2021 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD
Crash Test Scores
| Front Crash — Overall | |
| Front Crash — Driver Side | |
| Front Crash — Passenger Side | |
| Side Crash — Overall | |
| Side Crash — Driver Side | |
| Side Crash — Passenger Side | |
| Side Pole Crash | |
| Rollover | |
| Rollover Probability | 13.4% |
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: No
6
Owner Complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
Recall History1
Source: NHTSARelated
Volkswagen Golf MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year