hamburger icon

2018 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 TSI S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $20,910
2018 TSI SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Hatchback Price:   -  From $23,655

Overview

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf is peppy, practical, and on point. An affordable hatchback that starts at $21,760 (including an $850 destination charge), the latest Golf is available in two trims, returns excellent fuel economy, and is loaded with safety and technology features that offer consumers plenty of bang for their buck. The Golf is an exceptional vehicle for single commuters, those with small families, or consumers looking for a fun-to-drive and reliable daily driver.

What's New for 2018

Volkswagen dropped last year's range-topping SEL and Wolfsburg Edition models, moving the five-door Golf to a two-trim lineup with the S and SE. Standard LED taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a new 6.5-inch infotainment center lead the list of changes to the S, while the SE gains standard 16-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and automatic dimming mirrors.

Volkswagen Golf

Choosing Your Volkswagen Golf

The Golf's standard 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine belts out 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while upgrading to a six-speed automatic requires an additional $1,100. In manual transmission configuration, the Volkswagen Golf returns an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 36 mpg highway. With the automatic, fuel economy drops to 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Golf is but the base of an entire family of products – Volkswagen offers an all-electric e-Golf, along with two high-performance variants in the GTI and Golf R, a long-roof Sportwagen, or a high-riding proto-crossover, with the Alltrack. Each of these variants is listed separately.

Volkswagen dropped the three-door Golf body a few years back, leaving customers with a five-door hatchback that features 60/40-split rear seating and 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Automatic emergency braking is standard on all Golf models, as is intelligent crash response, which will shut off the fuel pump, unlock doors, and automatically activates hazard lights when the vehicle is involved in an accident.

While there are a plethora of dealer add-ons, there are no option packages available for the S or SE in 2018.

Volkswagen Golf

S

The entry-level Volkswagen Golf S starts at $21,760. This front-wheel driven hatch rides on 15-inch wheels, is available in seven exterior colors, and two cloth interior patterns.

The base S features standard power windows, cruise control, a review camera, and partial power front seats. When consumers select the automatic transmission, paddle shifters are added to the steering wheel. A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, USB and SD card interfaces, and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices.

Volkswagen Golf

SE

The SE starts at $24,505, stands on 16-inch wheels, and is packed with additional upgrades that justify the extra $2,745 expense.

A panoramic tilting and sliding sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, and fog lights kick off the list of upgrades for the SE. This model includes beige or black leatherette upholstery, keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, and additional safety systems including pedestrian detection for the forward collision warning system and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SE also features an eight-inch touchscreen media display which includes a three-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial. This system includes the VW Car-Net Security and Service suite, which allows users to obtain access to their Golf via a smartphone app or online.

CarsDirect Tip

While VW has been in PR damage control for the past few years, the gas-powered Golf continues to be one of the company's more dependable models. The lack of extra add-ons might deter some consumers, but overall, the S or SE offer features that will please most potential buyers. We'd recommend spending the extra on the Golf SE – while the S' feature set is fine, there's a lot more value in moving up to the range-topping model.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Golf »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Since Giorgetto Guigiaro first penned the lines of the original iteration back in 1975, the Volkswagen Golf has been a perennial favorite with the compact crowd. It's practical, well-built, and boasts a certain athleticism for which it has consistently earned top marks.

Best Value

Of the two trims offered, the uplevel SE is the more sensible choice. It costs another $2,745 over the base S trim, but includes numerous additional features that buyers would be remiss to pass up.

The additional fripperies include an eight-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and additional safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors. Other than color, the only choice buyers have in outfitting their Golf is deciding whether to shift for themselves or not.

As most buyers prefer the ease and convenience of an automatic, we recommend checking the box for the $1,100 six-speed auto. Doing so also wrings 15 more lb-ft of torque from the engine, bringing the total to 199. Beyond the gearbox, there are no additional options available for the 2018 Golf.

  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Golf SE
  • Engine: 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder
  • Output: 170 hp / 199 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel-drive
  • MPG: 24 city / 33 hwy
  • Options: Automatic transmission ($1,100)
  • Base Price:$24,505 (includes $850 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$25,605

Performance

Volkswagen Golf

A lot of people grimace at the thought of spending a lot of time in economy cars; after all, these pipsqueaks sure aren't Cadillacs. The Golf, though, pleasantly surprises with its comfort and competence. On the open road, it rides soft, yet avoids coming off as floaty. The steering is as precise as the handling, and the result is a car that has a very natural and organic feel when cornering. The whole package is cohesive, and also quite continental. The Germans did not try to dull down their trademark fastidiousness, even for VW's most affordable car.

Interestingly, the five speed manual and six-speed auto both use nearly the same gear ratio for their tallest cog: .66 for the stick-shift and .67 for the automatic. The manual also uses a taller final-drive ratio of 3.39, compared to the self-shifting unit's 3.87 rear end. This means that even though it is down a gear compared to the automatic, the gearing of the stick-shift will actually allow the engine to rev at lower engine speeds at a highway pace. For warriors of the interstate, this will make those long 65 mph slogs more comfortable.

So what then is the point of the automatic's additional sixth gear, if not to provide a steeper overdrive? Well, compared to the manual, Volkswagen uses different, shorter ratios for the automatic's lower cogs. This translates to faster off-the-line response and sharper reactions at around-town speeds compared to the manual. Ultimately, buyers may be better off with the five-speed if they do more highway driving than city driving, while the automatic should be snappier and more responsive around the local two-lanes.

Style

Evolution, rather than revolution, has been the guiding principle for the Volkswagen designers tasked with styling the Golf's sheetmetal. There is little here that is exciting, inspiring, or even distinct; Guigiaro would quickly recognize the seventh generation of his groundbreaking people mover.

Inside, the story of unpretentious practicality continues. The center stack is canted toward the driver, making it easier to use the infotainment system and climate control. Buttons and controls are logically placed; trying to lower the volume but accidentally shifting into neutral instead will never be an issue.

In the S, buyers will have cloth seats and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while SE buyers get eight inches of screen real estate and leatherette upholstery. Both seating surfaces make for comfortable thrones while fiddling with either infotainment system. Though there's nothing wrong with the 6.5-inch version, the SE's eight-inch unit has a faster interface and is intuitive and easy to use.

Second-row legroom is adequate for adults on short journeys, while the Golf's two-box shape makes for a roomy cargo hold. If you need more space, Volkswagen also sells a longer Golf Sportwagen that promises even more practicality.

The Best and Worst Things

Practicality is the Golf's strong suit. The boxy, upright shape means that there is 23 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, and 53 cubes when those seats are laid flat. Unfortunately, that same boxy shape makes for a design that might be a bit too anonymous, especially when considering that the Golf is a bit pricey compared to other competing hatches.

Right For?

Volkswagen Golf

Buyers who appreciate a fine-handling automobile but need more cargo space than a Miata or Mustang (and don't want to splurge on the related GTI) would do well with a Golf.

Wrong For?

Those with families or who haul a lot of passengers will want to look elsewhere. This is, after all, a compact car, and wrestling in a bulky car seat or putting three people abreast in the back will make for an unpleasant experience.

The Bottom Line

The Golf is a vehicle that has been continuously honing its mastery of the compact segment for over forty years. The result of that multi-decade pursuit of perfection shines through in the 2018 models, which are practical, efficient, and comfortable daily drivers that outhaul competitors and also outshine them on the road. In short, the current car has not only retained the ethos of the original, but has managed to tailor it for today's expectations – and that is why the Golf is still an excellent choice.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Available: 1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 199 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 5-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Available: 1.8L I-4 / 170 HP / 199 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 34 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
53.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
93 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
167.6 "
Exterior Width
70.8 "
Exterior Height
58.2 "
Front Headroom
38.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.1 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,963 Lbs. / 3,023 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Armrests
6-way (2-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Volkswagen
S
Color: Deep Black Pearl Metallic
Price

$13,098

Mileage

75,001 mi

Map location icon

Audi Calabasas (21 mi)

Phone: (855) 844-4664
Volkswagen
Alltrack SE
Color: White
Price

$16,582

Mileage

96,166 mi

Map location icon

Karplus Warehouse Inc. (23 mi)

Other Volkswagen Golf Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Volkswagen Golf years that you might be interested in.

Volkswagen
S
Color: Blue
Price

$15,095

Mileage

75,638 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Torrance (6 mi)

Phone: (310) 793-1666
Volkswagen
Alltrack SE
Color: Platinum Gray Metallic
Price

$20,584

Mileage

19,586 mi

Map location icon

Scott Robinson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (6 mi)

Phone: (855) 785-2867
See All Used Car Listings