Volkswagen Golf
32.5 MPG The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is EPA-rated at 32.5 MPG combined (29 city / 37.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 462 gallons, $1477 a year in fuel, or $0.098 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–2021 run it averages 28.7 MPG, improving by 4.8 MPG over 24 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.077 | $769 | $1154 | $1538 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.092 | $923 | $1385 | $1846 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.098 | $985 | $1477 | $1969 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.108 | $1077 | $1615 | $2154 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.138 | $1385 | $2077 | $2769 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 32.5 MPG | 29 | 37.5 | $1925 | 273 | 2 |
| 2020 | 31.5 MPG | 28.5 | 35.5 | $1975 | 283 | 2 |
| 2019 | 32 MPG | 29 | 37 | $1950 | 275 | 2 |
| 2018 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 33.5 | $2175 | 315 | 2 |
| 2017 | 29 MPG | 25 | 35.5 | $2150 | 307 | 2 |
| 2016 | 29 MPG | 25 | 35.5 | $2150 | 307 | 2 |
| 2015 | 32 MPG | 27.8 | 38.8 | $2200 | 300 | 4 |
| 2014 | 30 MPG | 27 | 35.3 | $2433 | 325 | 3 |
| 2013 | 29 MPG | 26.3 | 35 | $2425 | 326 | 4 |
| 2012 | 29 MPG | 26.3 | 35 | $2425 | 329 | 4 |
| 2011 | 29.3 MPG | 26.3 | 35 | $2400 | 326 | 4 |
| 2010 | 28.8 MPG | 25.8 | 34 | $2450 | 333 | 4 |
| 2006 | 28.5 MPG | 25.3 | 34 | $2488 | 340 | 4 |
| 2005 | 28.8 MPG | 25.5 | 34 | $2475 | 337 | 4 |
| 2004 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34.3 | $2450 | 335 | 4 |
| 2003 | 29.5 MPG | 26.3 | 35 | $2425 | 333 | 4 |
| 2002 | 29.5 MPG | 26.3 | 34.8 | $2425 | 333 | 4 |
| 2001 | 27.2 MPG | 24.5 | 32 | $2758 | 354 | 6 |
| 2000 | 27.2 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2758 | 354 | 6 |
| 1999 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1989 | 27 MPG | 24.3 | 32 | $2550 | 353 | 3 |
| 1988 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 28 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1987 | 27 MPG | 25 | 31 | $2533 | 351 | 3 |
| 1986 | 27.7 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2500 | 346 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Golf ranks 26 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE (33), BMW 328d xDrive (34), Toyota Corolla (34), Volkswagen Jetta (34), Mazda 2 (34.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 273 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Golf get?
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf is rated at 32.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 29 city and 37.5 highway. Across all 24 model years in the database it averages 28.7 MPG, ranging from 22 to 38 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel per year?
At 32.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 462 gallons — roughly $1477 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.098 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $1925.
Has the Volkswagen Golf become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 27.7 MPG in 1986 to 32.5 in 2021 — an improvement of 4.8 MPG, or 17% across 24 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Golf efficient for its class?
It ranks 26 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 5.9 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.