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2017 Volkswagen Golf review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Volkswagen Golf highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • A peppy and fun engine
  • Excellent cargo space
  • Comfortable seating

Cons

  • No two-door version
  • Lacks many of the tech features competitors have
  • The automatic transmission is rough at slow speeds

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
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Function and fun blended into a hatchback

It’s got four doors and is ready to go. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback that’s as engaging to drive as it is comfortable. Thanks to the interior space offered by the hatchback styling, there's lots of passenger space in all five seats. Plus, the taller height and rear hatch give you easier loading access into the cargo space. Additionally, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is snappy off the line and has the power for highway passing, and the five-speed manual transmission lets you get the most out of the engine.

All Volkswagen Golf years

What is new for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf?

  • The Golf is available in a new trim called the Wolfsburg Edition.
  • The Base and Limited trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Golf trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Remote Start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • The S trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
  • The R trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Navigation System, Bluetooth Technology, and Fender Audio as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

Volkswagen Golf photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volkswagen Golf

1. Plush and supportive seats 

Whether enjoying a long road trip or running errands around town, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf seating stays comfortable without feeling too soft. Plus, the raised sides and lumbar support hold you comfortably while you zip around. Additionally, the leatherette upholstery and heated front seats in the Wolfsburg trim improve the overall interior look and feel. 

2. An engaging driving experience 

Sport-tuned suspension and a quick-shifting five-speed manual in the 2017 Volkswagen Golf deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Plus, when you put your foot down, the turbocharged engine and available six-speed automatic transmission get from zero to 60 mph in just 7.8 seconds (when new). So, whether you’re enjoying a scenic ride through twisting back roads or overtaking on the highway, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf delivers the performance you want. 

3. Turbocharge your drive 

At the front of every 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a 170-hp turbocharged 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission by default. That 1.8 L engine and manual transmission deliver 36 mpg highway and 25 mpg city in EPA-estimated fuel economy.

However, a six-speed automatic transmission is available, which has snappy responsiveness at highway speeds. 

4. The Wolfsburg trim 

Because there are only two versions of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, you get a comprehensive list of comfort and tech features in the upgraded Wolfsburg trim. For example, Wolfsburg tech features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay® smartphone integration, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and VW Car-Net Connect that lets you control some functions from an app (subscription required). Plus, a selection of conveniences and active driver assists round out the impressive list of Wolfsburg features. 

5. Impressive cargo capacity 

One of the advantages a 2017 Volkswagen Golf enjoys over compact sedans is its hatchback styling. The shape creates ample interior space that provides almost SUV-like cargo capacity numbers. For example, the rear trunk is 22.8 cu-ft, which is plenty for daily activities, but that opens up into a whopping 52.7 cu-ft when you fold the second-row seats down. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

4 customer reviews
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Golf an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Golf 26th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf features and specs

Wolfsburg Edition 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automated Cruise Control

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

170

Torque (ft-lbs)

199

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

103.8"

Overall length

167.5"

Width

70.8"

Height

57.2"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35.6"

Head room

F 38.4"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P205/55HR16

Rear tires

P205/55HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Volkswagen Golf FAQ

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