Chevrolet Spark EV vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 1LT | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2016 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,120 | $23,195 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,797 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 39 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | 119 MPGe (best) | — |
| Battery capacity | 18 kWh (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 327 lb-ft (best) | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | — | 1.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 23.4 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,866 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 93.5 in | 103.6 in (best) |
| Length | 146.5 in | 167.6 in (best) |
| Width | 64 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 62.6 in (best) | 58.2 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet Spark EV1LT | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | 1 (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Chevrolet Spark EV | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1LT $25,120 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2LT $25,510 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Chevrolet Spark EV vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf starts lower at $23,195. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,195).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on horsepower in this comparison (147).
- Which has better seats: 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).

