Hyundai Elantra GT vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,650 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | $8,300 (best) | $16,797 |
| Median listing price | $8,300 (best) | $16,838 |
| Highest listing price | $8,300 (best) | $16,879 |
| For sale now | 1 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 161 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 55.1 cu ft (best) | 25 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,025 lbs (best) | 915 lbs |
| Curb weight | 2,943 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 170.9 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.7 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 57.7 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai Elantra GTBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
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 | Hyundai Elantra GT | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $20,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | N Line $23,500 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | N Line $24,600 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Hyundai Elantra GT1 for sale
See allHyundai Elantra GT vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT 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: 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT starts lower at $20,650. Live Hyundai Elantra GT listings start at $8,300. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,650).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra GT (4/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).


