Nissan Kicks vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | TSI |
| Body style | SUV | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,430 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | $16,193 (best) | $16,797 |
| Median listing price | $24,844 | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $31,265 | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 174 (best) | 2 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 28 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 11.9 gal | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 141 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 60 cu ft (best) | 25 cu ft |
| Payload | 900 lbs | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,002 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.4 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 104.6 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 171.9 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.9 in (best) | 70.8 in |
| Height | 64.2 in (best) | 58.2 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan KicksS | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 3 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 3 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 3 | 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 | Nissan Kicks | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S $22,430 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $23,930 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | SV $24,170 MSRP | — |
| 4 | SV $25,820 MSRP | — |
| 5 | SR $26,660 MSRP | — |
| 6 | SR $28,160 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Nissan Kicks174 for sale
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Nissan Kicks vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Nissan Kicks or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Kicks 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: 2026 Nissan Kicks or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Kicks starts lower at $22,430. Live Nissan Kicks listings start at $16,193. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Kicks or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2026 Nissan Kicks leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,430).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Nissan Kicks or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Kicks or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on horsepower in this comparison (147).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Kicks vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Kicks (4/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).