Scion tC vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Scion tCBase | 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 manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2016 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Scion tCBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,385 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | $5,120 (best) | $16,797 |
| Median listing price | $5,120 (best) | $16,838 |
| Highest listing price | $5,120 (best) | $16,879 |
| For sale now | 1 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Scion tCBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Scion tCBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 179 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Scion tCBase | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 3 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 14.7 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,082 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 6.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 176.6 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.7 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Scion tCBase | 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 | Scion tC | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $19,385 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $20,535 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | Release Series 10.0 $23,190 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Release Series 10.0 $24,340 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Scion tC1 for sale
See all
Scion tC vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2016 Scion tC or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2016 Scion tC 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 Scion tC or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2016 Scion tC starts lower at $19,385. Live Scion tC listings start at $5,120. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2016 Scion tC or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2016 Scion tC leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,385).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2016 Scion tC or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2016 Scion tC or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2016 Scion tC leads on horsepower in this comparison (179).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2016 Scion tC vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).