Toyota Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Overview
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | 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 | 2027 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,780 | $23,195 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $8,995 (best) | $16,797 |
| Median listing price | $25,398 | $16,838 (best) |
| Highest listing price | $33,740 | $16,879 (best) |
| For sale now | 269 (best) | 2 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| City MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 41 MPG (best) | 39 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 169 hp (best) | 147 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 17.8 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,060 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 172 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.5 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 57.1 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota CorollaSE | 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) | 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 | Toyota Corolla | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $24,780 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | XSE $27,875 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Toyota Corolla269 for sale
See all
Certified2025 Toyota Corolla
XLE
Ice10,119 mi$29,999Jim Coleman Nissan Bethesda
Bethesda, MD
Used2024 Toyota Corolla
LE
Classic Silver Metallic•Black53,249 mi$18,990Classic Volkswagen Gastonia
Gastonia, NC
Used2025 Toyota Corolla
LE
Black52,503 mi$21,986Eastern Shore Used Car Center
Daphne, AL
Used2019 Toyota Corolla
LE
Classic Silver Metallic•Ash70,221 mi$17,182Eastern Shore Used Car Center
Daphne, AL
Certified2023 Toyota Corolla
XSE
black43,229 mi$25,821Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
Charleston, SC
Used2016 Toyota Corolla
L
Classic Silver Metallic•Gray91,761 mi$15,131Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
Charleston, SC
Toyota Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Toyota Corolla or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Toyota Corolla 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: 2027 Toyota Corolla or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf starts lower at $23,195. Live Toyota Corolla listings start at $8,995. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Toyota Corolla or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,195).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Toyota Corolla or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2027 Toyota Corolla leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Toyota Corolla or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2027 Toyota Corolla leads on horsepower in this comparison (169).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).