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 CorollaLE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LE | TSI |
| Body style | Sedan | 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 | Toyota CorollaLE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,725 (best) | $23,195 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota CorollaLE | 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 CorollaLE | 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 CorollaLE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 5 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft | 25 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,955 lbs | 2,945 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 182.5 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 70.1 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 56.5 in | 58.2 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota CorollaLE | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 | LE $22,725 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LE $24,975 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | LE $26,375 MSRP | — |
| 4 | SE $24,180 MSRP | — |
| 5 | SE $25,165 MSRP | — |
| 6 | SE $27,415 MSRP | — |
| 7 | SE $28,815 MSRP | — |
| 8 | FX $26,780 MSRP | — |
| 9 | XSE $27,175 MSRP | — |
| 10 | XSE $28,440 MSRP | — |
| 11 | XLE $29,340 MSRP | — |