Toyota Matrix 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 MatrixL | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | L | TSI |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2013 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Toyota MatrixL | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,275 (best) | $23,195 |
| Lowest listing price | $9,990 (best) | $16,797 |
| Median listing price | $9,990 (best) | $16,838 |
| Highest listing price | $9,990 (best) | $16,879 |
| For sale now | 1 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Toyota MatrixL | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG | 39 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Toyota MatrixL | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 132 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 128 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.8 L (best) | 1.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Toyota MatrixL | Volkswagen GolfTSI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo volume | 49.4 cu ft (best) | 25 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,844 lbs (best) | 2,945 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.8 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 103.6 in (best) |
| Length | 171.9 in (best) | 167.6 in |
| Width | 69.5 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 61 in (best) | 58.2 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Toyota MatrixL | 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 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | 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 Matrix | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | L $19,275 MSRP(Currently comparing) | TSI $23,195 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | L $20,115 MSRP | TSI $23,995 MSRP |
| 3 | S $20,265 MSRP | — |
| 4 | S $21,455 MSRP | — |
| 5 | S $22,415 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Toyota Matrix1 for sale
See all
Toyota Matrix vs Volkswagen Golf FAQ
- Which is better: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2013 Toyota Matrix 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: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2013 Toyota Matrix starts lower at $19,275. Live Toyota Matrix listings start at $9,990. Live Volkswagen Golf listings start at $16,797.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2013 Toyota Matrix leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,275).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2021 Volkswagen Golf leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2013 Toyota Matrix leads on horsepower in this comparison (158).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2013 Toyota Matrix or 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- The 2013 Toyota Matrix leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,500).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2013 Toyota Matrix vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Golf (5/5 NHTSA overall).