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 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
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) | 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 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 | — |