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Used 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Hatchback Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

The 2021 Golf GTI is available in three trim levels: S, SE and Autobahn. All GTIs come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) and front-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional. Highlight features include:

S
The base S trim starts you off with:

  • 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
  • Limited-slip differential for better acceleration
  • Performance brakes
  • Heated front seats with plaid upholstery
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
  • Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

SE
The SE steps things up a bit, offering the same standard features as the S with a few upgrades such as:

  • LED headlights
  • Leather upholstery
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Autobahn
The top-level Autobahn adds features including:

  • Power-adjustable driver's seat
  • Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Fender audio system
  • Adaptive suspension
  • Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the GTI and the car in front)
  • Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
  • Optional summer-rated performance tires

Which Golf GTI trim does Edmunds recommend?

In previous years, we've recommended the GTI's base trim, the S. This year, however, SE and Autobahn trims get Volkswagen's new infotainment system called MIB3. Since the topped-out Autobahn also adds creature comforts such as dual-zone automatic climate control and safety aids including adaptive cruise control, that's the one we'd go with.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Columbus, OH
Vehicle
Golf GTI S
Golf GTI SE
Golf GTI Autobahn
Vehicle
S
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
See all Golf GTI S for sale
SE
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
See all Golf GTI SE for sale
1 for sale near you
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Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
Not Available
standard
standard
Satellite radio
Not Available
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
Not Available
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Not Available
standard
Parking assistance
Not Available
Not Available
standard
Upholstery
cloth
leather
leather
Heated seats
standard
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not available
Not available
Not available
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
Not Available
standard
standard
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Drivetrain
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
front wheel drive
Engine power
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
228 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Engine torque
258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
2.0 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
Tire size
225/40R18
225/40R18
225/40R18
Wheel size
18 X 7.5-in
18 X 7.5-in
18 X 7.5-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
23 / 30 / 26 MPG
23 / 30 / 26 MPG
23 / 30 / 26 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gal.
13.2 gal.
13.2 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
304 / 396 miles
304 / 396 miles
304 / 396 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
35.8 ft.
35.8 ft.
35.8 ft.
Curb weight
3,133 lb.
3,133 lb.
3,133 lb.
Ground Clearance
5.1 in.
5.1 in.
5.1 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
70.8 in.
70.8 in.
70.8 in.
Height
57.8 in.
57.8 in.
57.8 in.
Length
168.0 in.
168.0 in.
168.0 in.
Wheelbase
103.6 in.
103.6 in.
103.6 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
17.4 cu. ft.
17.4 cu. ft.
17.4 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
52.7 cu. ft.
52.7 cu. ft.
52.7 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
38.4 in.
38.4 in.
38.4 in.
Front Leg Room
41.2 in.
41.2 in.
41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.6 in.
35.6 in.
35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 in.
53.9 in.
53.9 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$42,415
$42,618
$43,957
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.57
$0.57
$0.59
Depreciation
$10,399
$10,379
$11,248
Financing
$3,822
$3,931
$4,286
Taxes & Fees
$1,587
$1,627
$1,758
Fuel
$12,682
$12,682
$12,682
Insurance
$3,818
$3,892
$3,876
Maintenance
$7,033
$7,033
$7,033
Repairs
$3,074
$3,074
$3,074
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Titan Black w/Clark Plaid, cloth
Titan Black w/Red Stitching, leather
Titan Black w/Red Stitching, leather
Exterior
Tornado Red
Pure White
Dark Iron Blue Metallic
Deep Black Pearl
Cornflower Blue
Tornado Red
White Silver Metallic
Pure White
Dark Iron Blue Metallic
Deep Black Pearl
Cornflower Blue
Tornado Red
White Silver Metallic
Pure White
Dark Iron Blue Metallic
Deep Black Pearl