2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Trims Comparison
2021 Golf GTI 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:
Which 2021 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 2021 Golf GTI trims side-by-side
Comparing average pricing near
Columbus, OH
| Vehicle | Golf GTI S | Golf GTI SE | Golf GTI Autobahn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | |||
| Hide similarities | |||
| 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 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 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® | $42,355 | $43,002 | $43,449 |
| Average Cost Per Mile | $0.56 | $0.57 | $0.58 |
| Depreciation | $10,399 | $10,671 | $10,953 |
| Financing | $3,822 | $4,042 | $4,174 |
| Taxes & Fees | $1,587 | $1,668 | $1,717 |
| Fuel | $12,622 | $12,622 | $12,622 |
| 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 |