Volkswagen Golf Model Years and History

For 2021, the Golf and Golf GTI both carry over with minimal changes.

For 2019, the Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen drop the turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 170 hp and instead adopt the Jetta's turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, which makes 147 hp. Only the all-wheel-drive Alltrack and the SportWagen with 4Motion all-wheel drive hold onto the larger engine. Elsewhere, the Golf adds advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitor, rear traffic alert and forward collision warning. Finally, the GTI gets a bump in engine output, from 220 to 228 horsepower. The brakes have been upgraded and it now features a mechanical limited-slip differential borrowed from the Golf R. A new Rabbit Edition has also been slotted into the GTI lineup.

The Volkswagen Golf undergoes a mild exterior and interior refresh for 2018. For starters the Golf GTI gets an extra 10 horsepower right out of the box. All Volkswagens are now backed by a 6 year/72,000 mile warranty making it one of the longest offered in the automotive industry. Golf trims have been further refined into S and SE trim levels.

The Volkswagen Golf undergoes a few changes for 2017. For starters, all 2-door variants are no longer available, leaving only 4-door hatchbacks and wagons. Speaking of, another wagon, the Alltrack, joins the lineup. It is equipped with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Finally, Golf model naming conventions have been streamlined, with SE and SEL trims replaced by the Wolfsburg Edition. The GTI, meanwhile, adds a Sport trim to its range.

After a major redesign last year, the Golf gets only evolutionary changes for 2016. A new, updated stereo system runs on improved software, offering more connectivity and smartphone integration. The Driver Assistance Package has also seen significant updates, with new features such as adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system. In addition, S models now come standard with a backup camera.

The Volkswagen Golf enters its seventh generation for 2015 and is completely redesigned, though the changes are subtle, beginning at the front with revised headlights and bumper, moving along to creased sides, with new taillights in the rear. It is the first U.S.-market VW to utilize the company's Modular Transverse Matrix platform, which other VW Group vehicles worldwide share. Overall, VW claims the new Golf is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than the car it replaces. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder, which takes the place of the previous generation's 2.5L 5-cylinder. A 2.0L turbo direct-injection clean diesel is also available, offering an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 mpg when equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the new Golf starts at $17,995.

For 2014 VW has dropped the 2-door Golf from the lineup. It should return in 2015, when VW introduces a redesigned Golf. Despite the deletion of this base model, the Golf still starts at under $20,000.

The Golf is essentially unchanged for 2013, save for a few minor revisions to the car's interior. There is now a center armrest on all models and all models get front and rear carpeted floor mats. Prices start at just over $18,000 for a 2.5L model.

The Golf's option packages have been reconfigured for 2012, so that both the gasoline and diesel models are offered in three different trim levels. Most of the features are as previously offered, but 17-inch Salamanca alloy wheels are new for 2012 on the Golf TDI, and the top Tech Package on the TDI now includes LED daytime running lamps, Dynaudio premium sound and push-button start.

After a brief hiatus, the popular Golf returned to Volkswagen's lineup in 2010, replacing the Rabbit as VW's compact hatchback. Few changes have been made for 2011. It's again available in both 2- and 4-door models, with power coming from either a 2.5L inline-5 cylinder or a 2.0L turbo direct-injection diesel (TDI). The 2.5L 2-door can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic, while the 4-door version is only available with the automatic.

After a brief hiatus, the popular Golf returns to Volkswagen's lineup for 2010, replacing the Rabbit as VW's compact hatchback. It's available in both 2- and 4-door models, with power coming from either a 2.5L inline-5 cylinder or a 2.0L turbo direct-injection diesel (TDI). Meanwhile, the sporty GTI, also available in 2- and 4-door-trim, draws its 200 horses from VW's venerable 2.0L turbocharged inline-4. Prices start at $17,490 for the Golf, $23,489 for the GTI