- Gas
- Midsize cars
- MY2000–2027
Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
28 model years · 2000–2027
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Volkswagen Golf / GTI fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Volkswagen Golf / GTI for 28 model years, 2000 to 2027. Across those years its combined rating runs 21–38 MPG. The latest model year, 2027, has 2 configurations rated 26–28 MPG combined and costing $2,330–$3,130 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2003 Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD, at 38 MPG. Model year 2027 is still being filled in by EPA, so its row may gain configurations. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 35 MPG in 1985.
Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG by year
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Diesel (MPG) | Electric (MPGe) | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2027* (Mk8) Generation page | ||||
| 2027 (partial) | 26–28 | — | — | $2,330–$3,130 |
| 2026 | 25–27 | — | — | $2,390–$3,160 |
| 2025 | 25–27 | — | — | $2,390–$3,160 |
| 2024 | 23–27 | — | — | $2,380–$3,490 |
| 2023 | 23–28 | — | — | $2,360–$3,490 |
| 2022 | 23–28 | — | — | $2,300–$3,490 |
| 2015-2021 (Mk7) Generation page | ||||
| 2021 | 26–33 | — | — | $1,980–$2,530 |
| 2020 | 27–32 | — | — | $2,070–$2,420 |
| 2019 | 24–32 | — | 119 | $780–$3,390 |
| 2018 | 24–29 | — | 119 | $780–$3,330 |
| 2017 | 25–29 | — | 119 | $780–$3,230 |
| 2016 | 25–29 | — | 116 | $800–$3,230 |
| 2015 | 26–29 | 35 | 116 | $800–$3,120 |
| 2013-2014 Generation page | ||||
| 2014 | 25–27 | 32 | — | $2,520–$3,280 |
| 2013 | 22–27 | 32 | — | $2,470–$3,640 |
| 2009-2012 (Mk6) Generation page | ||||
| 2012 | 22–27 | 32 | — | $2,470–$3,640 |
| 2011 | 25–27 | 32 | — | $2,470–$3,270 |
| 2010 | 25–27 | 32 | — | $2,540–$3,270 |
| 2009 | 25 | — | — | $3,210 |
| 2007-2008 (Mk5) Generation page | ||||
| 2008 | 24–25 | — | — | $3,210–$3,350 |
| 2007 | 24–25 | — | — | $3,210–$3,350 |
| 2000-2006 Generation page | ||||
| 2006 | 22–25 | 32–34 | — | $2,720–$3,650 |
| 2005 | 22–24 | 32–35 | — | $2,700–$3,650 |
| 2004 | 22–24 | 32–36 | — | $2,620–$3,650 |
| 2003 | 22–24 | 33–38 | — | $2,480–$3,650 |
| 2002 | 21–24 | 33–38 | — | $2,480–$3,650 |
| 2001 | 21–24 | 33–38 | — | $2,480–$3,650 |
| 2000 | 21–24 | 33–38 | — | $2,480–$3,650 |
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Volkswagen Golf / GTI generations
6 generations between 2000 and 2027. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2022-2027* Volkswagen Golf / GTI (Mk8)
23–28 MPG · $2,300–$3,490/yr
2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI (Mk7)
24–35 MPG · $780–$3,390/yr
2013-2014 Volkswagen Golf / GTI
22–32 MPG · $2,470–$3,640/yr
2009-2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI (Mk6)
22–32 MPG · $2,470–$3,640/yr
2007-2008 Volkswagen Golf / GTI (Mk5)
24–25 MPG · $3,210–$3,350/yr
2000-2006 Volkswagen Golf / GTI
21–38 MPG · $2,480–$3,650/yr
2027 powertrain options
Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG history, 1985–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Diesel (MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 19–24 | 33–38 |
| 1998 | 19–24 | — |
| 1997 | 19–24 | 37 |
| 1996 | 19–23 | 38 |
| 1995 | 19–24 | — |
| 1994 | 21–24 | — |
| 1993 | 21–24 | — |
| 1992 | 21–25 | — |
Show 7 more years
| Year | Gas (MPG) | Diesel (MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 22–25 | — |
| 1990 | 22–25 | — |
| 1989 | 22–25 | 34 |
| 1988 | 22–25 | — |
| 1987 | 22–26 | 33 |
| 1986 | 22–26 | 35 |
| 1985 | 23–26 | 35 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Volkswagen models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Volkswagen Golf / GTI's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Volkswagen Golf / GTI run 21–38 MPG across model years 2000 to 2027. The latest year, 2027, is rated 26–28 MPG.
Which Volkswagen Golf / GTI model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2003 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Golf 1.9L 4-cyl turbo FWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 38 MPG.
How much does a Volkswagen Golf / GTI cost to fuel per year?
For MY2027, EPA-rated configurations cost $2,330–$3,130 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $2,330.
Has the Volkswagen Golf / GTI's fuel economy improved over time?
No. The most efficient configuration moved from 38 MPG in 2000 to 28 MPG in 2027, 10 MPG less. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 35 MPG.
Is there a hybrid, plug-in or electric Volkswagen Golf / GTI?
Yes. Electric versions are rated from 2015 to 2019 (116–119 MPGe).