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2019 Volkswagen GTI Rabbit Edition (Mk7)
Shown: 2019 Volkswagen GTI Rabbit Edition (Mk7). Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Newest year: 2021
  • Gas
  • Small cars

2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG & Fuel Cost

7 model years · 24–35 MPG combined

33 MPG
Combined
29 MPG
City
39 MPG
Highway
Annual fuel cost · Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD
$1,980

15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)

Cheaper to fuel than 9 of 10 small car configurations, MY2021. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.

Previous generation: 2013-2014 Next generation: 2022-2027

2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI at a glance

The 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI covers 7 model years in the EPA database (68 configurations in all), rated 24–35 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2021, costs about $1,980 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD (33 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas, electric and diesel. EPA changed the ratings in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The best combined rating in the generation, 35 MPG, was reached in 2015.

2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI by model year

2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI: EPA combined rating and yearly fuel cost for each model year
Model yearPowertrainsCombined$/yrEPA ratings
2021 Gas 26–33 MPG $1,980–$2,530 Ratings changed
2020 Gas 27–32 MPG $2,070–$2,420 Ratings changed
2019 Gas, Electric 24–32 MPG, 119 MPGe $780–$3,390 Ratings changed
2018 Gas, Electric 24–29 MPG, 119 MPGe $780–$3,330 Ratings changed
2017 Gas, Electric 25–29 MPG, 119 MPGe $780–$3,230 Ratings changed
2016 Gas, Electric 25–29 MPG, 116 MPGe $800–$3,230 Ratings changed
2015 Gas, Electric, Diesel 26–35 MPG, 116 MPGe $800–$3,120 First year

What the 2021 Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs to drive

Per month

$165

$1,980 a year ÷ 12

Per 25 miles

$3.30

Per 100 miles

$13.20

Five years

$9,900

5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level

vs the small car median

$1,230less a year

Class median $3,210 a year, MY2021

Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

Versus 2020: The most efficient configuration moves from 32 to 33 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,070 to $1,980, $90 less.

Gas · 1.4L, 2.0L
Combined
26–33 MPG
Per year
$1,980–$2,530

Gas configurations (4)

2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd (Most efficient) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 39 33 $1,980
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S8) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 36 32 $2,070
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S7) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,400
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 23 30 26 $2,530

2020 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

27–32 MPG · $2,070–$2,420/yr

Versus 2019: The most efficient configuration stays at 32 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,020 to $2,070, $50 more.

Gas · 1.4L, 2.0L
Combined
27–32 MPG
Per year
$2,070–$2,420

Gas configurations (4)

2020 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S8) (Most efficient) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 35 32 $2,070
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 28 36 31 $2,110
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,420
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S7) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,420

2019 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

24–32 MPG, 119 MPGe · $780–$3,390/yr

Versus 2018: The most efficient configuration moves from 29 to 32 MPG, up 3. Its annual cost goes from $2,290 to $2,020, $270 less.

Gas · 1.4L, 1.8L, 2.0L
Combined
24–32 MPG
Per year
$2,020–$3,390
See gas configurations
Electric · FWD
Combined
119 MPGe
Per year
$780

EPA range 125 miles.

See electric configurations

Gas configurations (12)

2019 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd (Most efficient) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 37 32 $2,020
Golf SportWagen 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 37 32 $2,020
Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S8) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 29 37 32 $2,040
Golf SportWagen 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S8) 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD 27 36 31 $2,120
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S7) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 31 27 $2,400
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,420
Show 2 more configurations
2019 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+6)
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S7)2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD233026$3,130
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223125$2,590
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223025$2,620
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD222924$2,670
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD213024$2,670
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD212924$3,390

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Electric configurations (1)

2019 Volkswagen Golf / GTI electric configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimDrivekWh/100 miMPGeRange$/yr
e-Golf (Most efficient) FWD 28 119 125 mi $780

MPGe is the distance an electric car travels on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Fewer kWh per 100 miles means a lower running cost.

2018 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

24–29 MPG, 119 MPGe · $780–$3,330/yr

Versus 2017: The most efficient configuration stays at 29 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,240 to $2,290, $50 more.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L
Combined
24–29 MPG
Per year
$2,290–$3,330
See gas configurations
Electric · FWD
Combined
119 MPGe
Per year
$780

EPA range 125 miles.

See electric configurations

Gas configurations (12)

2018 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 29 $2,290
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 29 $2,290
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 33 28 $2,360
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 33 28 $2,360
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 33 28 $2,360
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,390
Show 2 more configurations
2018 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+6)
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223125$2,590
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223025$2,620
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S7)2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD222925$3,220
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD222924$2,670
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD213024$2,670
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD212924$3,330

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Electric configurations (1)

2018 Volkswagen Golf / GTI electric configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimDrivekWh/100 miMPGeRange$/yr
e-Golf (Most efficient) FWD 28 119 125 mi $780

MPGe is the distance an electric car travels on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Fewer kWh per 100 miles means a lower running cost.

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

25–29 MPG, 119 MPGe · $780–$3,230/yr

Versus 2016: The most efficient configuration stays at 29 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,240.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L
Combined
25–29 MPG
Per year
$2,240–$3,230
See gas configurations
Electric · FWD
Combined
119 MPGe
Per year
$780

EPA range 125 miles.

See electric configurations

Gas configurations (12)

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 36 29 $2,240
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 29 $2,270
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 29 $2,290
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 28 $2,310
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 34 28 $2,360
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 24 32 27 $2,390
Show 2 more configurations
2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+6)
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223226$2,550
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223226$2,550
Golf Alltrack 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223025$2,620
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)1.8L 4-cyl turboAWD223025$2,620
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD233025$3,170
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD223125$3,230

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Electric configurations (1)

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI electric configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimDrivekWh/100 miMPGeRange$/yr
e-Golf (Most efficient) FWD 28 119 125 mi $780

MPGe is the distance an electric car travels on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Fewer kWh per 100 miles means a lower running cost.

2016 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

25–29 MPG, 116 MPGe · $800–$3,230/yr

Versus 2015: The most efficient configuration moves from 35 to 29 MPG, down 6. Its annual cost goes from $2,710 to $2,240, $470 less.

Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L
Combined
25–29 MPG
Per year
$2,240–$3,230
See gas configurations
Electric · FWD
Combined
116 MPGe
Per year
$800

EPA range 83 miles.

See electric configurations

Gas configurations (8)

2016 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 36 29 $2,240
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 29 $2,270
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 29 $2,290
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 28 $2,300
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 28 $2,310
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 33 28 $2,360
Show 0 more configurations
2016 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+2)
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Automatic (AM-S6)2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD233025$3,170
Golf R 2.0L 4-cyl turbo AWD Manual 6-spd2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD223125$3,230

2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Electric configurations (1)

2016 Volkswagen Golf / GTI electric configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimDrivekWh/100 miMPGeRange$/yr
e-Golf (Most efficient) FWD 29 116 83 mi $800

MPGe is the distance an electric car travels on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Fewer kWh per 100 miles means a lower running cost.

2015 Volkswagen Golf / GTI MPG

26–35 MPG, 116 MPGe · $800–$3,120/yr
Gas · 1.8L, 2.0L
Combined
26–29 MPG
Per year
$2,240–$3,120
See gas configurations
Electric · FWD
Combined
116 MPGe
Per year
$800

EPA range 83 miles.

See electric configurations
Diesel · 2.0L
Combined
35 MPG
Per year
$2,710–$2,730
See diesel configurations

Gas configurations (7)

2015 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 36 29 $2,240
Golf 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 29 $2,270
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (S6) 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 29 $2,290
Golf SportWagen 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 5-spd 1.8L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 35 28 $2,310
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 34 28 $2,830
GTI 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 25 33 28 $2,900
Show 0 more configurations
2015 Volkswagen Golf / GTI gas configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost (+1)
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboAWD233026$3,120

3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Electric configurations (1)

2015 Volkswagen Golf / GTI electric configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimDrivekWh/100 miMPGeRange$/yr
e-Golf (Most efficient) FWD 29 116 83 mi $800

MPGe is the distance an electric car travels on 33.7 kWh, the energy in a gallon of gasoline. Fewer kWh per 100 miles means a lower running cost.

Diesel configurations (4)

2015 Volkswagen Golf / GTI diesel configurations: EPA ratings and annual cost
TrimEngineDriveCityHwyComb.$/yr
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) (Most efficient) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 31 41 35 $2,710
Golf 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 30 43 35 $2,710
Golf SportWagen 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Automatic (AM-S6) 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 31 40 35 $2,730
Golf SportWagen 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD Manual 6-spd 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD 30 42 35 $2,730

Diesel is priced at diesel $6.29/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).

Fuel cost by state

Yearly cost of the Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD: $2,700 in California and $1,730 in Texas, a $970 difference.

Gasoline prices: California: California state average; Washington: Washington state average; New York: New York state average; Florida: Florida state average; Texas: Texas state average (Sep 2026).
Fuel cost in every state

Similar cars

Closest combined MPG among MY2021 small car models.

2019 Chevrolet Spark LS (M400 facelift)

2021 Chevrolet Spark

33 MPG · $1,960/yr
2019 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)

2021 Volkswagen Jetta

34 MPG · $1,930/yr
2019 Toyota Corolla XSE (MZEA12L) (E210)

2021 Toyota Corolla

35 MPG · $1,840/yr
2020 Nissan Versa SV 1.6L (N18)

2021 Nissan Versa

35 MPG · $1,860/yr
EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. average, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal) · 15,000 mi/yr, 55% city / 45% highway · How we calculate

Generations

All Volkswagen Golf / GTI years All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

What gas mileage does the 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI get?

EPA rates the 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI at 24–35 MPG combined across 68 configurations and 7 model years. The most efficient version, the 2015 Golf 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD, is rated 35 MPG (31 city, 41 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 24–33 MPG; Electric: 116–119 MPGe; Diesel: 35 MPG.

Which years had the best MPG in the 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI?

The Golf 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 35 MPG, in 2015. The lowest top rating, 29 MPG, was in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Did EPA ratings change during the 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI?

Yes. Ratings changed in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

How does the 2015-2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI compare with the previous generation?

The previous generation (2013-2014 Volkswagen Golf / GTI) is rated 22–32 MPG combined and costs $2,470–$3,640 a year to fuel; the 2015-2021 model is rated 24–35 MPG and costs $780–$3,390 a year.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI per year?

Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $1,980 a year. Across all 4 configurations the cost runs $1,980–$2,530 a year. That is a $550 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.

How much does it cost to drive a 2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI 100 miles?

About $13.20 per 100 miles for the Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $13.20 and $16.87 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI more efficient in the city or on the highway?

The Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD is rated 29 city and 39 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 10 MPG.

How does the 2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI compare with other small car configurations?

The Golf 1.4L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $1,980 a year to fuel, $1,230 less than the class median of $3,210, and less than 9 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 298 rated small car configurations for MY2021, not weighted by sales.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf / GTI different from the 2020 model?

The most efficient configuration moves from 32 to 33 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,070 to $1,980, $90 less. EPA lists 4 configurations for 2021 against 4 configurations for 2020. See the 2020 Volkswagen Golf / GTI for that year.