2017 Volkswagen Golf

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$19,895

starting MSRP

2017 Volkswagen Golf
2017 Volkswagen Golf

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Handling and steering
  • Turbo gas four-cylinder's refinement
  • Manual-transmission shifter
  • Premium cabin materials
  • Hatchback practicality

The bad:

  • Lack of tire grip
  • Front-seat comfort
  • Base stereo

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2017 Volkswagen Golf trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • New Wolfsburg Edition trim level available
  • All-wheel-drive Golf SportWagen available
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity available
  • Hatchback or wagon body style
  • High-performance Golf GTI and Golf R available

2017 Volkswagen Golf review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

What it is: The Volkswagen Golf is available as a two- or four-door hatchback, or as a wagon. Power comes from a gas four-cylinder engine and the five-seat Golf competes with the Mazda3 hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mini Cooper. Volkswagen’s performance-oriented Golf GTI and Golf R are related, as is the e-Golf electric car.

(Skip to details on the Golf GTI, Golf R, e-Golf)
New for 2017
A Wolfsburg Edition trim level joins the lineup above the S trim. It features a moonroof, simulated leather upholstery, keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 16-inch aluminum wheels, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and Wolfsburg Edition badges and floormats.

Meanwhile, the S trim level of the Golf SportWagen is now available with all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models can have a manual or automatic transmission.
Significant Standard Features

  • 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Split-folding rear seat with pass-through
  • Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Touch-screen stereo with iPod connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Six-speed automatic
  • All-wheel drive (Golf SportWagen)
  • Heated front seats
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Navigation system
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers
  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane departure warning
  • Power moonroof

Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a high-performance sibling of the Golf. It comes as a two- or four-door hatchback and has room for five people. Competitors include the Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX and Mini Cooper S.
What’s Special

  • 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Thin honeycomb grille with red stripe
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual tailpipes 
  • Plaid cloth upholstery; leather available
  • Performance Package raises engine output to 220 hp and includes larger brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential
  • Available adaptive suspension

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Golf R
The Golf R is a range-topping performance hatchback based on the Golf and Golf GTI. It competes with the Subaru WRX STi and Ford Focus RS and employs all-wheel drive — a key difference from the front-drive Golf GTI. Drivers can choose a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s Special

  • 292-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Xenon headlights with horseshoe-style LED daytime running lights
  • Quad exhaust pipes
  • Available adaptive suspension
  • Available 19-inch alloy wheels

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e-Golf
Volkswagen joined the growing list of automakers offering all-electric cars with the debut of the e-Golf for the 2015 model year. Based on the Golf four-door hatchback, the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles.
What’s Special

  • Unique grille with blue accents
  • Touch-screen that offers a deeper look at the electric powertrain’s operation
  • 115-hp electric motor
  • Lithium-ion battery pack that’s located in the floor under the seats
  • Available 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger can replenish the battery in less than four hours
  • Three regenerative braking programs

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Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior design 4.9
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value for the money 4.9
  • Exterior styling 4.9
  • Reliability 4.7

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Sleek, sporty and drives like a dream

This may be influenced by the fact that I hated my last car (chevy sonic), but I love my pre-owned Golf. It’s a Wolfsburg edition— which I understand to mean it just has more bells and whistles than usual. The engine is exceptionally quiet and it drives so smoothly, and accelerating is especially easy and quick. I’m a huge fan of the cargo space as well. The only downside is the minimal leg room in the back seat, but I’m not usually driving with multiple passengers so it’s not a big problem for me.

5.0

My second 2017 Golf Wolfsburg

On January 2, 2019, I bought a black CPO 2017 VW Golf Wolfsburg edition that only had 14,848 miles. It was relatively quiet but the car felt “loose”. The steering nor brakes felt tight. I think it was abused by the previous owner. I had to replace two tires due to wear (I replaced all 4 of them). No major issues. Even with my concerns, I thoroughly enjoyed the car. A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing through different VW dealers looking for CPO 2017 VW Golf Wolfsburg editions and I found 3 vehicles close to me, with low mileage, but one had a recently reduced price that bested the other two. On March 28, 2020, I traded my black Golf with 46795 miles for a CPO Dark Blue 2017 Golf Wolfsburg edition that only had 6,240 miles. This car was very well taken care of and still smells brand new. The steering and brakes are tight. Great suspension and it runs a lot smoother and quieter than my previous Golf. I really enjoy this vehicle. Love the hatchback versatility. There are only two downsides: 1- tight rear seat leg room 2- the US will not get the next generation Golf

5.0

most comfortable car I had

this car met all of my needs .has a plenty of leg room also some usb ports best rear camera i have ever seen great mpg

See all 42 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Volkswagen
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
144 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles/75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles/75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Vehicles purchased on or after 1/5/21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr/12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification required
100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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