The Good
The 2018 Golf offers a compelling blend of advantages. Its performance is sporty and engaging. Comfort is well-regarded, and the design is clean and modern. Fuel efficiency is excellent, appealing to practical buyers. Emotionally, the Golf offers a fun-to-drive experience and a sense of quality. While reliability can be a concern, the overall value is solid.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf include potential for electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system. Some owners have reported problems with the transmission (especially the DSG automatic). Oil consumption can also be an issue in some engines. Maintenance costs can be higher than some competitors. Check for these issues before buying.
2018 Volkswagen Golf: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Golf S, SE, SEL): 147 horsepower
- 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Golf SportWagen): 170 horsepower
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (GTI): 220 horsepower
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Golf R): 292 horsepower
- Electric Motor (e-Golf): 134 horsepower
- Horsepower: Varies from 134 hp (e-Golf) to 292 hp (Golf R).
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates):
- 1.4L Turbo: Up to 29 mpg city / 39 mpg highway
- 1.8L Turbo: Up to 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- 2.0L Turbo (GTI): Up to 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- 2.0L Turbo (Golf R): Up to 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- e-Golf: 126 MPGe city / 111 MPGe highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 1.4L Turbo: Around 8.0 seconds
- GTI: Around 6.0 seconds
- Golf R: Around 4.9 seconds
- e-Golf: Around 9.6 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not officially rated for towing in North America.
- Trim-Level Features:
- S: Cloth seats, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rearview camera.
- SE: Sunroof, leatherette seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.
- SEL: Navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic high beams.
- GTI: Sport seats, sport suspension, upgraded brakes, performance monitoring.
- Golf R: All-wheel drive, DCC adaptive damping system, quad exhaust tips.
- e-Golf: DC fast charging, heated seats, navigation.
2018 Volkswagen Golf Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2018 |
Make | Volkswagen |
Model | Golf |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Hatchback |
Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | Germany |
Manufacturing City | WOLFSBURG |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 1.8-L |
Engine Size | 1.8L |
Engine Cylinders | 4 |
Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | Standard |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
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Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Have?
How long will the 2018 Volkswagen Golf last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2018 Volkswagen Golf Prices and Market Value
2018 Volkswagen Golf Cost of Ownership
2018 Volkswagen Golf Fuel Efficiency
2018 Volkswagen Golf Safety Rating
NHTSA
2018 Volkswagen Golf Recalls & Defects
Steering:column Locking:anti-Theft Device
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Suspension:rear:springs:coil Springs
Equipment:other:labels
Steering:column Locking:anti-Theft Device
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module
Fuel System, Gasoline
2018 Volkswagen Golf Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Compare to Other Hatchback?
Ranks #1521 Sedan
1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
1521 | 2018 Volkswagen Golf | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf a Good Hatchback?
TeresaD on July 1, 2020
My dream car!I had wanted Golf my whole life and now that I have it-it does not disappoint! It is SO much fun to drive and I have an automatic transmission! For being a smaller vehicle you can stuff a lot of things in it when needed.
Wood runner on April 29, 2020
Extremely practical car!!This car is perfect as a daily commuter and city parking. Very practical and economical for student!! The hatchback is perfect to put things in and out .
VW fan on January 27, 2020
Perfect for the cityI needed a car that would fit my lifestyle, which means traveling in Philadelphia most days. This car is so compact, yet fits groceries in the trunk and two people in the back seat. The apple car play is terrific!!
Cag0803 on June 6, 2019
Love itLove it! Went from an Audi Q7 to this and this car is sooo damn good! I think that the inside is super nice, not flashy but not bland- it’s just subtle and mature. Everything you touch is high quality, cheap plastics on a lot of cheaper cars are left out of this car. I LOVE that I get all the benefits of a small SUV but I get the gas mileage and the ability to zip in and out if traffic with ease. This car may look like a boring hatchback but the diving experience is super fun! Just push it a little and you'll see the pep this thing packs!
feng on March 8, 2019
best car everUse this car for commute. Excellent handling, responsive and great on gas. Looks sporty. I like the blindspot and auto braking. I would recommend this car to anyone.
OM on January 21, 2019
Small car, great package at the right price.Whao, it drives beautifully.., good looking little car, great price for what you get, and interior materials are as good as the high end class cars. Gas saver ... My 4th VW after 2 Jettas and a Tiguan over the past several years..., the best in overall so far....
Sofiarosesaid on November 25, 2018
Beautiful and fun to driveThis car is a dream to drive. It has so much room for how compact it is, and has all the bells and whistles I didnt even know I couldnt live without. Volkswagen knows how to make a driver comfortable and happy.
New e-Golf owner on November 18, 2018
e-Golf all electric vehicleVery comfortable and roomy for a small vehicle. Love the fast acceleration and get up and go. The vehicle features are wonderful. Charging the electric vehicle is so easy.
HappyGolfOwner on October 24, 2018
Not my first car, but it?s the best I?ve owned.I?m undoubtedly still in the honeymoon period because I just purchased it less than a month ago. I did a lot of research before I bought and it came down to a choice between a Civic EX-L and a Golf TSI SE. I liked the Golf because it was a hatchback and had seats with lumbar support. I guess I could have bought a Civic Touring hatchback but they were pricey (and no lumbar support in any trim level, even with 8-way power seats). I also considered a Mazda 3, but no CarPlay in the U.S. Dealers said it might be made available as a retrofit, but I?m not going to wait around for something that may or may not happen. Golf has a very smooth ride with very little road noise. It?s no speed demon but it has more than ample power and handles great. Interior is comfy with plenty of room in the back. It?s was impossible to find an SE trim with a 5 speed in my area, but so far I?m happy with the automatic.
Lisa T on October 21, 2018
Back to BasicsI decided to buy something basic that offers 40mpg and a spirited driving experience, along with top quality and a cockpit where everything is at hand but doesn't distract!