Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo - Which one is right for me?

The Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Polo are two hugely popular, long-running hatchback models. Each is known for being comfortable, stylish in a subtle kind of way, and that bit classier than most mainstream rivals, but which is best for you? 

To help you decide we’re comparing the latest versions of each car – the Golf introduced in 2020 and the Polo that went on sale in 2017. We’ll run through the differences – and similarities – between the two, including which is most practical, which is best to drive and which will cost you least to own, to help you decide which best suits your needs.

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Polo

Size

You probably know this already, but the Volkswagen Golf is larger than the Volkswagen Polo. Whereas the Golf is classified as a mid-size hatchback the Polo is a compact hatchback, or ‘supermini’. 

The biggest difference between the two is length, with the Golf being 21 centimetres longer overall. For reference, that’s the same length as a piece of A5 paper. The Golf is also 4cm wider (measured excluding the door mirrors) and 3cm taller.

Volkswagen Golf

Both cars are five-door hatchbacks – you could get three-door versions of previous Golf and Polo models, but not these latest versions. The Golf is also available as the Golf Estate, but we’re focusing on just the hatchback here. 

Volkswagen Polo

Each car has had an update (or ‘facelift’) since it went on sale – the Polo in 2021 and the Golf in 2024. In each case there were minor exterior and interior design changes and upgraded infotainment and tech features.

Interior design and tech

Given that the Golf was introduced three years after the Polo it’s no surprise that it has a more high-tech look inside. The difference is quite dramatic, though. Both have a central touchscreen but whereas the Polo also has some conventional switches and dials, almost all of the Golf’s functions are controlled through the touchscreen. Which setup you prefer may be a matter of personal taste, but Volkswagen itself has admitted that the system on earlier versions of the Golf wasn’t as user-friendly as it should have been. Post-2024 models have an improved, more responsive system.

Volkswagen Golf interior and dashboard

Volkswagen Polo interior and dashboard

Both interiors have a higher-quality look and feel than most rivals, as well as a fairly unadventurous design. Some Polo models have colourful dashboard inserts that brighten things up, but of the two the Golf has a classier ambience overall – as you’d expect of a car that costs more to buy.

Boot space

It’s probably no surprise to learn that the Volkswagen Golf has a larger boot than the Volkswagen Polo, since it’s a slightly larger car. 

The difference between the two isn’t as large as you might expect, though. The Golf’s boot capacity (up to the load cover) is bang average for a mid-size hatchback, at 381 litres. The Polo has one of the largest boots of any small hatchback, with a capacity of 351 litres

Volkswagen Golf boot space (381 litres)

Volkswagen Polo boot space (351 litres)

A difference of 30 litres, then – that’s the capacity of the average carry-on flight case, so it might not be a deal-breaker. Bear in mind, too, that plug-in hybrid versions of the Golf have a 273-litre boot capacity (78 litres less than the Polo) because of where their battery pack is located.

Interior space

Thanks to its longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) and extra width, the Golf provides more interior space than the Polo. Yet again, though, whereas the Golf gives you similar space to other cars in its class, the Polo is unusually roomy for a compact car. 

In truth, both of these VW models have decent space for four adults to sit comfortably inside. There’s useful extra legroom in the back of the Golf, but even six-footers won’t feel too cramped in the back of the Polo.

Volkswagen Golf back seats

Volkswagen Polo back seats

The Golf is a bit wider, and Volkswagen’s own measurements suggest it gives an extra inch or so of shoulder space front and back. Headroom is good in both cars, although Volkswagen’s measurements show that the Polo is best for front-seat headroom while the Golf has most in the back.

Which is best to drive?

Both cars feel well-engineered and reassuring to drive; the gearshift, brakes and clutch have a nice precise action and each rides smoothly and feels stable at speed. The Golf is quieter at speed, though, as well as being slightly more surefooted through corners and more forgiving over bumps. It just feels like a bigger, more expensive car from behind the wheel. Which, of course, it is. The Polo is still good to drive, though, and its more compact size and excellent visibility make it very easy to park.

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Polo

Both cars are available with a wide variety of engines. Most are petrol – although you can still buy a new diesel version of the Golf, Polo diesel models were phased out in 2020. While the earliest, low-spec Polo models were a bit underpowered most of the engines available for these two cars give decent performance. If you want a bit more oomph the Golf offers a number of high-powered engines, including a plug-in hybrid GTE model. And there’s always the Polo GTI and Golf GTI – ‘hot hatchback’ versions of each car that are seriously fast and fun.

Equipment

Volkswagen cars tend to cost a bit more than their mainstream rivals but are generally well-equipped, and that’s true of these cars. Volkswagen has changed and upgraded both models over time, but even the earliest Polo models have a touchscreen infotainment system and an automatic braking system. 

As of February 2025, the cheapest new Polo on sale includes features such as alloy wheels, air conditioning, automatic LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, heated door mirrors and rear parking sensors. The Golf has more features, both as standard and available as options when new. Today, the entry-level model has everything that you get with the Polo, plus high-tech features including voice control with ChatGPT, a rear-view camera and headlights that automatically switch between dipped and main beam.

Price and running costs

As we’ve mentioned, the Golf is a larger, better-equipped car than the Polo so it’s not exactly news that it costs more. The current starting price for a new Polo is just over £21,000, while the Golf starts at more than £29,000. If you’re buying used the gap narrows but the Polo will always be cheaper.

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Polo

Running costs for the Polo should be lower, too. It generally costs less to insure and some versions have the lowest possible group 1 insurance rating. Most of the engines available for these cars are very fuel-efficient, but where the same engine is available for each car it gives slightly better mpg in the Polo because it’s a lighter car. While the Golf is available as a plug-in hybrid, there are no hybrid versions of the Polo and neither is available with pure-electric power.

Dimensions

Volkswagen Golf dimensions

Length: 4282mm 
Width: 1789mm 
Height: 1483
Boot space: 381 litres

Volkswagen Polo dimensions

Length: 4074mm
Width: 1751mm
Height: 1451
Boot space: 351 litres

Which is the best?

Deciding whether the VW Golf or VW Polo is best for you will likely come down to your budget and lifestyle. They’re both great options, with the Polo punching well above its weight for a compact car. Ultimately, the Golf is the better car, though, offering extra comfort, space, tech  and variety, albeit at a slightly higher price.