Both of these well-known VWs are now 50 years old, and the newest versions are better than ever – and more closely related.
It can be a difficult decision choosing between the Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Golf – it’s easy to mistake one for the other, and they’re both quite similar in some aspects. By the end of this page, you’ll have a good idea which to go for.
Volkswagen Polo vs Golf compared
| Volkswagen Polo | Volkswagen Golf |
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Styling and design
Half a century of evolutionary design changes have forged the styling of the current Polo and Golf. Both are solid-looking, smart hatchbacks that favour timeless conservatism rather than trendy design flicks or unnecessary creases and shapes. Higher-spec cars add chromed bits, restyled bumpers and bigger wheels. Overall, you’re unlikely to buy either on looks alone – but the looks are unlikely to put you off, either.
Interior
A lot of the switchgear and materials are shared between the Golf and Polo – there’s no point spending a lot of money to redesign these bits for a slightly more expensive car. The Golf has a few more premium-feeling areas than the Polo, although we should mention that the 2014-2020 Golf arguably felt a bit posher than the current car. An Audi A3 is a better choice if you want a truly premium interior.
It’s surprising how similar the Polo and Golf feel inside, and why that makes us think that the Polo is a quality small car but the Golf should try a bit harder. Really, you’ll have no issues with either unless you’re a serial dashboard poker.
The Polo still runs an older version of VW’s infotainment software, but it’s actually more intuitive than the system in 2020-24 Golfs. This is mainly thanks to more buttons, shortcut keys and air con controls, all exactly where you’d expect them to be. The Golf’s pared-back approach means a cleaner look but a greater reliance on the touchscreen. Thankfully, the Golf’s touchscreen got a big update in 2024, with more personalisation to easily get to most-used features.
Dimensions and practicality
| Volkswagen Polo | Volkswagen Golf | |
| Length | 4,074mm | 4,282mm |
| Height | 1,435mm | 1,483mm |
| Width (inc mirrors) | 1,964mm | 2,073mm |
| Boot space (seats up/down) | 351 litres/1,125 litres | 380 litres/1,270 litres |
The Golf is the slightly bigger car, but there’s really not much in it. You get slightly more legroom and a little bit extra boot space. Of course, the Golf also comes as an estate model if you need a much bigger boot.
The Polo puts up a good fight, and is one of the most spacious superminis. It still offers plenty of room for four normal-sized adults and a weekly shop.
Engines and performance
Every Polo comes with a petrol engine, and the range is quite straightforward. There are two versions of a 1.0-litre engine – one with a turbo and one without (the latter being slow but cheap to insure) – plus a higher-powered 1.5-litre turbo. Topping the range is a 207hp 2.0-litre engine exclusive to the Polo GTI.
You can also get the turbo 1.0 and 1.5 petrols in the Golf, as part of a much wider engine range. There are diesels for long-distance drivers and even a plug-in hybrid that offers you over 80 miles of electric driving with the backup of a petrol engine. There are a full complement of performance options, too.
Value and reliability
There’s nothing to separate these cars in terms of reliability, as both use many of the same parts. Volkswagen has a good reputation for durability, and you can get an extended warranty from Motorpoint for extra peace of mind.
The Polo will be cheaper to buy than the Golf, and it’ll probably be slightly cheaper to run too. Not that most Golfs will be expensive to run, but the Polo offers some of the lowest insurance costs if you stick to the entry-level engine. However, a plug-in Golf eHybrid will be cheaper to fuel than a Polo if you keep the battery charged.
Volkswagen Polo video review
Volkswagen Golf video review
Which is best?
You’ll need the Golf if you want a diesel or plug-in hybrid engine, and the Golf is generally a little better equipped. But otherwise, the Polo puts on a very strong showing, because it’s cheaper than the Golf but not much less practical – and the Polo feels just as sophisticated and grown up as the Golf.
You’ll find more in-depth information in our Volkswagen Polo review and Volkswagen Golf review. Or, if you’ve made up your mind, shop our used Volkswagen Polo cars or used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale.
