VS

SEAT Leon vs VW Golf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether SEAT Leon or VW Golf fits your lifestyle better.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

SEAT Leon has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24500 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 741 £.

Both cars consume an average of 0.30 L per 100 km – no difference here.

As for range, the VW Golf performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 143 km, about 9 km more than the SEAT Leon.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a a bit edge – offering 333 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the SEAT Leon takes 7.70 s. That’s about 3.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs somewhat better – reaching 270 km/h, while the SEAT Leon tops out at 220 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls a bit stronger with 420 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1344 kg. The difference is around 37 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers barely noticeable more room – 381 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

In maximum load capacity, the SEAT Leon performs minimal better – up to 1301 L, which is about 64 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Leon minimal takes the win – 521 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
DB2019AU02117_medium

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.3 - 8.2 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details

SEAT Leon

The SEAT Leon impresses with its dynamic design and sporty edge, making it a standout choice in its class. Its interior is characterised by a modern, driver-focused cockpit that combines functionality with an emphasis on comfort. The car delivers a responsive driving experience, thanks to its advanced engineering and agile handling capabilities.

details
Small-33980-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue @ seatmedia
Small-33989-LeonSEDynamic-MysteryBlue @ seatmedia
ipp-all-new-seat-leon-114-hq @ seatmedia
Small-35510-SEATLeonkeepsWhatCarAwardinthefamily @ seatmedia

VW Golf

Der VW Golf überzeugt seit Jahrzehnten durch seine Vielseitigkeit und seine ausgewogene Mischung aus Komfort und Dynamik. Mit seinem zeitlosen Design und der hochwertigen Verarbeitung ist er ein treuer Begleiter im Alltag. Besonders beliebt ist der Golf wegen seiner innovativen Technologie und der großen Auswahl an Varianten, die für jeden Bedarf das passende Modell bietet.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02087_medium @ Volkswagen
DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen

Similar Comparisons

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a roomier boot, so choose the Golf for sharper handling and economy or the T‑Roc if you want presence, flexibility and the delightful illusion of being an inch taller.
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
In a head-to-head comparison, the VW Golf showcases its versatility as a compact hatchback, offering a blend of practicality and performance that has made it a longstanding favorite among drivers. Meanwhile, the VW Taigo brings a fresh twist to the SUV segment with its sleek design and elevated stance, appealing to those seeking a sportier vibe without compromising daily usability. Both vehicles exemplify Volkswagen's commitment to quality and innovation, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference for style and function.
SEAT Leon
VW Golf
Leon
Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
24500 - 36400 £
Price
25200 - 51600 £
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 5.7 L
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
133 - 134 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
7 - 129 g/km
co2
6 - 186 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1344 - 1670 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1668 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4368 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1799 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1442 - 1460 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1187 - 1301 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
460 - 521 kg
Payload
431 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 272 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
197 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F, G, C
Brand
SEAT
Brand
VW

Similar Comparisons

CUPRA Leon
SEAT Leon
VS
The CUPRA Leon and SEAT Leon offer distinct driving experiences despite their shared lineage, with the CUPRA Leon delivering a sportier performance thanks to its more powerful engine and subtle race-oriented design cues. While the SEAT Leon provides a balanced ride with comfort and efficiency as its focal points, the CUPRA variant caters to those who seek an adrenaline rush with its dynamic handling and aggressive stance. Both models maintain high-quality interiors and technology features, but the CUPRA Leon stands out for enthusiasts seeking performance-tuned refinement.
VW Golf
VW Tiguan
VS
Ford Puma
VW Golf
VS
In the competitive arena of compact cars, the Ford Puma and VW Golf stand out for their exceptional blend of style and performance. The Puma impresses with its sporty design and agile handling, while the Golf continues to be a benchmark for interior quality and tech features. Ultimately, choosing between these two vehicles may come down to personal preference, as both offer unique strengths tailored to different driving tastes.
Audi Q2
VW Golf
VS
In the compact crossover segment, the Audi Q2 stands out with its premium build quality and sharp handling, offering a luxury feel in a small package. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf, beloved by many for its practicality and storied heritage, delivers a balanced ride with ample space and cutting-edge technology. While the Q2 appeals with its upscale design, the Golf wins with versatility and a slightly more budget-friendly approach.
Skoda Fabia
VW Golf
VS
In the compact car showdown between the Skoda Fabia and the VW Golf, both models offer impressive build quality typical of the Volkswagen Group. The Skoda Fabia shines with its exceptional value for money, providing ample space and practicality for urban driving. Meanwhile, the VW Golf maintains its iconic status with superior driving dynamics, a refined interior, and a range of advanced tech features, appealing to those who crave a more premium experience.
Lexus LBX
VW Golf
VS
In the world of luxury compact vehicles, the Lexus LBX stands out with its refined design and premium materials, offering a plush interior that feels a cut above the rest. On the other hand, the VW Golf, known for its sporty yet practical appeal, brings robust performance and a track record of reliability to the table. When comparing these two, the Lexus LBX appeals to those seeking upscale comfort, while the VW Golf attracts drivers who prioritize versatility and driving dynamics.
Kia XCeed
SEAT Leon
VS
In the competitive compact crossover segment, the Kia XCeed stands out with its bold design and versatile interior, offering a blend of style and practicality that appeals to a wide range of drivers. On the other hand, the SEAT León captivates with its sporty performance and engaging driving dynamics, providing a more traditional hatchback experience that doesn't shy away from excitement. Both models showcase impressive technology and safety features, making the choice ultimately depend on whether drivers prioritize versatility or driving thrill.
Mercedes A-Class
SEAT Leon
VS
What drive types are available for the SEAT Leon?

The SEAT Leon is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.