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Subaru Crosstrek vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (29,900 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Crosstrek or VW Golf?

Subaru Crosstrek vs VW Golf: Key differences

Subaru Crosstrek

4.3 (3 Reviews)
rate
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
  • slightly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Crosstrek

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf is only slightly cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Subaru Crosstrek costs 29,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,624 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Crosstrek with 7.7 L/100km. The difference is about 6.6 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers significantly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 189 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Subaru Crosstrek takes 10.8 s. That’s about 5.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers substantially more torque with 420 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 238 Nm more.

Crosstrek

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is noticeably lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,595 kg. The difference is around 288 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf offers slightly more boot space – 381 L compared to 315 L. That’s a difference of about 66 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries marginally more – 508 kg compared to 505 kg. That’s a difference of about 3 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Subaru Crosstrek
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact, go-anywhere crossover that blends rugged good looks with Subaru's familiar all-wheel-drive confidence, so it feels equally at home on backroads and in the supermarket car park. It delivers practical, reliable transport with a comfy ride and sensible features — not the flashiest cabin, but great for buyers who prefer substance over sparkle.

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Reviews Subaru Crosstrek

4.3 (3 Reviews)
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No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Subaru Crosstrek
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,900 - 35,000 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
174 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,595 - 1,628 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
315 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
472 - 505 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek is available as All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.