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Subaru Crosstrek vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (29,900 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Crosstrek or VW Golf Variant?

Subaru Crosstrek vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Subaru Crosstrek

4.3 (4 Reviews)
rate
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VW Golf Variant

1 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly lighter
  • considerably 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:

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.

VW Golf Variant is only slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Subaru Crosstrek costs 29,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,058 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Subaru Crosstrek with 7.7 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 68 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Subaru Crosstrek takes 10.8 s. That’s about 4.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers substantially more torque with 360 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 178 Nm more.

Crosstrek

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is slightly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,595 kg. The difference is around 229 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers considerably more boot space – 611 L compared to 315 L. That’s a difference of about 296 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries marginally more – 547 kg compared to 505 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant is decisively ahead 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 £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7 L/100km
Subaru Crosstrek
VW Golf Variant

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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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Subaru Crosstrek
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,900 - 35,000 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
174 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,595 - 1,628 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
315 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
472 - 505 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 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, F, C
Brand
Subaru
Brand
VW
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.