Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Toyota Corolla or VW Golf?
The automotive market is never short of contenders, but when it comes to hatchbacks, two names stand tall - the Toyota Corolla and the VW Golf. Both vehicles have a rich heritage and have become benchmarks in the compact segment. Let’s delve into the details and compare these titans regarding their technical features, efficiency, and innovations.
The Toyota Corolla, with its Full Hybrid engine, offers a choice of 140 or 196 horsepower, with both variants channeling power through a smooth CVT automatic transmission. This combination strikes a balance between efficiency and capability, boasting an impressive fuel consumption of 4.4 to 4.6 L/100km. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 to 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h, making it a practical choice for urban commutes and long drives alike.
On the other hand, the VW Golf caters to a broad audience with its varied powertrains. With options ranging from a mild hybrid to a spirited petrol, and even diesel and plug-in hybrid variants, the Golf offers 116 to 333 horsepower. It features both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, providing flexibility for performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Despite its broader power output range, it maintains competitive fuel efficiency with certain models achieving as low as 0.3 L/100km in plug-in hybrid mode.
Both vehicles offer five seats and cater to practicality with their hatchback designs. The Toyota Corolla's trunk capacity varies from 313 to 361 liters, slightly smaller than the VW Golf, which provides 273 to 381 liters, depending on the model. While the Golf’s exterior dimensions slightly differ with lengths ranging between 4282 to 4292 mm, the Corolla is more compact at a length of 4370 mm, enhancing agility in tighter urban environments.
The Corolla's 2023 to 2025 models are equipped with Toyota's latest hybrid synergy drive, placing it ahead for environmentally conscious motorists. It boasts a CO2 efficiency class of C and emits just 100 g/km of CO2, reflecting its commitment to eco-friendly driving.
The Golf keeps pace with its advanced Multi-link rear suspension and optional adaptive dampers, delivering a refined driving experience. The plug-in hybrid version particularly shines with an electric range of up to 143 km, making it a strong contender for those leaning towards electric mobility without sacrificing the traditional internal combustion engine benefits.
In terms of curb weight, the Corolla ranges from 1420 to 1460 kg, whereas the Golf varies significantly more, from 1304 to 1670 kg, influenced largely by its broader range of configurations. The Toyota Corolla, with its consistent design and environmental focus, provides excellent fuel savings over long-term ownership. The VW Golf, however, appeals to a broader spectrum with its varied pricing and feature availability, offering a well-rounded balance between efficiency and performance.
Ultimately, choosing between the Toyota Corolla and VW Golf comes down to personal priorities. Those seeking sustainability and efficiency with advanced hybrid technology may lean towards the Corolla. Conversely, those attracted to performance variety and flexibility in fuel options might find the Golf more appealing.
Both vehicles continue to set benchmarks in the compact hatchback segment, each offering its own set of strengths that cater to a wide array of driver preferences.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
VW Golf has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Toyota Corolla costs 28600 £. That’s a price difference of around 3382 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Toyota Corolla with 4.40 L. The difference is about 3.30 L per 100 km.
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 decisively edge – offering 333 HP compared to 178 HP. That’s roughly 155 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Toyota Corolla takes 7.50 s. That’s about 2.90 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs distinct better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Toyota Corolla tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.
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 curb weight, VW Golf is barely noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1420 kg. The difference is around 113 kg.
In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers slight more room – 381 L compared to 361 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.
In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs a bit better – up to 1237 L, which is about 185 L more than the Toyota Corolla.
When it comes to payload, VW Golf slightly takes the win – 508 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 58 kg.
Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
The Toyota Corolla remains the steady, no-nonsense compact that puts reliability and low running costs at the top of your shopping list, with a comfortable, well-built interior that won't embarrass you at the supermarket. It won't set your pulse racing, but it's an honest, easy-to-live-with car that makes smart sense for buyers who want dependability and sensible value with a dash of modern tech.
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@ Toyota Motor Corporation
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.
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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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@ Toyota Motor Corporation
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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
28600 - 34900 £
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Price
25200 - 47600 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.40 L
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
131 - 143 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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co2
100 g/km
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co2
25 - 184 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
43 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1420 - 1460 kg
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Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
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Trunk capacity
313 - 361 L
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Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
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Length
4370 mm
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Length
4282 - 4296 mm
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Width
1790 mm
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Width
1789 mm
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Height
1435 mm
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Height
1454 - 1483 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1004 - 1052 L
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Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
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Payload
400 - 450 kg
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Payload
438 - 508 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
CVT
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
140 - 178 HP
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Power HP
116 - 333 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 9.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
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Torque
-
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Torque
220 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
103 - 131 kW
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Power kW
85 - 245 kW
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Engine capacity
1798 - 1987 cm3
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Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
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Brand
Toyota
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Brand
VW
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The Toyota Corolla 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.
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