Used Volkswagen Showdown: Comparing The Top 5 Models For Value And Performance

Used Volkswagen Showdown

If you’re looking for a used Volkswagen vehicle in the Atlanta, GA, area, you’ve got a wide range of choices. From the first Beetle to the latest Atlas, a used Volkswagen stands tall in any vehicle class. However, five prime examples stand above this stand-out crowd: The Golf, Jetta, Taos, Tiguan, and Atlas. Read on and find out which is right for you as we compare the best used Volkswagen models, then visit Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee to test-drive your winner.

The Used Volkswagen Golf

Used Volkswagen Golf

Used Volkswagen Golf Overview

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the other used Volkswagen vehicles, you likely know the Golf. That’s because it’s the most successful European car of all time;1 35 million have been sold, meaning a VW Golf has been purchased somewhere in the world every 41 seconds since its 1974 debut.1

The Golf came about to bring the Beetle’s spirit of fun-loving, affordable-for-anyone, and small-but-practical transportation into the modern world, reshaping its lovably-round body into a sharp and clean hatchback courtesy of Italian design master Giorgetto Giugiaro. And that’s not even mentioning the still-raging performance-hatchback war it started in 1976.

Today, a used Volkswagen Golf is a top five used Volkswagen hatchback, offering all you could want in a car at a remarkable price.

Used Volkswagen Golf Design & Interior

Modern Golf hatchbacks are curvy overall, drawing a spacious rear cargo area that defies size expectations. But up front and atop the curvy body panels, the Golf is styled with crisp accent lines (similar to Giugiaro’s 1974 masterpiece) and front/rear fascias that are simultaneously friendly and aggressive.

A used Volkswagen Golf can fit five passengers with an SUV-sized 116.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 53.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. As the American-market Golf was discontinued in 2021 (excluding Golf GTI and Golf R trims), you can find incredible feature-based value; the final model year rolled its regular trims into one, bringing an awesome package of standard features.

From the Golf GTI and its iconic plaid seat upholstery to the standard eight-speaker sound system in a 2018 VW Golf, this hatchback goes further for value.

Used Volkswagen Golf Performance & Efficiency

The Golf comes in many forms. Modern used VW Golf hatchbacks can have one of four engines and one of three transmissions. All models (except for the Golf R and Golf Alltrack) have standard FWD.

Here’s a look into the available specs:

  • 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — 147 horsepower; six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 29/39 MPG (City/Highway)2
  • 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (discontinued after 2019) — 170 horsepower; five-speed manual or six-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 29/37 MPG (City/Highway)2
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — 241 (Golf GTI) or 315 (Golf R) horsepower; six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 24/34 MPG (City/Highway)2

Used Volkswagen Golf Reliability & Safety

According to RepairPal.com, the used Volkswagen Golf has a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0,3 and an average annual repair cost of $630;3 their industry average is $652,3 meaning that the Golf is above-average for ownership affordability.

Safety is also an above-average aspect of the Golf. For example, the 2019 used VW Golf has a five-star NHTSA safety rating,4 and many model years also earned a top score.

Used VW Golf For Sale

The Used Volkswagen Jetta

Used Volkswagen Jetta Overview

Remember back in the 1990s when pure-gasoline cars could reach fuel efficiency levels akin to today’s hybrid vehicles? The Jetta does, and still offers that incredible efficiency. However, it blends that fuel economy with modern safety, technology, and performance, offering you the full package for compact sedan enjoyment.

From its debut year of 1979 to today, a used Volkswagen Jetta has been the perfect choice for families and solo drivers alike. It’s an agile sedan that brings some fun back to your daily drive without needing to compromise on anything your wish list contains. With trims like the used Jetta GLI paralleling what the sportier Golf models can offer and comfort more in line with larger sedans, you’ll be in for a treat when you choose a Jetta.

Used Volkswagen Jetta

Used Volkswagen Jetta Design & Interior

Focusing on the Jetta sedan’s seventh generation (2018 model year to today), we see a masterclass in the steadfast yet innovative German design philosophy. It’s styled with aerodynamics in mind; incredible fuel efficiency is a product of this focus, but an eye-catching design accompanies you on every drive. As it continued past the “normal” Golf hatchback’s final year, the Jetta can be a more modern-looking vehicle and get even more attractive in its sporty Jetta GLI trim.

Inside, you’ll find immense space for a compact sedan; a used Volkswagen Jetta offers five seats, 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, and a 14.1 cubic-foot trunk. It also offers top features for the segment and price, including available heated and ventilated front seats with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro display, wireless smartphone charging, and much more.

The used Volkswagen Jetta is a lot like the Golf but has newer model years to explore and a sleeker sedan body to satisfy your style (though cargo room is a tradeoff here).

Used Volkswagen Jetta Performance & Efficiency

The Jetta is a blast to drive. It’s one of the only modern sedans to offer a manual transmission and one of the only pure-gasoline cars that can deliver an EPA-estimated 42 MPG on the highway.2 When you choose a recent-model-year used Volkswagen Jetta, you can find the following engines and specs:

  • 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (discontinued after 2021) — 147 horsepower; six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 30/41 MPG (City/Highway)2
  • 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — 158 horsepower; six-speed manual or six-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 29/42 MPG (City/Highway)2
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (Jetta GLI-trim exclusive) — 228 horsepower; six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 26/37 MPG (City/Highway)2

Used Volkswagen Jetta Reliability & Safety

Like the Golf, the used Volkswagen Jetta has above-average reliability. It ties its hatchback brother with a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0,5 but wins the Jetta vs. Golf comparison with an average annual repair cost of $609.5

Safety is another tie with the Golf; the 2019 used Volkswagen Jetta also has a five-star NHTSA safety rating.6

Used VW Jetta For Sale

The Used Volkswagen Taos

Used Volkswagen Taos

Used Volkswagen Taos Overview

As the smallest VW SUV, the Taos starts the show with an exclusive design. In particular, the Taos was designed specifically for America. It came to us in 2021, and since then, the Taos has proved immensely popular as the best balance between the discontinued Golf hatchback and the Tiguan. It’s also proven popular as the most affordable new VW SUV and that affordability extends to used models, too.

In just three model years, it’s become an icon of the small SUV segment, and not just for its good looks. A used Volkswagen Taos packs huge cargo room, safety features, and luxuries into its agile body, bringing you the best of both automotive worlds.

Used Volkswagen Taos Cargo, Passenger Room, and Maneuverability

As an agile SUV, the Taos can be the best used VW model for families who take on city streets more frequently than the highway. However, on long road trips, the Taos can satisfy larger-than-life accommodations.

A used Volkswagen Taos can seat five with 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space. It has 37.9-inches of rear legroom to keep your passengers comfortable, 40.1-inches of front legroom for you, and up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space to bring everything along. Using its agility to great effect, the used Volkswagen Taos handles city-street maneuvers with a curb-to-curb turning circle of 37.6-feet.

Used Volkswagen Taos Performance & Efficiency

A used Volkswagen Taos has the same engine as a recent-model-year Jetta. The Taos SUV’s specs are as follows:

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — 158 horsepower; eight-speed automatic (FWD) or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (4MOTION AWD); up to an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway);2 not rated for towing

Used Volkswagen Taos Reliability & Safety

With only three model years of refinement, the Taos has not yet achieved the legendary reliability ratings of its longer-lived peers.

Its J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 75 out of 1007 is nothing to scoff at, though. And the Taos aced IIHS tests with top marks in most categories, including a “Superior” front crash prevention rating.8

Used VW Taos For Sale

The Used Volkswagen Tiguan

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Overview

Introduced in 2007 as the brand’s compact SUV, any Volkswagen comparison should note that the Tiguan has two key benefits. Firstly, it’s the middle child of the VW SUV lineup, balancing the agility of the Taos and the spacious interior of the Atlas. Secondly, it’s one of the only compact SUVs with third-row seating.

The second-generation Tiguan debuted in 2016 and is the most common used Volkswagen Tiguan you can find. But, the first-generation model stands in our selection of used vehicles under $20k as the king of compact SUV value. This master of versatility is ready to introduce you to a new world of daily-driving enjoyment.

Used Volkswagen Tiguan

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Cargo, Passenger Room, and Maneuverability

A used Volkswagen Tiguan is 10.3-inches longer than a used Taos. It offers a bump to 124 cubic feet of passenger room and 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room (in two-row models). It can tow; the Taos can’t. As for seating space, second-row passengers get 36.6-inches and third-row passengers get 27.9-inches of legroom.

With a curb-to-curb turning circle of 37.7-feet, a used Volkswagen Tiguan is only slightly less-maneuverable than a used Volkswagen Taos.

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Performance & Efficiency

The Tiguan is more powerful than the Taos and can tow, but it delivers lower MPGs. The used Volkswagen Tiguan has the following specs:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder — 184 horsepower; eight-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG (City/Highway);2 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity9
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (discontinued after 2017) — 200 horsepower; six-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 20/24 MPG (City/Highway);2 2,200-pound towing capacity9

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability & Safety

As a long-running VW SUV nameplate, the Tiguan has been refined for 16 years as of today. Models like the 2020 used VW Tiguan earned a “Great” J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 83 out of 100,10 and a five-star NHTSA safety rating.11 The 2022 used Volkswagen Tiguan can take your confidence even further; it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award-winner.12

Used VW Tiguan For Sale

The Used Volkswagen Atlas

Used Volkswagen Atlas

Used Volkswagen Atlas Overview

The biggest, most spacious, and capable SUV in our used Volkswagen inventory, the Atlas was the first VW vehicle designed for America. It’s also a newer name among the used Volkswagen lineup; the Atlas was introduced in the 2018 model year. It replaced a model you may be familiar with: The Volkswagen Touareg.

As the successor to the Touareg, the Atlas rode in with the most premium features of the SUV lineup, including standard heated front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat on recent models. With aggressive yet smooth styling, the second-highest towing capacity of any used Volkswagen vehicle (exceeded only by the Touareg), and a full suite of safety features like an Intelligent Crash Response System, a used Volkswagen Atlas offers it all.

Used Volkswagen Atlas Cargo, Passenger Room, and Maneuverability

Among our VW pre-owned specials and regular inventory, the Atlas offers the most room; it has 154 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 96.8 cubic feet of cargo room. It also provides 37.6-inches of second-row and 33.7-inches of third-row legroom. That’s a lot more than the Tiguan, but with a 200.7-inch long body and a 40.5-foot curb-to-curb turning circle, the Atlas trades maneuverability for space.

Used Volkswagen Atlas Performance & Efficiency

If you’re looking for the most powerful and capable used Volkswagen SUV, the Atlas is for you. It comes to life with two engine options:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine — 235 horsepower; eight-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 21/25 MPG (City/Highway);2 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity9
  • 3.6-liter V-6 engine — 276 horsepower; eight-speed automatic; up to an EPA-estimated 18/24 MPG (City/Highway);2 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity13

Used Volkswagen Atlas Reliability & Safety

The VW Atlas currently has zero reported problems according to RepairPal.com.14 Its 2022 model has an “Average” J.D. Power Quality and Reliability score of 72 out of 100,15 but a “Great” three-year resale value score of 82 out of 100.15

And for confidence in its oldest model year, the 2018 used Volkswagen Atlas is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.16

Used VW Atlas For Sale

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a used VW has been well-maintained?

Viewing a CARFAX® Vehicle History Reportâ„¢ is the best way to know if a used VW vehicle has been well-maintained. This comprehensive report includes the vehicle’s service history, reported accidents, and more. Choosing from our selection of certified pre-owned Volkswagen vehicles is another way for you to ensure that your next used Volkswagen vehicle is in great shape.

What should I consider when buying a used VW?

The most important thing to consider when buying your next used VW vehicle is how our certified pre-owned Volkswagen vehicles are inspected, reconditioned, backed by warranty coverage, and filled with desirable benefits. A certified used Volkswagen is the ultimate way to get new-car-like confidence in your next used car, but without paying a new-car-like price.

Is it better to buy a certified pre-owned (CPO) VW or a regular used VW?

CPO VW vs. used VW is a common comparison. CPO VW vehicles are a better choice to buy if comprehensive quality assurance and warranty coverage are your priorities. A regular used VW inventory will typically involve lower prices than a CPO VW selection and often have many more vehicles to choose from; CPO criteria prevent certain model years from being certified.




1For details, please visit: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/golf-turns-45-on-29-march-1974-volkswagen-started-making-europes-most-successful-car-4788

2EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.

3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/volkswagen/golf

4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF/4%252520DR/FWD

5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/volkswagen/jetta

6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/4%252520DR/FWD

7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/volkswagen/taos

8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/taos-4-door-suv/2022

9Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.

10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2020/volkswagen/tiguan

11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/VOLKSWAGEN/TIGUAN/SUV/FWD

12Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/tiguan-4-door-suv/2022

13Maximum tow rating when equipped with 3.6-liter V-6 engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.

14Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/volkswagen/atlas#tab-repair-costs

15Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2022/volkswagen/atlas

16Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volkswagen/atlas-4-door-suv/2018

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