Volkswagen is a brand that a lot of people like; after all, it’s a way to get impressive German engineering without paying BMW or Mercedes-Benz prices. When thinking about VW, it’s easy to picture classic models like the Beetle or Bug (personally, I go for the 1970s models that I grew up with, but the “New Beetle” is okay too), but the modern lineup that you will find at your local VW dealer has a lot to offer to. With a range of SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and even a new electric vehicle, there is something for every driver.
I can’t tell you which vehicle is right for you, and this certainly isn’t any kind of buyer’s guide, but I’m going to take a look at the current lineup. These are the vehicles that you’ll find at your favorite VW dealer right now – or in the next few months as brand-new models for this year start rolling out. We’ll even take a look at one 2022 model that you probably won’t find just yet, but you might still be able to pre-order one if you’re interested.
2021 VW Golf TSI
First up, we have the standard Golf or Golf TSI that you’ll find at your preferred VW dealer this year. For the most part, the Golf really hasn’t changed much compared to last year, so you won’t find a massive redesign or anything like that. Since this is already an excellent compact hatchback, however, that’s not really a bad thing, and it should tell you how reliable this vehicle has been. The TSI is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged I-4 engine that offers 147 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
2021 VW Golf GTI
If you like the look and design of the Golf, but want a bit more “oomph” in your ride, then the Golf GTI is the way to go. It’s essentially the same as the standard Golf in terms of features, but with a lot more power in it. The Golf GTI at your VW dealer features a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for significantly superior performance compared to the standard Golf. It’s available with either a manual or an automatic dual-clutch transmission, depending on which you prefer.
2021 VW Jetta
If you’re interested in a sedan at your VW dealer, then the Jetta is a great place to start. It has the lowest price of any model from Volkswagen while still providing you with a surprisingly spacious interior considering its compact design. It’s powered by the same 1.4L turbocharged I-4 engine found in the Golf TSI and has the same options for either a manual or automatic. What’s truly exceptional about the Jetta is its fuel economy: it gets an estimated 30 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 34 MPG combined.
2021 VW Jetta GLI
Much like with the Golf TSI and GTI, if you like the style and features of the Jetta, but you want something with more power, then there’s a model available at your VW dealer. The Jetta GLI is essentially the “performance” model of the Jetta, with the same roomy interior and four-door sedan design, plus a powerful engine. The Jetta GLI comes with a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers up to 228 hp and up to 258 lb-ft of torque. Although a manual transmission is standard, an available 7-speed dual-clutch automatic really makes the Jetta GLI a lot of fun to drive.
2021 VW Passat
Your second option for a sedan at your VW dealer (if we think of the Jetta and Jetta GLI as essentially one model) is the midsize Passat. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a great family sedan, as it has roomy seating for up to five people to be very comfortable. The Passat is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that offers 174 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. You can see this isn’t quite as much power as the GTI or GLI models above, but it’s a more impressive ride than the standard Golf or Jetta.
2021 VW Arteon
The final sedan offering from Volkswagen is the Arteon, which has a sleek and stylish design, with a rear hatch that makes this a great model for passengers and cargo alike. It’s quite responsive and a lot of fun to drive, thanks to a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can see that it is tuned significantly higher than any of the previous models, with more horsepower than even the performance versions of the Golf and Jetta.
2021 VW Tiguan
Although there is no shortage of compact crossover SUVs available out there, the Tiguan is definitely one of the best. It looks great, is quite fuel-efficient, and even has a third row of seats available if you have a growing family. You’ll find a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine in the Tiguan, delivering 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque for solid overall performance. This powertrain also gets an estimated 23 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined, making it great for families on a budget.
2021 VW Atlas
If you want more space inside than the Tiguan can provide, then the Atlas could be the right choice for you at your VW dealer. The Atlas is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating, which gives you all the space you need for family and friends. There are two engines available for the Atlas, starting with a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 that offers 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The available 3.6L V6 delivers 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport
While the standard Atlas provides great performance and a large body that includes three rows of seats, there’s also the Atlas Cross Sport. This is essentially the same vehicle in terms of performance – with the same two engines – but it’s smaller in size. The Atlas Cross Sport features two rows of seats, offering a spacious interior for up to five passengers as opposed to the seven-passenger Atlas. It’s a great choice if you want a smaller midsize SUV with solid performance.
2021 VW ID.4
One of the vehicles at your VW dealer that I’m most excited about is the all-new ID.4, an all-electric SUV that’s all-new for this year. Its spacious interior is no surprise, and the motor and power system is especially promising. The ID.4 is powered by a motor that delivers 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, with standard rear-wheel drive and a range of 250 miles on a full charge. While this single-motor version is all that’s available at launch, a dual-motor four-wheel drive version will be coming later this year or early next year and will deliver an estimated 302 hp for boosted performance.
2022 VW Taos
Finally, we have the Taos, which is the latest conventional SUV from Volkswagen and should be available at your VW dealer later this year. The Taos is a subcompact model, smaller than the Tiguan, but still has a spacious interior and even a roomy backseat for your passengers to enjoy. It’s powered by a new 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque; front-wheel drive is standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There will also be an all-wheel drive option available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for improved performance.
