Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf: which is better?
We compare the Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf to see which German hatch is best for you
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The Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf battle is a relatively new one – these two cars haven’t been considered in the same league for long.
Updates for the Golf and freshly refined A-Class styling have evened the playing field. Now, if you want a premium hatchback, these are two of the best options.
Take a look at our Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf review below to see which one suits you.
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A-Class vs. Golf
- Our guide will answer:
Which car has the better styling?
Is the Golf or A-Class better to drive?
Does the A-Class or Golf have better tech?
Is the Golf or A-Class more reliable?
What are the A-Class vs. Golf dimensions?
A-Class vs. Golf: styling
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Both the A-Class and Golf are handsome hatchbacks in their latest forms. But the A-Class has taken a while to look this good, while the Golf has always been stylish.
The latest A-Class models are menacing and luxurious. There’s that Merc grille at the front and plenty of chrome touches, plus the option for the flashy AMG model.
So, should the Golf get extra brownie points for always looking great? Either way, the latest offering is intimidating but handsome, with plenty of strong body lines.
We’re fans of both models in fairness, and the newest options actually look pretty similar.
A-Class vs. Golf: what are they like to drive?
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There’s no denying that the A-Class and Golf are enjoyable to drive, but they’re better suited for daily driving at a respectable pace than anything too fiery (unless you go for the properly sporty variants).
Again, they feel quite similar, with responsive steering and handling and not a hint of sluggishness. And you’re spoilt for choice with the engine and gearbox options for both.
New Golfs from get a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines, the mild-hybrid eTSI, plug-in hybrid GTE, and a 2.0-litre diesel option – all with a few different power output choices.
The A-Class has a similar range, with two variations of the same 1.3-litre petrol engine, one 2.0-litre diesel, and a 1.3-litre plug-in hybrid.
A-Class vs. Golf: interior and technology
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There aren’t too many nicer places to be than inside an A-Class or a Golf. Both cars are high-quality, with plenty of tech.
The A-Class looks the techiest, with a pair of 10.25-inch infotainment screens that stretch across the dash.
Similarly, the Golf has a 12.9-inch screen plus a digital instrument display. Both cars get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, of course.
We’d say that the quality of the A-Class is slightly above the Golf – it feels a bit more luxurious and securely put together.
A-Class vs. Golf: boot space and practicality
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With the seats upright, the Mercedes A-Class has a 370-litre boot. That can stretch to 1,200 litres with the seats folded.
The standard fuel-powered Golf hatchback has a 381-litre boot that goes up to 1,237 litres with the rear seats down (so both cars are similar in storage size). It also has a low-load lip, so it’s easy to pack up.
You do lose a bit of boot space in the hybrid versions of the Golf, though.
Overall, the interiors on both are spacious and comfortable, so ideal for a smaller family car. Backseat passengers in both cars won’t be too snug.
A-Class vs. Golf: safety and reliability
The Mercedes A-Class was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2018, with an impressive 96% adult occupant safety rating and 91% for children.
As for the VW Golf, it was given a five-star rating in 2022. This includes a slightly lower but still superb 88% adult occupant safety rating and 87% for children.
Both cars are praised for their reliability. They sit high on reliability leaderboards, with positive reviews and compliments to the build quality.
A-Class vs. Golf: dimensions
Mercedes A-Class
Length: 4,419mm
Width: 1,796mm
Height:1,440mm
Boot: 370 litres (1,200 litres with the rear seats folded)
VW Golf
Length: 4,284mm
Width: 1,789mm
Height: 1,456mm
Boot: 381 litres (1,237 litres with the rear seats folded)
Verdict: Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf: which should you buy?
You can’t really go wrong when choosing a Mercedes A-Class vs. VW Golf – they’re both impressive hatchbacks, and you’ll enjoy living with either one.
The VW Golf does tend to be less expensive and that makes it feel the better value option. There’s not much the A-Class has that the Golf can’t also give you – they’re pretty level competitors.
Take a look at our full range of used VW Golf and Mercedes A-Class models to choose your favourite.