Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2017) vs. Lexus GS (2014) Specs

vs.

◆

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI and 2014 Lexus GS Specifications

Model Year	2017	2014
Model	Volkswagen Golf / GTI	Lexus GS
Engine	turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 292 hp@5400 280 lb-ft@1800	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 306 hp@6400 277 lb-ft@4800
Transmission	6-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Body	4dr Hatch	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	103.8 in	112.2 in	-8.4 in
Length	167.5 in	190.7 in	-23.2 in
Width	70.8 in	72.4 in	-1.6 in
Height	57.2 in	57.3 in	-0.1 in
Curb Weight	3340 lb.	3980 lb.	-640 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gal.	17.4 gal.	-4.2 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	38.4 in	38.0 in	0.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	55.9 in	57.3 in	-1.4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	0.0 in	54.5 in	-54.5 in
Legroom, Row 1	41.2 in	42.3 in	-1.1 in
Headroom, Row 2	38.1 in	37.8 in	0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	53.9 in	55.7 in	-1.8 in
Hip Room, Row 2	0.0 in	54.1 in	-54.1 in
Legroom, Row 2	35.6 in	36.8 in	-1.2 in
Total Legroom	76.8 in (over 2 rows)	79.1 in (over 2 rows)	-2.3 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	22.8 ft³	14.3 ft³	8.5 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	52.7 ft³	14.3 ft³	38.4 ft³

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2016	As I've noted before (when reviewing the e-Golf), the seventh-generation Golf's front seats are shaped and padded to provide nearly ideal comfort and support in daily driving. The CX-5's driver seat also fit me well, but not quite as well as the Volkswagen's. Compared to other compact hatchbacks and its ancestors, the current Golf has a roomy rear seat. I can sit behind my 5-9 self with about five inches of air ahead of my knees. Unless unusually tall people populate both rows, the amount of space should be beyond adequate. Compare the Golf SportWagen's rear seat to that in the CX-5, and a funny thing happens. On paper, the Mazda provides about 3.5 more inches of legroom. When sitting behind myself in both vehicles, though, I had about half as much space ahead of my knees in the CX-5. I've noticed in the past that VW measures rear legroom very conservatively, and apparently they continue to do so. The Golf's interior is roomier than the official specs suggest. Plus its rear seat passengers get air vents. The Mazda's do not. This said, I'm not entirely comfortable in the Golf SportWagen's rear seat. To me it feels overly reclined. In neither the GSW nor the CX-5 is the degree of recline adjustable. It is in some compact crossovers. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review

2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2016	2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Difficult ingress and egress see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review

2014 Lexus GS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	The best thing about driving the Lexus GS F Sport two years ago remains the best thing. Its highly adjustable driver seat ranks among the few that are both supportive during aggressive driving and comfortable all the time. Adjustments include bi-level lumber, side bolsters, and thigh support. (Note: You can get the same adjustments on the passenger side, but only with the Luxury Package, not the F Sport.) The Cadillac's seats, while far from punishing, aren't as form-fitting or as comfortable. You also sit lower in the CTS, good for feeling sporty, not so good for seeing out of the car. The larger windows in the Lexus also boost driver confidence. see full Lexus GS review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Lexus GS.

See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks, Wagons, and Convertibles.

See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models.