2010 Volkswagen Golf: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2010 is the arrival of the all-new sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf, which replaces the Rabbit in the U.S. The redesign brings new styling and a revised cabin, while the Golf TDI adds a diesel-powered model to the lineup.
About the 2010 Volkswagen Golf
6th generation (Mk6), first U.S. model year under the Golf name after the Rabbit naming detour.
Volkswagen positions the Golf as a right-sized, upscale German hatchback for everyday driving. Its pitch is simple: compact enough for city use, solid and polished inside, and more grown-up in feel than many small cars, while still offering hatchback cargo flexibility and easy maneuverability. The diesel TDI broadens that identity by adding long-range efficiency and strong low-end pull, but the core Golf idea is practical size, tidy road manners, and a more premium feel than a basic economy hatch.
Volkswagen positioned the regular Golf as a practical, easy-to-park hatchback with a solid feel and useful everyday equipment, including cruise control, an eight-speaker stereo, and heated power mirrors. The TDI was the long-range, better-equipped version, pairing a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with a lower sport suspension, a touchscreen stereo, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What changed, by category
2010 Volkswagen Golf specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 6-Spd w/OD / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 22–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 42 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.5 in | 35.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| SD Card Slot | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Golf a major change from the 2009 Rabbit?
Yes. The 2010 Golf begins the sixth generation and replaces the Rabbit name in the U.S. It has redesigned front and rear styling and a revised cabin, although the regular model retains the 170-hp 2.5-liter gas engine.
Did the Volkswagen Golf TDI arrive for 2010?
Yes. The Golf TDI joins the U.S. lineup for 2010 with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. It also has a lower sport suspension, a touchscreen stereo, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What engines does the 2010 Volkswagen Golf have?
The 2010 Golf lineup has two engines. The regular Golf uses a 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine, while the TDI uses a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.
What changed inside the 2010 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2010 Golf has a revised interior with updated controls, steering wheel, and gauges. The TDI also stands apart with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and a touchscreen stereo with an in-dash six-CD changer.