Volkswagen models, prices and problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

CarWhere’s Volkswagen hub collects free research for Volkswagen shoppers and owners: 7 model guides (Atlas, Tiguan, Jetta, Taos, ID.4), 35 trim levels with dated Volkswagen MSRPs, 164 known issues and NHTSA recalls, 2 engine and transmission guides, Volkswagen history and VIN tools. Every page lists its sources.

Volkswagen’s US lineup is built around the Atlas, Tiguan, Taos and Jetta, with the Golf GTI, Golf R and the ID. electric models alongside. These pages explain what each model, trim, engine and generation offers, what has been recalled, what buyers actually paid, and what to check before you buy.

Volkswagen models

Price, trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems for each Volkswagen line.

Volkswagen AtlasNewThree-row, seven-seat midsize SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD). From $41,610 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen TiguanNewTwo-row compact SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD). From $31,205 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen JettaNewFour-door compact sedan (front-wheel drive). From $23,995 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportNewTwo-row, five-seat midsize SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD). From $38,300 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen TaosNewTwo-row compact SUV (FWD or 4MOTION AWD). From $26,500 (2027 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen ID.4NewTwo-row electric compact SUV (RWD or dual-motor AWD). From $45,095 (2026 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.Volkswagen ID. BuzzNewThree-row electric van (RWD or 4MOTION AWD). From $59,995 (2025 MY); trims, engines, mpg, generations and problems.

Volkswagen engines and transmissions

Specs by year, which models use each engine, known problems and recalls.

Volkswagen engines and transmissionsNewVolkswagen's US TDI diesels (2009–2016) and DSG dual-clutch transmissions: outputs, model years, the emissions fix and every key recall.Volkswagen TDI turbodiesels sold in the US: 2.0L four-cylinder (2009–2015) and 3.0L V6 in the Touareg (2009–2016)NewVW TDI is Volkswagen's turbodiesel.Volkswagen DSG (direct-shift gearbox) dual-clutch automatic, 6- and 7-speed US applicationsNewDSG is Volkswagen's dual-clutch automatic transmission, first offered on the 2003 Golf R32.

Volkswagen trim levels and badges

Current and previous-generation trims with dated MSRPs.

Volkswagen trim levels explainedNew35 trims across 9 Volkswagen models.Atlas trim levelsNewThe all-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas comes in four trims: SE ($41,610), SE with Technology ($45,610), SEL R-Line ($52,110) and SEL Premium R-Line ($56,610), before destination.Atlas Cross Sport trim levelsNewThe 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers five trims: SE ($38,300), SE with Technology ($42,720), SEL ($48,610), SEL R-Line Black ($50,560) and SEL Premium R-Line ($53,620), before destination.Tiguan trim levelsNewThe 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan comes in four trims: S ($31,205), SE ($33,995), SE R-Line Black ($37,245) and SEL R-Line Turbo ($43,085), before destination.Taos trim levelsNewThe 2027 Volkswagen Taos has five trims: S ($26,500), Sport ($27,400), SE ($29,290), SE Black ($31,540) and SEL ($35,900), before destination.Jetta trim levelsNewThe 2027 Volkswagen Jetta comes in S ($23,995), Sport ($25,395), SE ($26,995) and SEL ($29,995) trims, before destination, all with a 158-hp 1.5L turbo four and 8-speed automatic.Golf GTI trim levelsNewThe 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes in three trims: S ($34,590), SE ($39,080) and Autobahn ($42,480), before destination.Golf R trim levelsNewThe 2026 Volkswagen Golf R is sold in one fully loaded trim at $49,455 before destination.ID.4 trim levelsNewThe 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 comes in five versions: Pro ($45,095), AWD Pro ($48,995), Pro S ($50,195), AWD Pro S ($54,095) and AWD Pro S Plus ($57,655), before destination.ID. Buzz trim levelsNewThe 2025 Volkswagen ID.

Volkswagen prices: what buyers paid

Transaction prices, dealer invoice, incentives and lease rates.

What Volkswagen buyers paidBuyer-reported Volkswagen prices by model.Best Volkswagen lease dealsCurrent Volkswagen lease offers.Atlas dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Atlas Cross Sport dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Tiguan dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Taos dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Jetta dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Golf GTI dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Golf R dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.ID.4 dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.ID. Buzz dealer invoice priceEstimated dealer cost by trim.Volkswagen incentives and rebatesCurrent Volkswagen cash, lease and APR offers.Volkswagen lease money factorsVolkswagen money factors and residuals for leasing.Dealer invoice price by VINEstimate what the dealer paid for a specific new Volkswagen.

Buying a used Volkswagen

What goes wrong, which years drew complaints, and how values hold up.

Volkswagen known issues by modelNew164 documented problems and recalls across 9 models.Atlas problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Atlas Cross Sport problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Tiguan problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Taos problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Jetta problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Golf GTI problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Golf R problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.ID.4 problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.ID. Buzz problemsNewKnown issues by generation and NHTSA recall campaigns.Is Volkswagen reliable?Volkswagen reliability from NHTSA complaints per vehicle sold, by model.Tiguan years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Jetta years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Golf GTI years to avoidModel years ranked by owner-complaint volume.Best Tiguan yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Jetta yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.Best Golf GTI yearsThe strongest model years to buy used.How long do Volkswagen models last?Share of used Volkswagen models past 150,000 and 200,000 miles.Atlas depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Atlas Cross Sport depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Tiguan depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Taos depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Jetta depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Golf GTI depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.ID.4 depreciationMedian asking price by model year vs new.Find a Volkswagen for saleSearch live Volkswagen listings from dealers nationwide.

Decode a Volkswagen

Start from the VIN or the factory build record.

Free Volkswagen VIN decoderYear, model, body, engine and assembly plant from any 17-character Volkswagen VIN.Volkswagen build sheet by VINFactory colors, options and packages for a specific VIN, checked free before you pay.Volkswagen specs by modelDimensions, capacities and powertrain specs for Volkswagen model years.

Volkswagen history

Volkswagen history from its May 1937 founding: Beetle, Type 2 bus, Golf and Rabbit, GTI, Jetta, Westmoreland and Chattanooga plants, Atlas, ID.4, ID. Buzz.

Volkswagen history: from the Beetle to the ID. BuzzNewVolkswagen history from its May 1937 founding: Beetle, Type 2 bus, Golf and Rabbit, GTI, Jetta, Westmoreland and Chattanooga plants, Atlas, ID.4, ID. Buzz.Volkswagen Golf GTI generations (Mk1–Mk8)NewEvery Golf GTI generation, Mk1 (1976) to Mk8: output by generation, US model years from EPA listings, and the end of the manual after 2024.Volkswagen Golf R generations (R32 to Mk8 Golf R)NewAll five Golf R generations: Mk4 and Mk5 R32, Mk6, Mk7 and Mk8 Golf R. US years 2004, 2008, 2012–13, 2015–19, 2022–on; 315 to 328 hp.

Volkswagen research by model

Volkswagen models with links to their guide, trim levels, known issues, years to avoid, what buyers paid and specs
ModelTrim levelsKnown issuesYears to avoidWhat buyers paidSpecs
Volkswagen AtlasAtlas trimsAtlas problems—Atlas prices paid2027 Atlas specs
Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportAtlas Cross Sport trimsAtlas Cross Sport problems—Atlas Cross Sport prices paid2027 Atlas Cross Sport specs
Volkswagen TiguanTiguan trimsTiguan problemsTiguan years to avoidTiguan prices paid2027 Tiguan specs
Volkswagen TaosTaos trimsTaos problems—Taos prices paid2027 Taos specs
Volkswagen JettaJetta trimsJetta problemsJetta years to avoidJetta prices paid2027 Jetta specs
Volkswagen Golf GTIGolf GTI trimsGolf GTI problemsGolf GTI years to avoidGolf GTI prices paid2027 Golf GTI specs
Volkswagen Golf RGolf R trimsGolf R problems—Golf R prices paid2027 Golf R specs
Volkswagen ID.4ID.4 trimsID.4 problems—ID.4 dealer invoice2026 ID.4 specs
Volkswagen ID. BuzzID. Buzz trimsID. Buzz problems—ID. Buzz dealer invoice2025 ID. Buzz specs

Know exactly how your Volkswagen was built at the factory.

See what a specific Volkswagen VIN was factory-built with. The CarWhere Volkswagen build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Volkswagen build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What SUVs and crossovers does Volkswagen sell?

CarWhere covers 5 Volkswagen SUVs and crossovers: Atlas, Tiguan, Atlas Cross Sport, Taos, ID.4. Each model guide lists the current price range, powertrains and generations with Volkswagen and EPA sources.

How much is the Volkswagen Atlas?

For the 2027 model year the Atlas is priced from $41,610 to $56,610 MSRP (Starting MSRPs in VW's online builder on Nov 5, 2026, excluding destination. Low = SE (FWD); high = SEL Premium R-Line with 4MOTION. 4MOTION adds $2,000 to the SE and SE with Technology.). The Atlas guide lists every trim with its dated Volkswagen MSRP.

Who makes Volkswagen cars?

Volkswagen was founded on May 28, 1937 and renamed Volkswagenwerk GmbH in 1938. Series production of the Beetle began on December 27, 1945. The brand reached the US in 1949, built the Rabbit in Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1988, and has assembled cars in Chattanooga since 2011, including the ID.4 from 2022.

What engines does Volkswagen use?

Volkswagen's best-known US powertrains are the TDI turbodiesel and the DSG dual-clutch automatic. The 2.0L TDI powered 2009–2015 Jettas, Golfs, Beetles and Passats, and a 3.0L V6 TDI went in the 2009–2016 Touareg. The 7-speed DSG is still used in the 2027 GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI.

How do I check a Volkswagen for recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or ask a Volkswagen dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list recall campaign numbers by model and generation.

How do I find out what options my Volkswagen has?

Start with the paperwork that came with the car. If it is lost, a build sheet reconstructed from the VIN shows factory colors, options and packages where detailed build data exists, and the free VIN decoder shows basics such as engine, body and plant.

Sources

Each linked page lists its own detailed sources. The hub's figures come from these datasets and references.

  1. CarWhere Volkswagen model guides (7 models) — CarWhere
  2. CarWhere Volkswagen trim-levels dataset (35 trims) — CarWhere
  3. CarWhere Volkswagen known-issues dataset (164 issues) — CarWhere
  4. Volkswagen US media site — pricing, specifications and model-year changes — Volkswagen of America, Inc.
  5. EPA fuel economy data — U.S. Department of Energy / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. or Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen and the model names are trademarks of their owners.