Volkswagen is moving Golf production to Mexico, and if tariffs are lowered, the base model Golf could soon be imported into the United States. If you want a Volkswagen hatchback in the United States in 2026, your only options are the sporty Golf GTI or the even punchier Golf R. But now a more restrained, practicality-minded option could be in the cards. While the regular Golf hasn't been offered here since 2021, an upcoming shift in the Golf's production location could allow the base-model hatchback to return to the US market.
While the Golf has been built in Wolfsburg, Germany, for more than 50 years, production of the hatchback will shift entirely to Puebla, Mexico, in 2027. The move came as part of a December 2024 labor agreement between VW Group and German unions. The Golf will join the Tiguan, Jetta, and Taos at the Mexico facility.
View Price on Amazon"Producing it in North America opens up opportunities for other Golf variants," VW Group of America CEO Kjell Gruner revealed in an interview with Automotive News. "The question then is: What’s the tariff from Mexico to the US? A 25 percent tariff for an entry version of the Golf would turn out to be difficult." Gruner stressed the benefit of lowering tariffs on light-duty vehicles built in Mexico to at least the same 15 percent rate that applies to other countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and the European Union. A lower tariff would open up avenues for more affordable models to enter the US market. "We would love to leverage that opportunity," he said.
Bringing back the entry-level Golf could give VW a third model with a starting price under $30,000, joining the Jetta sedan, which starts at $25,270, and the Taos SUV, which starts at $27,975. The last non-GTI or R-branded Golf sold here started at $24,190. Not only could this bring the return of the regular Golf hatchback, but we could also see other variants, such as the Golf SportWagen or a possible return of the raised Golf Alltrack. Still, VW will need to see changes in the tariff policy before it makes such a move.
Source: caranddriver.com
