The current Volkswagen Golf can tow up to 1,700 kg braked. Figures below are the strongest variant in each generation — lighter trims and engines tow less.
Unbraked (no trailer brakes): 750 kg.
| Years | Braked | Unbraked |
|---|---|---|
| 1981–2024 | 1,600 | 750 |
| 1991–1997 | 1,500 | 700 |
| 1997–2003 | 1,600 | 700 |
| 2003–2008 | 1,600 | 740 |
| 2008–2012 | 1,600 | 730 |
| 2012–present | 1,700 | 750 |
Towing capacity is the manufacturer-rated maximum for the model's strongest variant in each generation, not an average across trims — a base engine will tow less than the figure shown. Cars with an implausible source-data towing figure relative to their own kerb weight are excluded rather than shown with a guessed correction.