Trunk comparison: VW Golf Wagon (Mk5) vs VW Polo

Key Differences (Brief Summary)

The VW Golf 5 offers significantly more loading length: with the seats folded down, the trunk is 12.6 in (23%) longer and with the first row upright, 15.4 in (59%) longer than the VW Polo.

The Polo, on the other hand, has a significantly greater trunk "depth" (loading edge to trunk floor): +1.2 in (60%) compared to the Golf.

Other differences are smaller: the Golf's trunk opening is +2 in (7%) higher, the Polo's loading edge is +2.4 in (9%) higher above the road, the narrowest width is +0.8 in (2%) larger in the Polo, and the opening width is +3.5 in (10%) wider in the Golf.

What Are the Practical Implications of These Differences?

Longer loading area in the Golf (23% / 59% more): This clearly makes the Golf superior for transporting long items such as slats, furniture parts, skis, or bulky boxes.

Those who frequently transport bulky or elongated cargo or often fold down the rear seats benefit from the Golf: items fit more easily inside, and it is less likely that parts will have to protrude outside the vehicle.

Deeper cargo well in the Polo (60% more depth): The Polo offers a deeper recess below the loading edge. This can be advantageous when items need to lie securely and out of sight in the trunk or when many flat suitcases are stacked on top of each other.

Practical downside: lower loading edges often mean more bending when loading and can make lifting heavy loads more difficult.

Other practical effects of smaller differences:

• The slightly higher trunk opening of the Golf (+2 in) makes it easier to accommodate tall items when loading through or standing them up in the trunk.
• The higher loading edge of the Polo (+2.4 in) increases the lift height when loading — unfavorable for heavy items, but possibly neutral to advantageous for an "internally lower" cargo volume.
• The somewhat wider opening in the Golf (+3.5 in / 10%) makes loading wider items easier; the minimal interior width in the Polo (+0.8 in) is slightly larger but remains a minor effect.

Conclusion

For users who regularly transport long or bulky cargo, the VW Golf 5 is the better choice due to its significantly greater loading length.

Those who value a deeper cargo well and a slightly more compact overall size (e.g., for city driving or concealed storage of luggage) will find practical advantages in the VW Polo — although these come with a higher loading edge and less length.