Owning a Volkswagen Golf from the 2013–2019 generation means driving one of the most refined and versatile compact hatchbacks on the market. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or road-tripping across the state, your Golf’s interior is constantly exposed to daily wear and tear. Muddy shoes, spilled drinks, snow, pet hair — it all adds up. That’s why protecting your flooring matters more than ever.
Two of the most popular interior protection options are car mats and cargo liners — but what’s better for the Volkswagen Golf? Which one gives you more coverage, better durability, and long-term value? In this guide, we break down the differences between custom car mats and liners specifically for the 2013–2019 Golf and help you decide which solution (or combination) is right for your lifestyle.
What’s the Difference Between Car Mats and Liners?
At first glance, car mats and liners might seem like interchangeable terms, but they serve different purposes and are designed for different parts of your interior.
Car Mats: Everyday Cabin Protection
Car mats are designed to protect the footwell areas in the front and rear of your Golf. These are the places where mud, dirt, slush, crumbs, and moisture accumulate from passengers’ shoes. A high-quality custom-fit car mat set will include mats for the driver, front passenger, and rear seats, and often feature raised edges to trap messes before they hit your factory carpet.
They’re ideal for:
- Commuters who face daily traffic and inclement weather
- Drivers who eat or drink in the car
- Anyone wanting to maintain a clean, odor-free cabin
Liners: Full Coverage for Trunks and Cargo Areas
Cargo liners, on the other hand, are designed to fit the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle. A full-coverage trunk mat protects against dirt, water, groceries, gym bags, pet crates, and gear that can shift around and damage the interior. Liners typically offer raised sides for maximum spill containment and are made from waterproof, durable materials.
They’re ideal for:
- People who regularly carry equipment, groceries, or tools
- Pet owners transporting animals or carriers
- Outdoor enthusiasts loading in wet or muddy gear
Do You Really Need Both for the Volkswagen Golf?
Short answer? Yes — if you want comprehensive protection for your 2013–2019 Golf, you need both floor mats and a trunk liner. The front and rear footwells see daily traffic, while the cargo area absorbs all your utility-based messes. Here’s how they work together:
- Car mats keep the cabin clean from the ground up — especially during rain, snow, or sand exposure.
- Trunk liners shield your rear compartment from spills, punctures, and scratches — maintaining resale value.
Many Golf owners use one or the other, but combining both gives you peace of mind and makes cleaning your vehicle faster and easier.
Volkswagen Golf 2013–2019 Cabin Layout: Why Custom Fit Matters
The sixth and seventh generations of the Volkswagen Golf (2013–2019) feature a compact yet functional interior. The sloped footwells and unique rear floor shape mean that universal mats often fail to provide full coverage — they shift around, curl up at the edges, or leave exposed gaps that collect moisture and grime.
Our custom-fit mats are precision-engineered to fit the exact contours of your Golf’s floor, footwells, and rear hump. You also get:
- Anti-slip backings that prevent sliding during drives
- Raised outer edges that trap liquids and dirt
- Stain-resistant leather-style materials that wipe clean easily
- A more refined look that complements the Golf’s upscale design
When paired with our full-coverage trunk mat, you get full-floor protection from front to back, in materials that are both functional and stylish.
Use Cases: Which One’s Right for You?
Still wondering whether mats or liners are a better fit for your lifestyle? Here’s a breakdown of common user types and what they’ll benefit from most:
Daily Commuter
You’ll want car mats first. Stop-and-go traffic, wet shoes, and coffee spills are your biggest enemies. Easy-to-clean mats make a huge difference.
Pet Owner
A trunk liner is a must. If your furry companion rides in the back, you need a waterproof cargo area to handle hair, mud, and accidents.
Outdoor Enthusiast
You need both. Camping gear, boots, and folding chairs track dirt all over — front to back. Floor mats + trunk liner = full coverage solution.
Parents
Kids equal mess. From snack crumbs to juice box spills, a full mat set is essential. Add a trunk liner if you're hauling strollers, diaper bags, or groceries regularly.
Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
Durability is one of the biggest deciding factors when comparing car mats to trunk liners. Both are built to handle messes, but they endure different types of wear depending on where they’re placed in the vehicle.
Car Mats
Car mats endure constant foot traffic. Over time, this includes pressure from heels, abrasion from gravel or sand, and impact from wet or dirty footwear. Custom-fit car mats are typically layered with tough topcoats, water-resistant cores, and anti-slip backings to handle all of this without cracking, curling, or fading.
Our Car Mats Customs luxury mat set is made with high-quality materials built to withstand long-term daily use in all climates. They remain pliable in cold conditions and won’t degrade in hot, sunny environments.
Trunk Liners
Trunk liners experience less abrasion but more risk of punctures, compression, and fluid exposure. From pet claws to metal tools or garden supplies, your trunk takes a beating. A well-made liner has a thick structure, raised edges, and waterproofing layers to protect against all of it.
Our matching trunk mat for the Golf offers full-width coverage and durable perimeter sealing, which is especially helpful for absorbing heavy or damp cargo without seeping into your original carpet.
Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading to custom-fit mats and liners is how much easier they are to maintain. Let’s compare how both options perform when it’s time to clean your Volkswagen Golf’s interior.
Cleaning Car Mats
- Remove and shake out debris regularly (weekly works great)
- Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth
- For stubborn dirt, use mild soap and water
- Dry before reinstalling to avoid moisture buildup
For more in-depth maintenance tips, check out our guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats.
Cleaning Trunk Liners
- Vacuum or sweep away dry debris
- Wipe down with warm water and a mild cleaner
- Rinse outside for deep cleaning if removable
Both mats and liners from Car Mats Customs are designed to resist stains and odors, making them perfect for frequent use in messy or wet conditions.
Weather Considerations: What’s Best for Your Climate?
The weather where you live plays a big role in deciding which product to prioritize. If you live in a region with harsh winters or rainy springs, your Golf needs full protection.
Winter & Snowy Conditions
- Choose floor mats with deep channels and raised lips to contain melting snow, salt, and slush
- Use a cargo liner to keep snow-covered boots or skis from soaking your trunk carpet
Rainy Climates
- Waterproof mats are a must to prevent mold and mildew
- Trunk liners with sidewalls help trap rain-soaked gear or umbrellas
Dry & Dusty Conditions
- Mats and liners protect against grit that can wear down factory flooring
- Wipe down surfaces weekly to reduce fine dust buildup
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Before buying mats or liners for your Volkswagen Golf, here are the features that matter most:
Fitment
Always choose products custom-cut for your exact model year range — in this case, the 2013–2019 Golf. Generic sizing will leave you with gaps or bunching.
Materials
Look for waterproof, easy-to-clean materials that won’t crack, curl, or degrade in extreme weather. Car Mats Customs uses layered, textured surfaces with sealed edges for long-term durability.
Coverage
Check whether the mats cover high-wear areas like the dead pedal, center hump, and door sills. Trunk liners should fit edge to edge and accommodate seat folding mechanisms if needed.
Appearance
A clean interior adds resale value and daily comfort. Choose mats and liners that match or elevate your Golf’s style — our options come in sleek patterns and leather-look finishes for a luxury touch.
Should You Upgrade from OEM Floor Mats?
Most Volkswagen Golfs come with standard carpet mats that provide only basic coverage. These are fine for dry conditions, but they’re easily stained and offer poor liquid containment. They also wear down fast, especially on the driver's side where heel pressure is constant.
Upgrading to our custom car mat set provides:
- Better protection against messes
- Longer-lasting durability
- Improved style and resale appeal
Pair that with a trunk mat for maximum defense against messy hauls and you’ve got a full interior upgrade without a huge investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both car mats and liners in my Volkswagen Golf?
Absolutely. Car mats protect the floor area in front of and behind the seats, while trunk liners protect the cargo space. For complete coverage of your 2013–2019 Golf, using both ensures your interior stays clean and damage-free from front to back.
Will custom mats fit properly in my Golf if I have a manual transmission?
Yes. Our custom-fit mats are designed for your exact model and accommodate features like the clutch pedal in manual transmission variants of the Golf.
Are these mats safe for all-season use?
Yes — Car Mats Customs products are built for all-weather performance. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, heat, or dry dust, our mats and liners are resistant to moisture, cracking, and warping, making them ideal for year-round use.
How do I keep mats and liners from smelling over time?
Our mats and trunk liners are made from odor-resistant materials. However, regular cleaning with mild soap and water, plus airing them out periodically, will help keep your interior fresh. Avoid harsh chemicals that can trap odors or damage finishes.
Will adding mats and liners increase resale value?
Yes. A well-maintained interior can significantly improve resale value. Clean, protected carpet and upholstery show that the vehicle was cared for — which helps you get top dollar when it's time to sell or trade in your Golf.
Final Thoughts: Which One Wins — Mats or Liners?
When it comes to protecting your Volkswagen Golf 2013–2019, the answer isn’t mats or liners — it’s mats and liners. Each serves a specific function that keeps your vehicle clean, protected, and more enjoyable to drive.
Choose car mats if you:
- Commute frequently or deal with muddy/wet shoes
- Want to keep your footwells free of grime and spills
- Need easy-to-clean, stylish interior upgrades
Choose a trunk liner if you:
- Transport pets, groceries, or outdoor gear
- Want to prevent trunk stains and scratches
- Carry items that shift or leak during drives
Choose both if you want full interior protection and long-term value.
Ready to upgrade your Golf’s interior? Shop our most popular solutions:
And don’t miss our helpful guides:
Volkswagen, Golf, and any related vehicle names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Car Mats Customs is not affiliated with or endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer. All references are made strictly to identify vehicle compatibility. Our custom-fit interior accessories are independently designed for compatible use.