2025 Volkswagen Golf R

Well into its eighth generation, the 2025 VW Golf is represented in the United States by the Golf GTI and the Golf R. There’s a much broader range on sale elsewhere in the world, but Volkswagen decided that the United States should get just the best ones. Well, the best if you’re a driving enthusiast.

According to our owner reviews, there are still plenty of enthusiasts around who love the GTI and Golf R. Quite rightly so. The Golf GTI is especially attractive, not just because it doesn’t cost as much as the more specialized Golf R, but also because the GTI has more of a heritage. It’s enjoyable, useful, cool, and relatively attainable — a rare combination.

This eighth generation launched for the 2022 model year, the product of expertise gained over many years. Most of VW’s output these days consists of SUVs, but the Golf GTI and Golf R remind us of what the company used to be more about.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact cars, including the VW Golf GTI and Golf R.

Both 2025 VW Golf variants have revised styling, with updated LED lighting at both ends and an illuminated grille badge. Technology reaches a higher level, bringing a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Certain controls, like touch-operated sliders for volume and cabin temperature, have been redesigned to be more ergonomically effective. Navigation becomes standard, and aspects of the infotainment system are now controllable using voice commands. The Golf R gains 13 more horsepower. This car also offers a Black Edition cosmetics package that includes carbon fiber interior accents. VW used to offer a 6-speed manual transmission in Golf models, but that’s been discontinued.

The Golf GTI SE is a popular choice, adding (among other things) a sunroof, keyless entry, and a Harman Kardon audio system upgrade. We also like the GTI Autobahn trim, though, with its adaptive suspension and head-up display.

Comparable contenders like the Mazda3 2.5 Carbon Turbo, Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla GR Hatchback, Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Elantra N, and Subaru WRX are in all the same kind of financial bracket. Exploring the luxury sector, the Acura Integra is priced similarly.

Before buying a new Golf, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The GTI tends to have above-average resale values, with the Golf R doing an even better job of retaining its worth. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The Golf GTI has a perfectly respectable 241 horsepower, enabling a brisk zip from standstill to 60 mph in six seconds. That’s comparable to the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. We also like the fact that the Golf GTI has plenty of midrange thrust for effective overtaking moves.

It isn’t just about power, though. The Golf is easily capable of delivering dynamic thrills and we’ve found that few rivals can match the fluid handling qualities of a GTI when they turn onto those canyon roads. Some of this is made possible by ingenious features like the standard electronic limited-slip differential combating understeer (where the front tires gradually relinquish their grip and the front end drifts wide). But such additions complement a well-calibrated chassis instead of compensating for a mediocre one.

It has to be said that the now-standard dual-clutch automated 7-speed transmission has a shift action faster than any human can muster. And the shift paddles allow the driver to get involved whenever the whim arises.

A 328-hp engine propels the Golf R, which also has bigger brakes and its own set of selectable driving modes — including a drift setting for power-sliding antics on a track. The R’s standard all-wheel drive system includes a torque-vectoring function for the rear axle. Through curves, the outside wheel is made to go faster than the inside wheel, for optimum stability. From behind the steering wheel, it just feels as if the driver has suddenly become more talented.

Fuel Economy

In combined city/highway driving, the Golf GTI achieves 27 mpg, which we think is perfectly reasonable and compares well enough against the 30 mpg combined of the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo.

The Golf R is rated at 25 mpg combined.

Although they come from a non-luxury marque, we perceive the Golf GTI and Golf R as decidedly upmarket. They both have supportive front seats and a smart control layout. A nod to the car’s heritage comes in the form of the plaid-patterned cloth upholstery in the lower trims.

Every new Golf has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster showing a choice of information. Learning how to use it is easy and quick. A 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen becomes standard this year, and the wireless charging pad is now ventilated.

For a compact car, the Golf is roomy in both seating rows. Rear legroom measures 35 inches, enough for an adult male of average size and virtually the same as the Mazda3.

Despite being an enthusiast’s machine, this hatchback is also practical, with a generous 19.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, or 34.5 cubic feet when they’re folded down. The Mazda3 hatchback impresses with a maximum of 47.1 cubic feet — yet we like the sensible, squared-off shape of the Golf’s cargo area.

Known mostly as the Golf, or the Rabbit on occasion, most people are probably familiar with this German compact hatchback that has been gracing roads since the mid-1970s. It has matured and evolved to this current state, yet has always retained a kind of understated coolness  — a way of mixing the pragmatic with the stylish. We like it. This year’s changes include updated exterior lighting, along with new metallic paint finishes of Alpine Silver and Slate Blue.

The GTI adds subtle red pinstriping on the grille, large front air intakes, and bold wheel designs. The Golf R displays its sportier credentials with a quad exhaust system. This model also gains new 19-inch alloy wheels for 2025 that are 20% lighter than before. Additionally, the Golf R offers a Black Edition in either Mythos Black Metallic, Pure White, or Lapiz Blue Metallic along with blacked-out exterior details.

Heated front seats
These are standard equipment, and an indication of how well-stocked even a base Golf GTI is.

Harman Kardon audio
We believe a good sound system is part of an enjoyable driving experience. This upgrade comes in at the one-up-from-base SE trim level.

Wireless phone integration
Cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also part of the SE’s inventory. We like the convenience.

Adaptive suspension
This is an example of what we mean when we say the Golf GTI approaches luxury car territory. This is fitted to the Autobahn model and the Golf R, providing a range of settings from Comfort to Sport.

Head-up display
Another Autobahn trim feature and yet one more item that’s more common in luxury cars.

Golf R Special mode
The North Loop of Germany’s Nürburgring track has more than 150 corners and is incredibly challenging. It’s also where VW spent time developing the Golf R, giving the car a Special driving mode that optimizes suspension and throttle responses to handle such challenges.

Both the Golf GTI and the Golf R employ turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines. The GTI is propelled by a punchy 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which goes solely to the front wheels through a 7-speed automated transmission.

The Golf R gains 13 more horses this year for a total of 328 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Once again, a 7-speed automatic handles the shifting duties. And the Golf R has all-wheel drive as standard.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volkswagen’s new-vehicle warranty, including the powertrain, lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s quite good for the class, since Honda and Toyota have 3-year/36,000-mile warranties. But then they cover their powertrains for five years or 60,000 miles. Two scheduled services, at 10,000 miles (or one year) and 20,000 miles (or two years), are also part of the Golf deal.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Golf earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, plus blind-spot monitoring.