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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overview
Golf GTI Consumer Sentiment
Owners give this generation Volkswagen Golf GTI (2022-current) a 5 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 67% recommend it. These figures are based on 3 consumer reviews, like these:
What Owners are Saying About the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI
"Beautiful, great gas mileage, powerful"
"I love everything about this car except the comfort level could be a little better. It’s a great looking car inside & out. It’s fast, holds the road like you wouldn’t believe. We got the last year of the 6spd manual transmission & Kings Red color ❤️"
"Really fun to drive and agile"
"I normally drive a lumbering SUV but had an itch for a manual tranny car since my last one was 20+ years ago. I test drove the VW GTI 380 S once and was hooked. Power and agility is phenomenal. It handles so well on the summer tires and the acceleration is so much fun when you're shifting with a clutch pedal. Yes, it's more work but the engagement is so much fun, even when you miss shift there's no computer algorithm to help you. And, 2024 is the last year of a manual tranny so I went for it. My version has everything I need except proximity door sensors, you still need to use the remote to lock/unlock doors and no wireless Apple car play. Those are my gripes. My infotainment is the smaller display unit and it still has a physical volume and tuning knob. I didn't have too much trouble with the capacitive touch, it's more sensitive than buttons for sure but not that big of a problem as others have mentioned. It's definitely a fun car for me and brings a lot of memories of driving my sister's hand me down 1980's avocado colored 4 SPD manual Rabbit...lol This was one car in my area I could get under MSRP, the Toyota GR Cross was definitely not. With the savings I added a Borla exhaust and now has a bit more character to it..."
"How can you do better than 2024 VW GTI 380!"
"I got this car 8 days ago. Prior to buying this car I was focused on a hybrid compact car with high mpg rating. You probably guessed what it was - a 2024 Prius. Confusing price structures with various models and the total cost was way too much. VW came with GTI 380. I was lucky to get the last one that was available. Am I glad that I got this. Power, performance, and smoothness are unparalleled. It is not hybrid - but performs with rest to mpg. This is one of the last model that VW is producing with 6 speed manual transmission. I always liked the manual transmission and it is difficult to get one from other car manufacturers. I did not test drive the 7 speed DSG automatic one. Surprisingly, the manual one is slightly more expensive. But the manual one gives you larger 19 inch black sports wheel and adaptive sport suspension which I like."
Overall 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Quality
User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI is above average for its class. Owners rated the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI quality a 5 out of 5.
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reliability
The 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI receives an average consumer rating of 5 overall and a 5 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
Favorite 2026 Golf GTI Features
According to drivers of the 2026 Golf GTI, here are some of its best features:
- Acceleration, agile, fun factor
- Strong acceleration and driving experience.
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI MPG by Trim
2026 Golf GTI S - city 24 MPG - hwy 32 MPG
2026 Golf GTI SE - city 24 MPG - hwy 32 MPG
2026 Golf GTI Autobahn - city 24 MPG - hwy 32 MPG
2026 Golf GTI Safety
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Safety Features
- Child Door Locks
- Child Seat Anchors
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Blind-Spot Alert
- Collision Preparation
- Collision Warning System
- Collision Warning System with Auto Brake
- Emergency & Security Services
- Front & Rear Parking Sensors
- Front Head Curtain Airbag
- Front Side Airbag
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Lane Departure Warning System with Auto Brake
- Rear Head Curtain Airbag
- Rear View Camera
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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Deals and Incentives
4.9% APR | 60 months
Get 4.9% for 60 months on a new 2026 Golf GTI.
$499 /mo | 36 months | Due at Signing
Closed end lease for a new 2026 Golf GTI SE FWD for $499/mo for 36 months with $4499 due at lease signing for well-qualified lessees.
$500 Total Cash
Get $500 Military, Veterans & First Responders Bonus on a new 2026 Golf GTI.
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI
KBB.com Consumer Reviews
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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Styles
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 3188 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 91.9 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 38.5 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.2 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 4.7 inches | ||
Overall Length | 168.8 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 34.5 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 103.6 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 70.4 inches |
Exterior
Adaptive Headlights | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
LED Headlights | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
Fuel Economy
City | 24 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 32 mpg | ||
Combined | 27 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
7 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available | ||
Limited Slip Differential | Available |
Performance
Horsepower | 241 @ 5000 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 273 @ 1750 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 7 years / 100000 miles |
Comfort & Convenience
Entertainment
Interior
Seating
Security
Technology
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Safety
Safety Features & Technology
Compare to Similar Vehicles
 New 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI |  New 2026 Honda Civic |  New 2026 MINI Hardtop 2 Door |  New 2026 MINI Hardtop 4 Door | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35,865 | $28,945 | $33,975 | $31,675 | |
| KBB.com Rating | N/A | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
| Consumer Rating | 5.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 24/Hwy 32/Comb 27 MPG | City 30/Hwy 38/Comb 34 MPG | City 28/Hwy 39/Comb 32 MPG | City 28/Hwy 39/Comb 32 MPG | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 241 @ 5000 RPM | 150 @ 6400 RPM | 201 @ 6500 RPM | 201 @ 5000 RPM | |
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
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