VW Golf GTI 2025: Price, consumption, picture, technical data.
Fears that Volkswagen would kill off the entire Golf lineup have all but been put to rest, with the VW Golf GTI set to kick off an all-new generation of the sporty hatchback. While it appears the German automaker will still stop selling regular (read: boring) Golfs in the United States, the GTI and the even splashier R model, which we review separately, were spared.
VW Golf GTI
The result is a more powerful GTI with even more desirable features and the same qualities that helped the outgoing version earn a spot on our 10Best list. With more modern styling inside and out, as well as the familiar fantastic handling, the reborn Golf GTI is ready to attract new enthusiasts and continue to reward the loyal ones.
What’s new ?
The VW Golf GTI is all-new, marking the eighth generation of the iconic nameplate. While its design is more evolutionary than revolutionary, VW has packed the hatchback with more technology and improved performance. Its fresh exterior design is bolstered by slimmer LED headlights and a gaping lower grille with fog lights integrated into the grille. The more dramatic makeover is inside, where VW combines trademarks like checkered upholstery with cutting-edge features. For example, dual digital gauges are now standard and the dashboard has been completely redesigned. The GTI’s turbo four-cylinder now makes 241 horsepower (up 13) and 273 pound-feet of torque (up 15), and it still offers a manual transmission as standard. The Golf GTI is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
When deciding which GTI trim to buy, the mid-level SE strikes us as the best value. For an extra €800 (Euros), the standard six-speed manual transmission can be swapped for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We prefer to switch for ourselves, so we’d avoid the extra cost. Compared to the entry-level trim, the SE adds a 480-watt Karman/Hardon audio system, a cool illuminated grille, upgraded infotainment features, and a sunroof. It can also be equipped with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and memory settings for the driver’s seat, but that means ditching the GTI’s traditional cloth seats and their checkered design.
Engine, transmission and performance
The VW Golf GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 13 horses and 15 pound-feet over its predecessor, but that power is still sent to the front wheels via either a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We tested a GTI with the auto box, which features smart shifts and helped propel the hatch to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds—0.7 quicker than a last-generation Rabbit edition with the automatic. Not only is the new GTI quicker in a straight line, we also credit its electronically controlled limited-slip differential and brake-based torque vectoring with an increase in entertainment value. Of course, the VW’s expertly tuned chassis still deserves plenty of praise, with its sharp throttle response and not-too-tight, not-too-soft ride. The latter was experienced with the hatch’s highly adjustable adaptive dampers and a set of 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard). Nothing dampens spirited driving like a soft brake pedal, but the GTI offers firm feedback and remarkable stopping power, stopping the hatch from 70 mph in just 151 feet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
We’re not sure how fuel-efficient the new Golf GTI is because those numbers haven’t been disclosed, but we estimate its city and highway ratings will be 24 and 32 mpg, respectively. Once we get a chance to drive it on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, part of our extensive testing program, we’ll be able to evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information on the Golf GTI’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Inside, the Golf GTI boasts a more modern design than before and a few traditional callbacks. The dashboard is dominated by two large displays – a 10.3-inch meter and a 10.0-inch touchscreen – that share a piano black bezel. The GTI’s three-spoke steering wheel has a heavily contoured rim and touch-sensitive controls. Its bolstered front seats have red accents on the outer edges and iconic checkered inserts on the upper and lower cushions. Unfortunately, unlike the previous generation’s upscale environments, the new interior is marred by some cheesy finishes. Visibility of the road is improved by lower trim, but we prefer a simple set of analog gauges to the overly configurable digital setup. The new GTI grows an inch overall and extends its wheelbase by 0.6 inches, which only furthers its impressive passenger compartments and cargo space.
Infotainment and connectivity
The GTI’s infotainment system runs through a standard 10.0-inch touchscreen. Unfortunately, it’s operated primarily via touch-sensitive sliders rather than more intuitive buttons and knobs. In addition to a few charging ports, the system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These familiar phone apps and menu structures will help balance out VW’s otherwise busy and potentially distracting interface.
Safety and driver assistance functions
VW has announced that there will be a common standard for driver assistance technology as well as optional upgrades. For more information on the Golf GTI’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist as standard
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and maintenance coverage
VW offers an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protection lags behind most rivals. The company sweetens the deal with free scheduled maintenance similar to Toyota’s.
Price VW Golf GTI
Taking destination charges into account, the VW Golf GTI will have a starting price of €30,540 (Euro), while the Golf R with all-wheel drive starts at €44,640 (Euro).
