Volkswagen Golf R

Name: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

CR's Take

The Golf R has standard all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo makes 292-hp. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual and a six-speed DSG. A special tuned suspension made the R more performance oriented than the GTI. The R also comes with many luxury features. For 2018, there is a single well-equipped trim which comes standard with FCW, AEB, BSW, RCTW, and adaptive cruise control.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2018 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Golf R

vs. Similar Cars

Audi A5

BMW 2 Series

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2018 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2018 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2-liter 4 turbo (292 hp)

6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available either as a sporty GTI or high-performance R. There is no more regular Golf on offer in the U.S. market. The new R is a GTI on steroids. It brings sharpened handling, more power and adjustable suspension settings. The R's 2.0-liter turbo produces 315 horsepower and pulls strongly whether you get the manual or the optional automated dual clutch transmission (DSG). The car is fun to drive thanks to its immediate throttle response, sharp steering and an invigorating exhaust sound. The power is delivered to the pavement through all-wheel-drive and the R displays tenacious grip. This hatchback is a a track ready machine - it even has a drift mode. The cabin is well finished, befitting a mid $40,000 car but unfortunately, VW gave up on its user-friendly controls in favor of a very distracting control layout and a confusing infotainment screen. Active safety features such as FCW, AEB, BSW, LKA, RCTW, and ACC are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

2012-2014

2012 Redesign Year

2000-2011

2000 Redesign Year