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    Volkswagen Golf R

    Latest Model

    2022 Model Redesign Year
    The Volkswagen Golf is available either as a sporty GTI or high-performance R. There is no more regular Golf offered in the U.S. market. For 2025, the manual transmission is dropped and the automated dual clutch transmission (DSG) became standard. The R is a GTI on steroids. It brings sharpened handling, more power and adjustable suspension settings.
    The R's 2.0-liter turbo produces 328 horsepower and pulls strongly. 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 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.

    2026 Volkswagen Golf R

    economy-icon
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    Base MSRP Range
    $47,100 - $48,415
    Base MSRP Range
    $47,100 - $48,415

    2026 Volkswagen Golf R

    economy-icon
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Road Test Score
    Predicted Reliability
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction

    CR's
    Take

    2026 Volkswagen Golf R
    Base MSRP
    $47,100 - $48,415
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Road Test Score
    NA 
    Predicted Reliability
    NA 
    Predicted Owner Satisfaction
    / 100

    2022-Present

    2022 Model Redesign Year
    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.
    2025 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    25 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2024 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    / 100
    2023 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2022 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    23 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 

    2015-2021

    2015 Model Redesign Year
    2019 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    26 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2018 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    26 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2017 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    26 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2016 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    26 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2015 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    26 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 

    2012-2014

    2012 Model Redesign Year
    2013 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    22 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2012 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    22 mpg
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 

    2000-2011

    2003 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    2000 Volkswagen Golf R
    Retail Price
    NA
    EPA MPG
    NA
    Reliability Verdict
    NA 
    Owner Satisfaction
    NA 
    Shop Local Inventory
    cr-trademark

    Auto Test Center

    Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

    TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

    50+

    tests are conducted on every car we buy.

    PERFORMANCE TESTING

    6

    miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

    TIRE TESTING

    400

    tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.