Volkswagen GTI

Name: 2018 Volkswagen GTI
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 28 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

Taut, agile and quick, the latest version of Volkswagen's venerable hot hatch is fun to drive and so much more. The GTI is one of the most practical, easy-to-live-with choices among sporty cars. It's quiet and civilized enough that it doesn't wear you out on a long drive. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortable and supportive seats, and a comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system. Now in its seventh generation, the GTI has matured into a capable, refined, and sophisticated piece of machinery with the latest electronic features.

2018 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen GTI

vs. Similar Cars

Audi A5

BMW 2 Series

BMW 3 Series

BMW 4 Series

Chevrolet Camaro

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2018 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2018 Volkswagen GTI

$13,275 - $17,100

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Audi A5

$13,325 - $18,600

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Audi S4

$18,900 - $19,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Audi TT

$19,000 - $34,950

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 BMW 2 Series

$11,575 - $20,250

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 BMW 3 Series

$10,025 - $20,050

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 BMW 4 Series

$11,875 - $18,650

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 BMW 6 Series

$16,525 - $25,600

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Buick Cascada

$9,650 - $12,850

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Camaro

$12,700 - $47,125

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Dodge Challenger

$13,875 - $99,475

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Fiat 500

$6,325 - $10,225

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Ford Focus

$5,400 - $25,975

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Ford Mustang

$12,975 - $44,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Honda Civic Si

$ NA

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Infiniti Q60

$12,700 - $19,150

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lexus LC

$57,525 - $61,400

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Lexus RC

$19,850 - $33,000

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Mercedes-Benz SL

$28,200 - $57,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Mini Cooper

$7,000 - $16,975

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Nissan GT-R

$79,025 - $97,050

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Porsche 911

$73,975 - $285,000

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Subaru BRZ

$13,375 - $18,200

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Subaru WRX

$13,425 - $26,075

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota 86

$12,950 - $16,525

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

$7,075 - $13,325

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (220 hp)

6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

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

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2022 Volkswagen GTI builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The GTI's improvements aim to sharpen the handling, up the power and upgrade connectivity and infotainment. The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power has increased to 241 horsepower. The 2022-2024 GTI models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which was optional for 2022-2024 models, became the only transmission option for 2025. Older models come with a large 10-inch infotainment screen, while 2025 models get a new 12.9-inch display. The interior can be dressed with plaid upholstery-a nice historic nod to the original GTI. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

The GTI is one of the most practical choices among sporty cars. It's quiet, civilized and doesn't wear you out on long drives. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortably supportive seats and a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use infotainment system. The basic S model gives you a lot of bang for the buck. It's well equipped and doesn't lack for essential features. The only practical reason we'd opt for a more expensive version is to get the HID headlights, as they perform much better than the standard halogens. You can get the better lights on an S model, but only with an automatic. Updates for 2016 included optional forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning, all of which became standard in 2020.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

This redesign of the GTI brought modest changes. The four-cylinder Golf R adds more power and all-wheel-drive. The GTI excels at combining everyday practicality with being fun-to-drive. Agile handling, gutsy acceleration and a satisfying sound come with comfort and refinement. Remarkably, the GTI retains most of the civilized demeanor of other Golf models, making it suitable for everyday driving, while still bringing a smile to the face of a driving enthusiast. The hatchback adds versatility. Fit and finish are very good. The seats are supportive and sporty, yet comfortable. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard equipment.

2006-2009

2006 Redesign Year

The GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. Since 1999, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has powered most GTI models. The sporty VW hatchback is a credible alternative to a sports sedan, with capable handling, a relatively comfortable ride, a well-crafted interior and a surprisingly roomy back seat. Special limited-production R32 versions have a V6 and all-wheel-drive. These one-year-specials appeared in 2004 and again in 2008. A four-door version of the GTI became available in 2007.

1987-2005

1987 Redesign Year

The Golf exudes a feeling of precision and solidity unusual for a small car. It is available in 3- and 5-door hatchback body styles and GTI trim line marketed as a sporty alternative to standard Golfs. A responsive four cylinder provided base power, but a stronger V6 was available in top GTI models. The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.