Volkswagen GTI
Latest Model
2022 Model Redesign Year
The Golf GTI remains a sporty four-door hatchback, but its controls are very distracting.
The 241-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four pulls strongly with immediate throttle response and an invigorating engine sound contributing to the enjoyable driving experience.
Unfortunately, there is no more manual transmission, only a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The car has agile handling and the ride is fairly refined, while the cabin stays reasonably quiet.
The interior is well finished, and the seats have supportive side bolsters.
The new 12.9-inch infotainment screen is more responsive than the previous system, but is still distracting to use.
Notable Changes
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Base MSRP Range
$34,590 - $42,480
Destination Charge: $1275
Base MSRP Range
$34,590 - $42,480
Destination Charge: $1275
2026 Volkswagen GTI
CR MPG
Notable Changes
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Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Base MSRP
$34,590 - $42,480
CR MPG
mpg
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Notable Changes
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2022-Present
2022 Model Redesign Year
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.
2025 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$28,550 - $36,325
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2024 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$25,925 - $33,700
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2023 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$22,475 - $28,075
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2022 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$20,350 - $25,925
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2015-2021
2015 Model 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.
2021 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$18,200 - $22,575
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2020 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$16,075 - $20,200
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2019 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$14,925 - $19,075
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2018 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$12,600 - $17,225
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2017 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$10,475 - $13,875
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2015 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$8,550 - $10,575
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2010-2014
2010 Model 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.
2010 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$5,525 - $5,700
EPA MPG
25
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2006-2009
2006 Model 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.
2009 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$4,975 - $5,175
EPA MPG
26
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2008 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$4,300 - $4,500
EPA MPG
20
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2007 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$3,325 - $3,475
EPA MPG
26
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2006 Volkswagen GTI
Retail Price
$4,225 - $4,425
EPA MPG
26
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
1987-2005
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.
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