The Volkswagen Golf R represents the performance pinnacle for the German brand, though it owns several other marques with much hotter options.

What’s New for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen just released the new eighth-generation Golf R in 2022, so there are no changes on deck for 2023.

Design

The new Golf R got subtle refinements to its styling, but it's still immediately recognizable as a Golf. Volkswagen updated the car's exterior lighting with LED headlights and an LED light strip, and the rear end only features the VW logo and “R” script. Though Volkswagen offered versions of the car with two doors in years past, it’s now only available with four doors.

Powertrain

The 2023 VW Golf R gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the available seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The standard six-speed manual brings a slightly lower torque rating of 280 pound-feet, but the car is ferociously quick with either option. It comes with unique differentials that can shift power between the rear wheels to enable a pseudo drift mode, and the car can run zero-60 mph in around four and a half seconds.

Interior

The Golf R’s surprisingly spacious interior comes standard with leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. Heated rear seats are also standard, along with a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting. The R doesn’t have upgrade options like the GTI, as it comes with all the goodies baked in. Still, it retains the utility and usability that made the model famous years ago, and its cargo space is as generous as some small SUVs'.

Technology

The Golf R comes standard with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, along with automatic climate controls, wireless charging, and nine speakers. Volkswagen opted for an almost completely touch-based interface for the car, getting rid of most buttons in favor of touch sliders and controls. The move almost instantly riled car reviewers, but the system becomes more intuitive with ownership and time. Most will find the infotainment system easy to use, though it’s a bit laggy on vehicle startup.

Safety

The Golf R grabbed a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022, but it hasn’t been put through the agency’s new side-crash test for 2023. In order to secure the award, vehicles must earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” score in the test, which uses more force than in years past. VW equips a load of standard safety kit, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, forward collision warnings, and more.

Pricing

The 2023 Volkswagen GTI starts at $30,530 before taxes, options, and destination. The midrange SE trim starts at $35,330, and the top Autobahn trim starts at $39,070.