2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$26,415 to $35,070

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Test Drive Review summaryImage

With its 2018 GTI, Volkswagen continues to perfect the daily-driven hot-hatch.

Driving a performance car has its setbacks. The ride is typically harsh, fuel economy suffers, and it's seldom usable by more than two people at a time. Therein lies the brilliance of a hot hatch, like the 2018 Volkswagen GTI. It blends sporty characteristics with real-world practicality.

The hot-hatch formula is relatively simple: Take a sensible hatchback, give it a more powerful engine, tighter steering, stiffer springs, and various aerodynamic bits, and boom! You’ve got a sports car that can actually fit family members and co-workers or provide usable cargo space.

The concept of the “hot hatch” dates back to the original MINI Cooper in 1959, but the car that made it a “thing” was the Volkswagen GTI, starting in 1976. There have been rivals and sportier cars through the years, but the GTI is the car that made the hot hatch popular.

In recent years, the segment has experienced a renaissance and more broadly, compact performance cars like Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX, and Ford Focus ST have joined the fray. Does the Volkswagen GTI still have what it takes to battle this growing crop of usurpers? Read on to find out.

9/10

Visually, the GTI can stand out in a crowd. While the GTI’s more powerful stablemate, the Golf R, is something of a sleeper with subdued styling, the GTI wears its performance pedigree proudly. The GTI visually separates itself from the rest of the Golf lineup with a more aggressive lower front valance. A honeycomb grille pattern is found below the bumper and flanked by heavily stylized fog-light frames.

The upper grille also features a honeycomb pattern and GTI lettering. It's flanked by upgraded headlights, which feature a red character line, extending from within the headlight housing out to the grille.

The back and sides of the GTI feature added side skirts, while the subtle integrated exhaust outlets are exchanged for a pronounced dual exhaust.

Inside the GTI, the fit and finish easily surpass the competition's. There's a blend of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces, but it's mostly the latter. From a feel, look, and function standpoint, the cabin of the GTI is miles ahead of the cabins in the Ford Focus and Subaru WRX. Both of those rival vehicles are heavy with hard, cheap plastics. Compared to these two vehicles, the GTI is the adult in the room.

The 2018 GTI comes in three trims: S, SE, and Autobahn. S trims come standard with 18-inch performance tires, heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a 6-and-a-half-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and awesome-looking red LED accent lighting.

The SE adds a sunroof as well as LED headlights with helpful cornering lamps. It also adds keyless entry with push-button start and a larger 8-inch infotainment screen.

The range-topping trim is the Autobahn. It has everything from the S and the SE, and it adds automatic climate control, a 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, navigation, and a Fender premium stereo system.

George Kennedy
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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User rating:
by Enrik H
Jan 15, 2025
Car has a good value ! It’s just perfect. I love it Jan 15, 2025
by Anonymous
Oct 18, 2023
Good very reliable car and fun to drive for everyoneOct 18, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2023
Color. Black or grey or blue (nothing red or white - preferably used with an extended warranty I can purchase if it does not come with.). Love the plaid interior and some of the aesthetic features including rear spoilers, tinting, blue tooth enabled, most importantly stick shift. Jan 03, 2023

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,415 to $35,070
Price range
$17,292 to $18,392
Average price on CG
$17,330
YoY price change
$18,072 to $17,330

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.62

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.44 · Limited slip differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.62 · Limited slip differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (3)