2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$32,445 to $40,880

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

--

avg user rating

(0 reviews)

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Improved technology

  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Price increase reduces overall value

  • Frustrated haptic slider controls remain

7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
Photo by Matt Smith. 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI front-quarter view.

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Volkswagen Golf GTI won’t be available with a manual transmission. Does it matter?

Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year.

Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive.

8/10

Volkswagen has made some cosmetic updates to the 2025 Golf GTI, but you’ll be hard-pressed to notice them, at least in daylight. The new car’s headlights and lower bumper have been revised, and there’s a new “GTI” emblem stuck on each front door. If you want a clearer sign, wait until the sun sets and you’ll clearly notice a new GTI thanks to its illuminated VW logo sitting in the center of the grille, plus the newly standard light bar that spans the rest of the grille’s width.

Otherwise, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI looks a lot like the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It still has a bank of five lights in the lower grille, it keeps the classic two-box silhouette, and the rear end is beautifully understated with just the VW and GTI logos, simple taillights, and a pair of chrome exhaust tips.

Volkswagen sells the 2025 Golf GTI in three trim levels: S, SE, and Autobahn. The S and SE trims both come standard with 18-inch wheels, while the Autobahn trim receives 19-inch wheels boasting a new design reminiscent of the brand’s “horseshoe” wheels from the sixth-generation car. For this review, we drove an SE trim from Reston, VA to Summit Point, WV. Because we were testing a GTI, however, we were sure to take the long and windy route.

Luckily, despite its performance pedigree, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is also comfortable and surprisingly spacious. We had no problem fitting a driver, camera man (with a tripod!) and a third, rear-seat passenger, not to mention a trunk full of gear. Our SE-trim car also came with new ClubSport ArtVelours seats that we found comfortable for the long road test, plus they did a good job of keeping our keisters in place once we took the GTI for a few laps on the track.

The S trim has a new Carbon Gray interior theme, but it still keeps the classic plaid seats. On the top-level Autobahn, you’ll find standard Vienna leather. If you choose to do so, VW will sell you those Vienna leather seats on an SE trim courtesy of the $1,300 Leather Seating Package. It also adds 12-way power adjustment (which would be welcome, as the standard seats have a strange mix of power and manual adjustment), driver’s seat memory, and ventilation for the front seats. However, we enjoyed the ArtVelours upholstery so much, we’d pass on this option.

Matt Smith
Published Apr 28, 2025 by Matt Smith
When it comes to cars, Matt's curiosity extends well beyond the powertrain. From Ford to Porsche, he's as interested in the history behind the machine as he is in the view behind the wheel. Matt has been working on the journalism side of the auto industry since 2014. As CarGurus’ Deputy Editor, he creates and oversees the site’s written and video content.

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2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,445 to $40,880
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single 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: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.17 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking 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 · Illuminated accent: front emblem · 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: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 12.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

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

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 10.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · 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: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

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

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front 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: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 480 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.17 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking 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 · Illuminated accent: front emblem · 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: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 12.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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: flat · Upholstery: suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 10.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear 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 · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 480 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · 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 · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.17 · Limited slip differential: front · Locking 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 · Illuminated accent: front emblem · 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: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 12.9 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

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: flat · Upholstery: premium leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 10.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel locks: front and rear

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

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