2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a master of subtlety, appealing to those who preferred a low-profile presence on the road. Its design was understated, with a 5-door hatchback appearance that belied its performance capabilities. The GTI's exterior featured a 2-box design, honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets, hinting at the power within. Offered in S, Rabbit Edition, SE, and Autobahn trims, the GTI's pricing ranged from $27,595 to $37,095, excluding destination charges. The Rabbit Edition, a nod to GTI heritage, added gloss black finishes and unique colors like Urano Gray and Cornflower Blue. Inside, the GTI's cabin was straightforward, with quality materials and whimsical Clark Plaid cloth upholstery in the S and Rabbit Edition trims.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX was a performance-oriented sedan with a more aggressive stance. It featured a wider body, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a functional air intake, making it the most boldly styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty appearance, the non-STI version maintained a sleeper quality, surprising those unfamiliar with its capabilities. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering varying levels of equipment and performance enhancements. The WRX's cabin was practical, with a simple dash layout and ample storage, while its visibility was excellent, thanks to Subaru's function-first design approach.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power delivery was smooth, with torque available from just 1,500 rpm. The GTI's VAQ limited-slip differential enhanced traction and handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The GTI's steering was precise, with progressive, variable-ratio steering that responded well to driver inputs. The car's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, provided strong stopping power. The GTI's ride was firm, with an optional adaptive damping suspension available on higher trims. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world results varied.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The WRX's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, with different setups depending on the transmission choice. The manual transmission offered a 50:50 torque split, while the CVT had a 45:55 split. The WRX's steering was precise, with minimal body lean, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant offered even more power, with a 2.5-liter engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. The WRX's ride was stiff, with road and wind noise present at higher speeds.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile vehicle, offering practicality and performance in one package. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with plaid cloth or leather upholstery options. The GTI's cabin was well-designed, with clear gauges and sensible controls. Storage was plentiful, with a large glove box, door-panel bins, and a smartphone tray. The backseat offered acceptable comfort, though legroom was tight. The GTI's trunk provided 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, with its sedan layout, offered excellent visibility and a practical cabin. The front seats provided ample space, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX's cargo space was limited to 12 cubic feet, but it was comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles. The WRX's cabin featured a straightforward dash layout, with easy-to-use controls and storage compartments.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link support. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a Fender premium sound system. The GTI Autobahn trim included a navigation system and a semi-autonomous parking assistant. The Rabbit Edition's infotainment system was basic but functional, with some connectivity issues reported.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a Starlink infotainment system with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy navigation between menus. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GTI SE added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas received lower ratings.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.