Honda Accord vs Volkswagen Golf GTI

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Accord
2023 Honda Accord
$27,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Accord
$27,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1985-1992

Years produced

1976-Present

MSRP

$32,445

MSRP

$27,295

Listings

3883

Listings

9383

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Improved technology

  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Price increase reduces overall value

  • Frustrated haptic slider controls remain

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Spacious interior

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • All-wheel drive not available

  • Several minor comfort issues

  • Questionable value for the money

Reviews Summary

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.

Reviews Summary

It’s true the 2023 Honda Accord doesn’t have all-wheel drive, a third-row seat, a big cargo area you can pack to the roof, or styling that suggests you live an adventurous lifestyle. If you want those things, spend thousands of dollars more for the Honda Pilot, which is less dynamic to drive and more expensive to own and operate. But, if you don’t need (or want) those things, consider the 11th generation 2023 Accord, which remains an excellent, if comparatively expensive, example of the traditional four-door family car.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

192 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

37
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Accord
2023 Honda Accord
$27,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$32,445MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Honda Accord
$27,295MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1985-1992
1976-Present
MSRP
$32,445
$27,295
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.4

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Improved technology

  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Price increase reduces overall value

  • Frustrated haptic slider controls remain

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Spacious interior

  • Great safety ratings

Cons

  • All-wheel drive not available

  • Several minor comfort issues

  • Questionable value for the money

Summary

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.

It’s true the 2023 Honda Accord doesn’t have all-wheel drive, a third-row seat, a big cargo area you can pack to the roof, or styling that suggests you live an adventurous lifestyle. If you want those things, spend thousands of dollars more for the Honda Pilot, which is less dynamic to drive and more expensive to own and operate. But, if you don’t need (or want) those things, consider the 11th generation 2023 Accord, which remains an excellent, if comparatively expensive, example of the traditional four-door family car.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 241 hp I4
1.5L 192 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
192 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
24
29
MPG Highway
32
37
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