Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Lexus IS
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced2001-Present |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$39,125 |
Listings3883 | Listings4767 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryRent 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 SummaryAfter a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length168.9 in | Length185.4 in |
Width81.6 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload825 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 2001-Present |
MSRP | $32,445 | $39,125 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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. | After a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 110.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 825 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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