Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Subaru Impreza WRX
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced2002-2014 |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$25,995 |
Listings3900 | Listings4811 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
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 Summary | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 265 hp H4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway25 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 265 hp H4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway25 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofOptional |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space19.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3208 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height58.1 in |
Length168.9 in | Length173.8 in |
Width81.6 in | Width70.7 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase103.3 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 2002-2014 |
MSRP | $32,445 | $25,995 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | |
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. | |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 265 hp H4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 25 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 265 hp H4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 25 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 19.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3208 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.1 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 173.8 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 70.7 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 103.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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