Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

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.

What defines a “Sport Utility Vehicle”? Common knowledge dictates what an SUV is supposed to look like, but SUVs and crossovers don't hold a monopoly on the vehicular attribute of utility. Case in point: the station wagon.

Truthfully, most modern crossovers are just high-riding wagons and hatchbacks. The only real advantages they offer are a higher ride height, higher seating position, and all-wheel drive (and even that isn’t always a given). Cars like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR are available with only front-wheel-drive, and when compared to a vehicle like the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, you have to wonder what added utility those cars really offer.

VW calls the SportWagen the “Sportier Utility Vehicle.” It's hard to argue with that point, and the SportWagen is a serious alternative to your typical crossover—especially if you care about driving dynamics.