Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
Overview | |
Years produced1974-2021 | Years produced1985-1992 |
MSRP$17,995 | MSRP$32,445 |
Listings695 | Listings4095 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe Volkswagen Golf practically defines the hatchback, and the latest version is no exception. With a refined interior and an engaging, let’s-take-the-back-road driving demeanor, the new Golf is a fun yet practical little car. Don’t expect it to be cheap, though, especially if you want modern creature comforts. | |
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. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.8L 170 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower170 hp @ 4500 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway37 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space22.8 cu ft | Cargo Space19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight2901 lbs | Curb Weight3183 lbs |
Height57.2 in | Height57.7 in |
Length167.5 in | Length168.9 in |
Width70.5 in | Width81.6 in |
Wheelbase103.8 in | Wheelbase103.6 in |
Maximum Payload1083 lbs | Maximum Payload926 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1974-2021 | 1985-1992 |
MSRP | $17,995 | $32,445 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The Volkswagen Golf practically defines the hatchback, and the latest version is no exception. With a refined interior and an engaging, let’s-take-the-back-road driving demeanor, the new Golf is a fun yet practical little car. Don’t expect it to be cheap, though, especially if you want modern creature comforts. | 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 | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.8L 170 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 37 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 22.8 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2901 lbs | 3183 lbs |
Height | 57.2 in | 57.7 in |
Length | 167.5 in | 168.9 in |
Width | 70.5 in | 81.6 in |
Wheelbase | 103.8 in | 103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 1083 lbs | 926 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
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