Name: 2026 Volkswagen GTI
Brand: Volkswagen

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Road Test

The Golf GTI has always distinguished itself with promising performance upgrades and much sharper handling compared to the more pedestrian Golf models. Yet, the GTI always preserved the civility that has long made Volkswagen’s sporty hatchback a polished daily driver. Unfortunately, the car's infotainment system is a usability nightmare, making it complicated for the driver to perform even common audio and climate tasks.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen GTI

vs. Similar Cars

BMW 2 Series

BMW 4 Series

Ford Mustang

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (241 hp)

7-speed sequential

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 3 years/36,000 miles
Maintenance 2 years/20,000 miles

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2022 Volkswagen GTI builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The GTI's improvements aim to sharpen the handling, up the power and upgrade connectivity and infotainment. The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power has increased to 241 horsepower. The 2022-2024 GTI models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which was optional for 2022-2024 models, became the only transmission option for 2025. Older models come with a large 10-inch infotainment screen, while 2025 models get a new 12.9-inch display. The interior can be dressed with plaid upholstery-a nice historic nod to the original GTI. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

The GTI is one of the most practical choices among sporty cars. It's quiet, civilized and doesn't wear you out on long drives. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortably supportive seats and a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use infotainment system. The basic S model gives you a lot of bang for the buck. It's well equipped and doesn't lack for essential features. The only practical reason we'd opt for a more expensive version is to get the HID headlights, as they perform much better than the standard halogens. You can get the better lights on an S model, but only with an automatic. Updates for 2016 included optional forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning, all of which became standard in 2020.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

This redesign of the GTI brought modest changes. The four-cylinder Golf R adds more power and all-wheel-drive. The GTI excels at combining everyday practicality with being fun-to-drive. Agile handling, gutsy acceleration and a satisfying sound come with comfort and refinement. Remarkably, the GTI retains most of the civilized demeanor of other Golf models, making it suitable for everyday driving, while still bringing a smile to the face of a driving enthusiast. The hatchback adds versatility. Fit and finish are very good. The seats are supportive and sporty, yet comfortable. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard equipment.

2006-2009

2006 Redesign Year

The GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. Since 1999, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has powered most GTI models. The sporty VW hatchback is a credible alternative to a sports sedan, with capable handling, a relatively comfortable ride, a well-crafted interior and a surprisingly roomy back seat. Special limited-production R32 versions have a V6 and all-wheel-drive. These one-year-specials appeared in 2004 and again in 2008. A four-door version of the GTI became available in 2007.

1987-2005

1987 Redesign Year

The Golf exudes a feeling of precision and solidity unusual for a small car. It is available in 3- and 5-door hatchback body styles and GTI trim line marketed as a sporty alternative to standard Golfs. A responsive four cylinder provided base power, but a stronger V6 was available in top GTI models. The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.