2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Key Features
- Starting at $34,590 MSRP*
- 2.0L TSI® inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with intercooler and TSI® direct fuel injection producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque
- Standard 7-speed automatic DSG® transmission with Tiptronic®
- Standard Scalepaper Plaid cloth seating surfaces with heated front seats
- Sport suspension, Red brake calipers, and VAQ Limited Front Slip Differential Lock
- Optional Harmon Kardon® Premium Audio System with 9 speakers including subwoofer
- Standard 12.9-inch Discover Media touchscreen navigation & AM/FM/HD radio
- Standard Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert
About the Volkswagen Golf GTI
As distinctive as it is refined, the Volkswagen Golf GTI truly stands above the competition for its athletic handling, spirited performance, and sophisticated style. Engineered to get a reaction out of both you and the cars you pass, the Golf GTI is powered by a potent 2.0L TSI® inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower. Providing responsive gear changes across the entire band is its standard 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® and paddle shifters. Inside, the cockpit is designed completely around the driver. Standard Scalepaper Plaid cloth seating surfaces and handsome instrumentation provide a balance of refinement and performance. The available Harmon Kardon® Premium Audio System delivers clear, concert-quality sound inside the Golf GTI. With VW Car-Net® Safe & Secure, drivers can enjoy a host of available active safety features like Automatic Crash Notifications, Emergency Call, Anti-theft Alerts, and Stolen Vehicle Locator.
What the Critics Say
While the racetrack was our final destination, we had enough fun exploiting the GTI's playful nature on the region's narrow roads. The Golf's just-right size, quick steering, and dependable brakes reminded us that it's a sports car that just so happens to be shaped like a box. But that shape contributes to its greatness, affording an adult-friendly back seat and cargo space that rivals small SUVs.” – Car and Driver
It gobbled up sweeping turns and more technical back roads with ease, showing off its great brake feel and engaging steering feedback. Once the fun part was over, the GTI settled down nicely to take on morning traffic in L.A. with the nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system blasting. In this context, it proved it's still the right vehicle to meet most drivers' needs and then some when the pavement gets twisty.” – MotorTrend
What's New for 2026
Following a refresh just last year, Volkswagen hasn’t made any changes to the GTI for 2026. But there is still news: following last year’s refresh, the GTI was named MotorTrend Car of the Year for 2026, the second time it has won this distinguished honor.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Features
Performance
Born and bred to keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle, the Golf GTI comes standard with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that's both powerful and efficient. Thanks to its responsive and engaging 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic®, you'll be able to zip through the gears with precision. For the ultimate stopping power, the Golf GTI is available with performance ventilated disc brakes with red GTI logo calipers. Optional DCC® adaptive chassis control provides three settings of suspension firmness to choose from. Standard on every Golf GTI, the VAQ Limited Front Slip Differential Lock uses the brakes to help maintain power to the outside wheel and to improve cornering. A sport-tuned suspension takes handling to the next level with superior lateral grip and excellent stability.
Driver-Focused Interior
Designed with a nod to the rich heritage of the Golf GTI, standard cloth seating surfaces feature a Scalepaper Plaid pattern. Their bucket-style, race-inspired construction features deep bolstering to keep you and your co-pilot firmly in place while cornering. Set the mood inside the Golf GTI with interior ambient lighting. One glance at the standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro display reveals all important drive information, located front and center. The standard 60/40 split rear seat folds down to reveal a massive 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, perfect for those extended weekend getaways.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Offering more than just blistering performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is loaded with high-tech features to keep you connected. Not only is the standard 12.9-inch Discover Media touchscreen display stylish, it's also brightly lit and large to make the display more prominent. VW Car-Net App-Connect allows you to connect your compatible smartphone with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink® to access select apps on the touchscreen display. The Rear View Camera System provides a clear view of obstacles in your path when in reverse. Available keyless access lets you lock, unlock, start, and drive your car without the need to take your keys out of your pocket or purse.
Trims & Specs
S
- Starting at $34,590 MSRP*
- 2.0L TSI® inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque
- Scalepaper Plaid cloth seating surfaces with heated front seats
- VW Digital Cockpit Pro
- 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires
- LED Headlights
SE
- Starting at $39,080 MSRP*
- Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof
- Keyless access with push-button start/stop (KESSY®)
- Harman Kardon premium audio system
- 12.9-inch Discover Media touchscreen navigation system
- Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights)
Autobahn
- Starting at $42,480 MSRP*
- DCC® adaptive chassis control
- Heads-Up Display
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated rear outboard seats
- 19-inch diamond-turned surface alloy wheels with summer performance tires
*Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Some items may be unavailable when vehicle is built. Ask your dealer about availability of options and verify that the vehicle includes the equipment you ordered.
**Based on EPA estimates. See fueleconomy.gov for details. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.