2025 Volkswagen Golf R vs. Competition
Hot hatches remain an incredibly popular segment in the automotive market, but only a few automakers have really pushed the idea as far as Volkswagen has with the Golf R. Much more than a GTI, the Golf R only has a couple of competitors. To see how this competition breaks down, Volkswagen of Ann Arbor has put together a guide to this hottest of hot hatches segment.
Volkswagen Golf R vs Toyota GR Corolla
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VS |
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2025 Volkswagen Golf R |
2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus |
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| $47,100 | Starting MSRP* | $45,815 |
| 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | Engine | 1.3L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder |
| 328 / 295 lb-ft | Horsepower / Torque | 300 / 295 lb-ft |
| 7-speed DSG automatic | Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 19 inches | Wheel Size | 18 inches |
| 22 / 31 / 25 | MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| Standard | Power Sunroof | Not Available |
| Standard | Power-Folding Heated Exterior Mirrors | Not Available |
| Standard | Power-Adjustable Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available |
| Genuine Nappa Leather | Upholstery Type | Synthetic Suede/Leatherette |
| 19.9 cubic feet | Rear Cargo Volume | 17.8 cubic feet |
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | Powertrain Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
A relative newcomer to the world of very hot hatches, the GR in Toyota GR Corolla stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s highly successful factory racing team. Unfortunately, the GR Corolla is built as though it were intended primarily for use on a racetrack. 300 horsepower, while less than the Golf R produces, is awfully impressive for a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder. But that peak doesn’t come until way up near redline, and torque doesn’t peak until 3,000 RPM. That’s fine on a track, but the Golf R not only packs more power, it’s also much more usable in the real world. Add to that an optional dual-clutch transmission that shifts in a fraction of the time even the fastest humans are capable of, and the Golf R is clearly going to outrun the Corolla GR between the stoplights every time.
The Toyota GR Corolla does have a lower starting price, but getting into the standard equipment, we quickly see why. Leather upholstery, a power sunroof, ventilated power-adjustable front seats, and power-folding heated exterior mirrors are features you simply won’t find on the Toyota GR Corolla that are standard on the Golf R. The Volkswagen also comes standard with a larger wheels for a more confident stance on the road along with more cargo space and a longer powertrain warranty. For real-world performance, and something you’ll live with in the real world, the Golf R is clearly the better choice.
Volkswagen Golf R vS Honda Civic Type R
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VS |
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2025 Volkswagen Golf R |
VS |
2025 Honda Civic Type R |
| $47,100 | Starting MSRP* | $45,895 |
| 325 | Horsepower | 315 |
| 7-speed DSG automatic | Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 22 / 31 / 25 | MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 12.9 inches | Touchscreen Display Size | 9 inches |
| Standard | Power Sunroof | Not Available |
| Standard | Heated Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors | Not Available |
| Standard | Heated / Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available |
| Standard | Heated Rear Seats | Not Available |
| Genuine Nappa Leather | Upholstery | Synthetic Suede |
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | Powertrain Warranty | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Other advantages you’ll enjoy by choosing the Volkswagen Golf R over the Honda Civic Type R include superior standard features that elevate your experience behind the wheel. Examples of such equipment are highlighted by a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen display, a power sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, genuine Nappa leather upholstery, and a more robust term of powertrain warranty coverage. Inside and out, you simply can’t ignore the perks that come from choosing the Golf R over the Civic Type R.
Winner - Volkswagen Golf R
The whole point of a hot hatch is that they don’t make you choose between performance and practicality. The Volkswagen Golf R has been designed for real-world use in a way that its competitors simply haven’t. Not only with more creature comforts, but the performance itself is more usable in the real world. Visit Volkswagen of Ann Arbor today to experience all that the legendary Golf R has to offer!
*MSRP does not include destination fee, sales tax, or other fees. Price is subject to change at the discretion of the manufacturer or dealer.