2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview
The Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a rare combination of performance and refinement for a relatively affordable price. This hot hatchback has been a staple of its segment for nearly a half-century, and time has only bolstered its position as the ultimate amalgam of driver enjoyment and boxy practicality. Motivation is delivered to the front wheels by a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that provides plenty of verve. While a manual gearbox is no longer offered, the GTI is still a hoot to drive with its quick-shifting seven-speed-dual-clutch automatic. The combination of twisty-road proficiency and spacious seating for five in a practical hatchback body is a formula that the GTI helped invent and continues to execute brilliantly.
What's New for 2026?
A refresh last year granted the GTI new headlights, taillights, and improved interior tech features, including a larger touchscreen, an improved voice assistant, and less-infuriating steering-wheel buttons. With that update still fresh, the GTI carries into 2026 unchanged.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $43,000 depending on the trim and options.
S
$34,000 (est)
SE
$39,000 (est)
Autobahn
$43,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k
Even the base GTI S benefits from a large 10.9-inch infotainment screen, an updated operating system, and navigation as standard equipment, which makes a case for going econo. True, the Autobahn features adaptive damping and some additional performance and luxury features, but the S successfully channels the classic GTI spirit in its purest form.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Volkswagen Golf GTI uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which makes the same 241 horsepower as before. The only transmission choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which delivers quick shifts but is ultimately a bit less engaging than the discontinued six-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, even the automatic GTI is a fun car to drive, thanks to a firm brake pedal and an eagerness to change direction that makes it a blast to drive on a curvy road. During our test drive of a 2025 model, we found the GTI to provide the same entertaining dynamics as it always has, although its steering could provide more feedback for harder-core track driving.
0–60-MPH Times
The previous GTI with a dual-clutch automatic got to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in our testing, and we expect a similar result for the new model. We'll update this section with test results as soon as we get a chance to test it.
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ANDREW TRAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
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Car and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy information for the 2026 Golf GTI yet, but without any significant changes, the newest model should deliver similar fuel economy as last year's model. The 2025 Golf GTI was rated to deliver 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. We haven't tested the automatic version yet on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, but the Golf GTI S with the six-speed manual previously returned 37 mpg in that test. We'll update this section with results when we get our hands on the updated 2026 model. For more information about the Golf GTI's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GTI's cabin is modern and surprisingly airy for a car with such a minuscule footprint. While the interior materials are improved over previous versions, some touchpoints feel less premium than they probably should. We were previously annoyed by the unintuitive infotainment touchscreen and fussy touch controls, but both have been improved following the GTI's refresh last year. The steering wheel features real buttons rather than touch-sensitive sliders, and the infotainment system is snappy and responsive. As has been the case for years, the GTI has spacious front and rear seats, plus a surprisingly generous cargo area enabled by the GTI's boxy hatchback shape.
View Interior Photos
Volkswagen
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Golf GTI features a large infotainment screen that measures 12.9 inches and runs on Volkswagen's newest MIB4 software. A voice assistant can be used to give commands to the system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the front-seat area features a wireless charging pad and four USB-C ports.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The GTI comes with a host of standard driver-assistance technology as well as optional upgrades. Notably, VW's IQ.Drive system is available on all trims and, in addition to traditional features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, includes Emergency Assist, which brings the vehicle to a stop and turns on the hazards in the absence of driver input. For more information about the Golf GTI's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
VW includes an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protection trails behind most competitors. The company does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE
Base: S, $33,670; SE, $38,645; Autobahn, $42,105
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3
Power: 241 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Length: 168.9 in
Width: 70.4 in
Height: 57.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/41 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 35/20 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3250 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.5 sec
100 mph: 13.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec
Top Speed: 130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/24/32 mpg
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