We’re big fans of the VW GTI. Since it first appeared in the US as a 1983 model, it combined the practicality of hatchback with the great fun and road manners of a European sport sedan. If you needed one car that could do it all, a GTI has always been a great choice.
We’re also pleased that the GTI has aged so well. Like the Mazda Miata, it seems like VW has never lost the script about what their little Autobahn-stormer is, and while it’s become modern and more powerful, we wondered, in this age of compact SUV’s, is the GTI one car (or crossover/SUV) that can do it all? Let’s find out.
The GTI got a refresh for the 2025 model year, and it was designed to address some issues that were getting some friction from journalists and buyers alike. Since we haven’t had a chance to test a ’25, we’ll treat our 2026 tester as a first look at the updated model.
Slightly Bolder Looks
The GTI has to straddle that line between sensible hatch and sporty performer, and the update continues that fine balance. Up front the changes are subtle – redesigned headlights are slightly narrower, but still have that nice frown that looks serious, while a lit horizontal bar spans the width of the hood line and meets in the center with the familiar VW logo.
The mesh-design grille remains, and the 5-point fog lights illuminate behind the mesh for a cool signature look. Finishing off the front are new angled folds on the lower fascia that remind of the more expensive and higher performance Golf R model.
While other 5-door hatchbacks do exist, we think VW owns the look, especially in profile with short front and rear overhangs, a perfectly sized greenhouse serving up great visibility and interior room. It’s a surprisingly compact design but bred for the tight parking spaces of European streets, it makes it a joy to park here – especially in those places where they seem to make the lines extra tight, just to fit in a few extra parking slots.
Giving our tester a tough look are handsome 5-spoke, 18-inch, throwing-star style alloy wheels unique to the SE. We’re so over the blacked-out look, and glad VW is, too.
The rearview features revised taillight clusters, but like the front, the changes are subtle, but the lines do look a little crisper. The familiar VW badge that also doubles as hatch handle, and red GTI logo beneath make it clear you’re in a sporty ride. And of course, a blacked-out lower fascia with two meaty looking exhaust pipes make sure you know this isn’t Aunt Harriet’s Golf. (Assuming you have an Aunt Harriet and a VW Golf) Finishing things off was our tester’s new Slate Blue Metallic exterior, and it’s a very pretty mid-blue, and it helps the GTI cut through the noise of all the silver, gray, white and cement-tone vehicles on the road.
Big Changes Inside
The biggest changes for the GTI are saved for the interior, and you notice them right away.
Open the door and your eye catches the new 12.9-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash – a massive upgrade over the previous 10-inch screen. More on that in a sec.
The interior remains the same welcoming place it’s always been, with the upright seating position and wide horizontal dash creating a feeling of spaciousness. We’ve always been big fans of the lower trim level’s cloth seats, not only for their for comfort, but also the unique design that puts a smile on your face.
That continues with the SE model’s standard black ArtVelours seat covers courtesy of the EU market’s high-performance Golf GTI Clubsport. (Leather is an available option for that luxury moo-cow feel.) But we love the heritage of the Clubsport cloth!
Embossed with a hexagonal pattern in the inserts that’s echoed inside and out, from the front grille to the splash lighting below the doors. Sporty red detailing brightens up the interior and is a nice match to the red accents and stitching on the fat leather wrapped wheel.
About that wheel. There were numerous complaints that the previous model’s haptic buttons were too easy to tap when driving – turning things on and off that you didn’t want. We’ll be honest, we never had that problem, but we guess enough did, because the 2025 model reverts to real clicky type switches and they do work great.
Another complaint on the previous model was the info-tainment system, where only the base model featured rotary knobs for volume and tuning and the software in the system seemed to fight you at every turn.
When we first saw the new larger screen, we thought it might actually be too big – most carmakers are now building dual screens that look like a single integrated display. Good news – the display doesn’t seem large or obstructive once you’re driving, and larger screen is big, bold and bright. Below that system are small controls to let you access key areas, including climate, drive modes, driver assist and parking – super handy.
More importantly, the new system – shared with the ID. Buzz and 2024 ID.4. – offers faster software and a more intuitive layout. We also found the Google based system to be very easy to use via voice control. One thing we’d still like is an actual volume and tuning knob like before – adjusting the volume by a slider below the screen is actually not bad, but yeah, we’re old school on this kind of stuff.
There’s plenty of old school common sense in the design, and with a relatively small exterior footprint, the rear seats are comfortable for full-size adults, and cargo space is impressive, along with a generous hatch opening to throw gear in. The rear seats fold easily to create a flat loading floor and generous amounts of room. Those wanting to carry more will appreciate VW’s accessory roof racks and carriers for everything from bikes to boards to camping gear. And if you need more space the new Tiguan is an excellent crossover/SUV.
Still got the Fahrvergnügen?
(For those playing at home, Fun-to-drive) What really sets the GTI apart from the competition is the thrilling drive. OK, let’s start with the bad news – VW killed the manual transmission with the introduction of the 2025 model – and we do miss it, it’s really suited to a sporty vehicle like this.
Turn that frown upside down, the automatic is one of the best in the business; a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that serves up lightning quick shifts. The stubby little shift lever is easy to nudge into gear, and a short pull serves up regular and sport transmission modes, but for driving fun, we appreciate the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
It’s a perfect pairing with the turbo 2.0-liter, four cylinder that serves up 241 horsepower and a nice fat 273 lb.-ft of torque at just 1,700 rpm. For the 2025 model, tuning was done to create smoother acceleration,
This is a sweetheart of an engine with a nice little rumble on startup, a gurgly exhaust note that sings as it pulls rpms, and teamed with the 7-speed does 0-60 in mid 5’s – plenty quick for the real world. And thanks to all that torque and the DCT transmission, it always feels like it’s in the right gear. Super response to the paddle shifters adds to the fun. This is one of those cars that instantly feels bright, responsive and ready to play. Fahrvergnugen!
Even with all this available zip, the sip is impressive with a combined 27 mpg EPA, and we think mid 30’s is possible on the freeway if you can stay out of the turbo zone.
More than just an Autobahn-stormer, the GTI is as good in the curves as it is on the straights. For 2025, the suspension steering was recalibrated for even better response – and it already was one of the best!
The steering is VW light but full of feel, and the little hatch loves to be thrown around a curvy road, with loads of precision, balance and grip. It’s just so well balanced and makes you smile – even the dullest commutes become fun.
With a choice of three Drive Mode settings including Comfort, Sport, and Custom, you can dial in precisely the blend you want on your drive. And when you want to kick back, we found the adaptive suspension happily served up a smooth ride that let us enjoy the excellent Harmon Kardon audio system.
Braking is also excellent with strong feel. Overall, you see why the VW is a bit more expensive than vehicles like the Honda Civic Si – it just feels like another level above in refinement, performance and feel.
How Much for VW’s e-ticket ride?
The GTI comes in 3 models, all with the same powertrain, so it’s really up to which features you want. The entry-level model is the S, starting at $34,590. With standard navigation, that new info-tainment system and great driving dynamics. It’s a strong value for someone who wants great performance in a practical package.
Our tester was the mid-level SE, starting at $39,080, key reasons worth the step-up would include the panoramic sunroof, Harmon Kardon audio system, unique design wheels and illuminated VW logo up front, and those cool ArtVelours seating surfaces. Add in $1,275 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $40,355.
Competitors worth a look would be the Hyundai Elantra N, at $38,345, a more bodacious, boisterous choice, that loses some of the refinement of the GTI but is also tremendous fun to drive with 276 horsepower and an available manual transmission. It’s a personality choice, really. How much do you want to stand out?
Those looking for a more budget-friendly sport sedan should look at the Honda Civic Si, offered exclusively with a sweet, 6-speed manual, and just 200 horsepower, it doesn’t have the oomph of the VW, but it’s plenty of fun to drive, and at $33,145 comparably equipped (or as close as you can come) it’s a great value – and you’re never going wrong buying a Civic!
Great European road manners, refinement, style, looks and hatchback utility, the VW GTI does everything well – the original hot hatch is still the one car to do it all!
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