2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
| MSRP | $30,050 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $27,120 |
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2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review
- Sporty and fun handling
- Roomy hatchback design for passengers and cargo
- Sophisticated ride quality with the optional adaptive suspension
- High-quality interior materials look and feel great
- Limited grip of standard all-season tires saps performance potential
- Higher trim levels are pricier without increasing performance
- Black exterior accents to celebrate the final year of this generation
- New MIB3 infotainment system standard on SE and Autobahn trims
- Part of the seventh Golf GTI generation introduced for 2015
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of our favorite hot hatchbacks thanks to its artfully executed blend of performance, comfort and utility. At its core, the GTI is a performance-oriented variant of the Golf compact hatchback, but the GTI also offers a more comprehensive set of features than the standard Golf.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque — a substantial increase over the Golf's 147 hp and 184 lb-ft. The GTI's cabin also receives upgraded materials, including supportive sport seats clad in plaid upholstery — a signature dating back to the first GTI.
Know that a fully redesigned GTI is on its way for the 2022 model year. It will have more power and a sleeker interior design with two large display screens. Still, this final-year GTI has enough positive attributes to make it worth a look. Read our Expert Rating to get our in-depth evaluation.
Our verdict | |
The Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential hot hatch. It's fun and engaging to drive yet still practical and comfortable day to day. You'll find more performance for less money elsewhere, but no one else does as many things as well as the GTI. Outside of performance, the GTI has a spacious and roomy cabin that features a generous cargo area, though storage in the front is a bit lacking. We like the tech and driver aids too — they're refined and simple to use. | |
How does the Golf GTI drive? | |
Few cars on the road today are as easy and as fun as the GTI. Raw acceleration isn't anything special; our manual-equipped GTI test car covered 0-60 mph in an unremarkable 7.1 seconds. But the turbocharged inline-four feels strong in everyday driving. There's lots of smooth low-end torque, so you don't need to downshift more than one gear to pass on the highway or power out of a corner. When you do need to shift, the clutch is light and precise, as is the shifter. This is one of the easiest manual transmissions we've ever operated. Braking performance was excellent in our performance tire-equipped test car, with short stops from 60 mph of 110 feet on our test track and a generally firm and responsive brake pedal. Those tires helped with steering feedback too. The effort is light, but it's responsive and quick to turn in. The GTI feels light and athletic and, while not as sharp as some other hot hatches, it still impresses on a winding back road. | |
How comfortable is the Golf GTI? | |
The GTI does a wonderful job of splitting the difference between sporty and comfortable. The front seats are firm and supportive, with bolstering that doesn't feel overly snug. There's a decent amount of adjustment, though we wish the power-adjustable seats could go slightly lower. The ride quality is excellent. It leans toward the comfortable side of sporty, but that doesn't mean it feels overly soft or floaty. Our test car was fitted with adaptive dampers, helping the GTI get the best of both worlds. The GTI's climate control system works well, blowing cold and cooling the GTI down quickly. Vents for rear-seat passengers are a bonus. It's relatively quiet too, with only a mild amount of wind and road noise. Some might find the exhaust note a bit tiring, but you do get a nice growl and a bit of turbo whooshing from under the hood. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The GTI's front seats are spacious, with excellent head-, legroom and shoulder room. Rear occupants don't have as much legroom, and a tunnel running down the center of the car makes the center seat just about useless. Getting in and out is easy since the short doors and wide openings provide plenty of space to move, even with the front seat's bolsters. Most of the controls, from the clutch and shifter to the climate control and media settings — are well placed and easy to reach. There are dedicated buttons for most of the major settings and controls. The thin-rimmed steering wheel means the instrument cluster isn't blocked, but the wheel-mounted controls aren't easy to identify and are cumbersome to use at first. Visibility is excellent thanks to wide, upright windows and relatively narrow pillars. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Volkswagen's infotainment system features one of the most user-friendly interfaces around. The controls are logical and easy to use, and the motion-activated on-screen buttons keep the system from feeling cluttered. The Fender audio system in our test vehicle was excellent, with clear highs and warm, well-rounded lows. The biggest issue is smartphone connection. It's great having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, but there's only a single USB port inside. The driver aids work fairly seamlessly too. Adaptive cruise control is available with a manual transmission and maintains a good gap without constantly applying the gas or brakes. Only the parking sensors are a little sensitive. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The GTI is one of the few remaining hatchbacks on the market, a boon for those looking for performance and fun in a practical package. The cargo area packs 22.8 cubic feet of storage, more than just about every other compact hatchback around. With the rear seats folded flat, the space opens up to 52.7 cubic feet. The cargo area itself is wide, flat and upright, so there's usable space in all directions. Storage up front isn't quite as good. We like the large front and rear door pockets that have space for water bottles, but the small center console and storage bin aren't good for much more than a smartphone. It's relatively easy to install a car seat thanks to easy-to-access anchors on the outboard seats. The rear door opening could be a bit tight for some seats, and connecting to the anchor point on the seatback requires removing the cargo cover. | |
How economical is the Golf GTI? | |
The GTI has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 26 mpg combined with the six-speed manual. That's a hair off the Honda Civic Si and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. On our mixed-driving 115-mile evaluation loop, the GTI returned an impressive 31.5 mpg, even with a bit of spirited canyon driving thrown in. | |
Is the Golf GTI a good value? | |
There's no getting around it: If you're interested in a GTI, expect to pay a bit more than you would for most of its rivals. It's one of the most expensive vehicles in its class, and the GTI's performance-per-dollar isn't all that great. Our loaded tester was right on par pricewise with a 306-horsepower Honda Civic Type R with nowhere near the performance. That said, you do see where the money went. Build quality is excellent, with solid fit and finish and nice use of higher-grade knobs and controls. The four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty is about average for the class, but Volkswagen also includes three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. Scheduled maintenance is also included for two years or 24,000 miles. | |
Wildcard | |
The GTI isn't likely to turn as many heads as some of its rivals, but that's part of the point. It's cool and conservative while being a ton of fun to drive. There's enough power from the turbocharged engine to feel peppy all the time, but not so much that you have to hold back on the street. Some rivals are a bit more lively, but they're far more likely to attract unwanted attention. And it's not like the GTI is all cold and bland. The plaid seats, golf ball shifter, and red accents inside and out give it just a bit of flair without seeming overdone. It might be too dull for some, but at the same time it feels more grown-up. | |
Which Golf GTI does Edmunds recommend?
In previous years, we've recommended the GTI's base trim, the S. This year, however, SE and Autobahn trims get Volkswagen's new infotainment system called MIB3. Since the topped-out Autobahn also adds creature comforts such as dual-zone automatic climate control and safety aids including adaptive cruise control, that's the one we'd go with.
Volkswagen Golf GTI models
The 2021 Golf GTI is available in three trim levels: S, SE and Autobahn. All GTIs come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) and front-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional. Highlight features include:
Save as much as $3,734 with Edmunds
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI pricing
in Ashburn, VA
S
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
Edmunds Suggested Price$27,120
11 for sale in 20147
SE
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
Edmunds Suggested Price$30,987
25 for sale in 20147
Autobahn
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
Edmunds Suggested Price$34,846
3 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Great all around car with plenty of power
Mike,
Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I bought the Autobahn because I really like the adaptive suspension. The car is really fun and sporty to drive and is comfortable and fairly quiet. Love the 2021 rims and prefer that they are 19 inch which is a bit softer ride and no rim damage on.pot holes. I haven't been able to find a way yet to permanently shut off Lane keep assist and auto start stop but it is fairly easy to do each time I get in the vehicle. I wish the performance monitor screen was available on this car like previous years. The rear spoiler is a little nicer and black this year which I really like. I replaced the paddle shifters with metal ones from ebay and they are way better than the stock plastic ones. DSG transmission has very quick smooth shifts. Love it so far.
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI video
What's the Difference Between a Golf GTI and Golf R?
NOTE: This video is about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI, but since the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
To the untrained eye there's little difference between the Golf GTI and Golf R. Under its subtly styled skin, the Golf R packs all-wheel drive, considerably more power and a more upscale interior. The GTI, however, stays true to its roots with its torquey engine and front-wheel-drive layout. So which of the two cars offers a better driving experience? Road Test Editor Kurt Niebuhr drives them back to back to find out.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf GTI safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision, including with a pedestrian, seems imminent. If needed, it can apply automatic emergency braking.
- High-Beam Controls
- Automatically switches the GTI's high-beam headlights on or off depending on oncoming traffic.
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Warns the driver of vehicles in blind spots with a flashing light. Can also apply steering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. the competition
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Honda Civic
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Honda Civic
If you're looking for a hot hatch with more power than the GTI and a really big spoiler, look no further than the Honda Civic Type R. It offers a significant performance advantage over the GTI, packing 306 horsepower under the hood. The Type R is roomier and has more cargo space too. But the GTI is priced much lower on its base trim levels.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Hyundai Veloster
Another high-horsepower competitor for the GTI is Hyundai's three-door hatchback, the Veloster N. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 275 horsepower and offers a seriously enjoyable driving experience. The Veloster is quicker and sharper-handling than the GTI, but the GTI wins in the comfort department with its better ride quality.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Mazda 3
Mazda has made its way back into the hot-hatch discussion by recently releasing a turbocharged version of the 3 hatchback. It cranks out up to 250 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive. But the 3 Turbo doesn't have a sport-tuned suspension like the GTI does, and you can only get it with an automatic transmission.
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FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Golf GTI both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.2 out of 10. You probably care about Volkswagen Golf GTI fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Golf GTI gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg to 27 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Golf GTI has 17.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI:
- Black exterior accents to celebrate the final year of this generation
- New MIB3 infotainment system standard on SE and Autobahn trims
- Part of the seventh Golf GTI generation introduced for 2015
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI reliable?
To determine whether the Volkswagen Golf GTI is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Golf GTI. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Golf GTI's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Golf GTI and gave it a 8.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Golf GTI is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The least-expensive 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,695.
Other versions include:
- S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $28,695
- SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $32,665
- Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $36,945
- SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $33,465
- Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $37,745
- S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $29,495
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf GTI?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the next question is, which Golf GTI model is right for you? Golf GTI variants include S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of Golf GTI models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more