2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review





+52
Used Golf GTI for sale
Get More For Your Trade-In
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI appraisal values can range from $14,888 - $18,881.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers
Senior News Editor
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration and good fuel economy
- Sporty handling makes it fun to drive around turns
- Versatile and roomy hatchback design
- High-quality interior materials that look and feel great
Cons
- Dual-clutch automatic transmission's lack of responsiveness in slow-moving traffic
- Not as powerful as rivals at the same price point
- Optional summer tires produce a moderately stiff ride quality
What’s new
For 2017, Volkswagen has discontinued the two-door Golf GTI, though it did produce a few 2017 two-doors before production ceased, so finding one is a remote possibility. VW has also added more standard features to certain trim levels and introduced a new Sport trim.
Vehicle overview
The compact hatchback is a terrific choice for people who want all the benefits of a small car and a larger cargo area than the typical sedan provides. But what if you also want your hatchback to be fun to drive, too? For that, you should consider a "hot hatch," a small car that combines the strengths of a hatchback with a powerful engine and sporty demeanor. Although various hot hatches have come and gone over the decades, the Volkswagen GTI has truly stood the test of time and has earned an almost iconic status since its introduction to the American market in 1983.
Take a drive in a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and you'll quickly realize why this car has been so popular. Like the Golf upon which it is based, the Golf GTI offers plenty of practicality and near-luxury cabin materials. But that's where these siblings split. The Golf is all about fuel efficiency and competitive pricing, and the GTI ups the ante with a punchy engine, a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission and stylish upholstery. The GTI rides much stiffer than the Golf, which degrades the car's ride quality some, but the payoff is heroic stability and grip around turns.
You can get the GTI with more features than the Golf, too. If you're the kind of person who wants (and is willing to pay for) a complete all-rounder, check out the loaded Autobahn trim. Its adjustable suspension dampers allow you to soften the GTI's ride for long-distance cruising or tighten things up on twisty backroads. You can further equip the Autobahn with an automated parking system and added safety features.
If the Golf GTI doesn't hit the right spot, however, you might consider several other hot hatches on the market instead. The Mini Hatchback comes in two- or four-door body styles, as well as a convertible if top-down adventuring is more your style. The 268-horsepower Subaru WRX is similar in price to the GTI, and it comes standard with weather-beating all-wheel drive. The 252-hp Ford Focus ST is another popular option and boasts a more comfortable ride. And if you have a need for speed that the GTI just won't satisfy, you'll want to think about the VW Golf R, Ford Focus RS or Subaru WRX STI. Overall though, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI ticks all the right boxes for those who prize fun and practicality.
Standard safety features for the 2017 VW Golf GTI include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. A post-crash braking system is also standard and automatically applies the brakes after an impact to reduce the likelihood of a secondary crash. Optional for the SE and standard on the Autobahn is the SE Driver Assistance package, which includes a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn Driver Assistance package adds front and rear parking sensors and lane departure warning.
VW's Car-Net emergency telematics system is standard, with features that include automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers).
In Edmunds tests, a Golf GTI fitted with optional summer tires came to a stop from 60 mph in 108 feet, while one with summer tires and the Performance package (and its larger brakes) stopped in 105 feet. Both are short distances for an affordable performance car with summer tires.
In government crash testing, the GTI earned a full five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for front-impact safety and five stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Golf GTI earned the highest score of Good in the moderate-overlap and small-overlap front-impact tests. It also earned a Good rating in the side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Are you searching for a quick and sporty compact hatchback that's also easy to drive every day? Check out the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI. We think it has the performance chops you expect, plus a refined demeanor that fully justifies the car's price.
Driving
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI lives up to its hot hatch heritage with sharp handling and steering, brisk acceleration, and a rather burly engine and exhaust note. These are all best exploited on a tight and twisting mountain road, where the GTI playfully bounds from curve to curve while instilling plenty of driver confidence. Though all GTIs are great fun to drive, it's worth upgrading to at least the Sport if you're planning to take on challenging roads or the occasional track day. The limited-slip differential on this trim (and above) helps pull the car's nose around the apex of a turn, resulting in quicker progress for more advanced drivers.
Either the slick-shifting manual or the well-executed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is a good choice. Especially compared to traditional automatics, the DSG is quick and smooth, and its downshifts are perfectly rev-matched. However, we've found that DSG can be frustratingly slow to respond to gas pedal inputs when you want to accelerate quickly from a stop or when you're trundling along in heavy traffic.
Although it's comfortable enough on long drives, the GTI can ride harshly over imperfect pavement when equipped with the summer tires. The GTI is more forgiving when equipped with the adaptive suspension dampers, but not enough so to justify the added expense if you weren't already planning to get the high-end Autobahn model. We have yet to drive a Volkswagen Golf GTI with the standard all-season tires, and it's possible that the less aggressive rubber would translate to a smoother ride.
Interior
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI's interior is the standard-bearer for the sporty compact car class. Materials are well-grained and soft to the touch, and the overall design is distinctly European, comfortable and sporty. Bold red stitching throughout adds to the effect. The body-hugging seats are wonderfully supportive, and both upholstery options (leather or classic plaid cloth) feel expensive. Buttons and switches are placed close to the driver and offer intuitive, simple control.
Every 2017 GTI features a central 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment interface. Autobahn models also include navigation, but with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility across all trims, you really don't need a factory nav system anymore (provided you have a fairly new smartphone in hand). Two smartphones can be paired to Bluetooth at the same time, perfect for long-distance road trips when you have a couple friends who both have fun playing DJ. The touchscreen is small and doesn't have particularly sharp-looking graphics, but it gets the job done and is easy to use.
Passenger space is excellent for this class. Front seats provide ample support and comfort, even during long-distance driving stints, and not at the sacrifice of rear seat passengers, who will have plenty of shoulder room, head- and legroom. Wide, tall doors combined with a moderately high seat make this an easy car to get in and out of, especially for its size. Up to 22.8 cubic feet of cargo can be accommodated behind the rear seats, and folding the seats flat provides an impressive 52.7 cubic feet of space.
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI models
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a four-door compact hatchback that seats five. There are four trim levels: S, Sport, SE and Autobahn. All-season tires are standard across the board, although summer performance tires are a no-cost option.
Standard features for the base GTI S include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED foglights, a rear spoiler, heated mirrors, a cooled glovebox, plaid cloth upholstery, a driver information display, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable and heated front seats with power recline, selectable driving modes, ambient interior lighting and rear 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through. Technology features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio input, a USB port, HD and satellite radio and smartphone integration (VW's Car-Net App-Connect that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink).
Stepping up to the Sport includes last year's Performance package (which gives the engine an additional 10 horsepower and adds an electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip front differential and larger front and rear brakes), along with adaptive xenon headlights and keyless ignition and entry.
The SE builds upon the Sport's features with a sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, leather upholstery and a Fender premium audio system.
The SE's Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The range-topping Autobahn includes everything above, plus adaptive suspension dampers, a larger rear stabilizer bar, a navigation system, a 10-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar) and dual-zone automatic climate control.
There's also a Driver Assistance package available for the Autobahn. It adds automatic high-beam headlight control, front and rear parking sensors, automated parallel parking, lane departure warning and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The front-wheel-drive 2017 VW Golf GTI uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 210 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Sport, SE and Autobahn models come standard with last year's Performance package, which increases output to 220 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (VW's DSG) is optional.
During Edmunds testing, a Golf GTI with the dual-clutch automatic transmission and Performance package went from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's more than a second quicker than a standard Golf and a bit quicker than the Ford Focus ST (6.4 seconds). The Subaru WRX leads the pack at 5.5 seconds.
EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 28 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway) with the manual transmission and 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) with the dual-clutch automatic.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
New GTI Sport is perhaps the perfect GTI
Mr. GTI,11/30/2016
Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I have owned a number of GTIs, but have to say this is probably the best one ever. The sport is a stand alone model that includes the performance pack, Nogaro alloys (Only on Sport model), bi-xenon/LED lighting, keyless entry/ignition, over the base S model. Plus, Apple play is a great feature negating the need for navigation. For me, and I am sure other enthusiasts agree that this is … the perfect model - why? The new MQB platform GTI is a an incredibly well-developed car that drives and handles superbly. The Sport has all the essentials needed without the superfluous toys added in the SE and Autobahn models - this is the enthusiasts GTI. The addition of the Performance packs adds some extra horsepower, but the real bonus of the package is the mechanical limited slip differential which takes cornering on a front-drive car to a new level, and the stopping power of the R brake package. The beauty of the GTI has always been the fact that it is such a versatile and well-behaved car when you want it to be, but when you want to push it to it limits it is in an even happier mode. I love the fact that this car is so capable in so many areas - it may well be the perfect car! 18 months on the car has been 100% trouble free - highway gas mileage is around 35-37 mpg which is phenomenal!
4 out of 5 stars
The Great Compromise
Mike M.,05/21/2018
SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
18-month update - no problems. Flawless daily operation. Still averaging about 25 MPG in mostly city driving although I've gotten 36-38 on one long road trip. The interior still looks brand new and the leather is wearing well. I'm also learning how to manage the DSG in traffic and the bucking that so many people complain about is not nearly as noticeable. Maybe the transmission is also … just breaking in? Whatever - I love this car.
I'm a hot hatch aficionado. Over the years I've owned several, and when the time came to get out of the family hauler I knew I wanted another. I drove everything: Focus ST, Fiesta ST, Focus RS, Civic SI, Civic Type R, WRX, even hot-ish hatches like the new Cruze and Mazda3. For every criteria that I decided a particular car missed, the GTI landed it square in the middle. It's not as engaging as the Fords, or as sharp as the Honda, or as burly as the Subaru, but it's ALMOST as good, and by being so versatile and generally GOOD while not falling on its face in any one area it wins. I haven't had it long enough to comment on reliability, but CR is indicating the 2017 is Above Average, whereas the 2015 and 2016 models were merely average. Fuel economy is fine, averaging 25 MPG in mostly city driving. And the bottom line is I get excited every time I know I'm about to drive somewhere, even if it's just to slog it out in traffic. At some point I'll have the opportunity to let it its thing. I'll say the trick VAQ differential is a game changer - this car handles like no other FWD car I've ever driven. The DSG is also a bit of a revelation. I'm a manual guy, but my wife isn't comfortable driving one, so the DSG is again a great compromise. The kids' booster seats are also easy peasy, and there's still plenty of space for (minor) Costco runs. Just a great car. Full disclosure, I got my 2017 as the '18 cars were coming out, meaning I got crazy incentives - about $8,000 off sticker. I'd have a hard time paying the $33k they wanted, but it's a steal at $25k. Would buy again.
5 out of 5 stars
The current Ultimate Driving Machine
NOVA Mid-Life-Crisis Driver,01/01/2017
Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
My Autobahn: leather/heat/power seat, DCC, Nav, and ACC/Blind Spot/Cross Traffic safety features. Got an amazing year-end deal that I could not pass, so I will return my VW TDI earlier than plan. 1k miles total so far in 2 weeks. During past GTI test drives I always thought the ride was a bit stiff, so I decided to get the Autobahn with DCC. That way, I can turn the suspension to a … softer mode ("comfort") when needed. Funny, after 2 weeks, I now prefer "sport" mode over regular "normal" or "comfort" mode. The GTI MK7 engine is very smooth as it happily rev up to its red line. Combined with its lightweight, the GTI can quickly and easily pass other cars at highway speed. You can get speeding ticket(s) if you are not careful with this car as it goes from 60 to 80 mph in no time. It makes me wonder what APR stage 1 or 2 mod will turn this car into ? As a manual trans driver in the past, I found the DSG pretty amazing on any street at any speed. I don't understand all of GTI DSG complaints out there. Nobody can shift the transmission as fast and smooth, aggressive when needed, than this smartly engineered DSG. The DSG in my 2013 TDI is good, this one is GREAT. As advertised, GTI returns 29 mpg combined. I am very happy with its safety features, they are excellent and work as designed. The bad news ? quality control is poor for a $36k list car. Back window does not roll up/down, driver door ambient light does not work, back seat bench still have wrapping plastic protrude out from its bottom, and worse, the infotainment system with Nav broke (known issue) after three days - new unit is in ordered. Even though CR predicts below reliability, I'd expected better quality control after almost 2 year of Golf/GTI production in Mexico, very disappointed. My GTI issues are being fixed under warranty. I gave VW GTI 5 stars mostly due to its interior luxury feel (very close to Audi, BMW or Mercedes level), its Ultimate Driving Machine characteristics, and its steep year-end discount. Aside from the quality control annoyances, I have my grin every day driving this GTI.
5 out of 5 stars
GTI for an old guy
gdub,07/17/2017
Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2017 VW GTI Sport 6 spd manual. 20 months and 31K miles into the car that changed from a weekend driver to a commuter car. 4 oil changes at approx 8K mile interval and she is ready for new tires. The OEM Contis are not very good. However, if you want to smile when driving again, this little GTI does not disappoint. Can get up to 40 plus mpgs if you are not pushing the turbo, or if … you are driving spirited you get about 25 mpgs. Flawless so far. Not one mechanical issue. Info system with Android Auto works great! I had the 30K service done this past weekend. Brakes are great, just oil and tires. Would I purchase again? Hell yeah!! When I am stopped and I meet another GTI owner, they always say positive things about the GTI. Choose wisely grasshopper. This GTI is a fun car!
01/17/19 42,000 miles in the GTI and she still kicks butt. Oil changes, new tires, air filters that's it for service. Runs awesome and just a fun car to drive.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.1%
People who viewed this also viewed
3 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $44,090 |
See Inventory |
4.051724 average Rating out of 58 reviews. |
Starting at $22,550 |
See Inventory |
4.5 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $23,195 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overview
The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI is offered in the following submodels: Golf GTI Hatchback. Available styles include Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Sport 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and S 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM). Pre-owned Volkswagen Golf GTI models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 220 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automated manual. The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Price comparisons for Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim styles:
- The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI S is priced between $17,995 and$27,998 with odometer readings between 15263 and97527 miles.
- The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE is priced between $19,499 and$28,888 with odometer readings between 13965 and118077 miles.
- The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sport is priced between $18,803 and$29,991 with odometer readings between 10883 and118227 miles.
- The Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn is priced between $23,990 and$27,999 with odometer readings between 36720 and79734 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTIS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale near. There are currently 66 used and CPO 2017 Golf GTIS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $17,995 and mileage as low as 10883 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Can't find a used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTIs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale.
Find a used Volkswagen for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials
Check out Volkswagen Golf GTI lease specials
Related Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Toyota Yaris 2001
- Used Audi A6 2005
- Used Chevrolet Colorado 2004
- Used INFINITI M56 2006
- Used Volvo V60 2015
- Used Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
- Used Volkswagen Golf 2012
- Used Chrysler 200 2006 For Sale
- Used Audi S6 2013
- Used Subaru Legacy 2006
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2021 GS-6
- 2023 BMW X3 News
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2022 4 Series
- 2021 Titan
- 2021 GMC Canyon
- 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
- 2021 Elantra
- 2021 Dodge Challenger
- 2021 INFINITI QX80
Other models to consider
- 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- Volkswagen Passat 2022
- 2021 Jetta GLI
- 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
- 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- 2022 Volkswagen Arteon
- 2021 Passat
- 2021 ID.4
- Volkswagen Arteon 2021
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door
- 2021 Mazda 3
- 2021 Hyundai Veloster
- Audi S5 2021
- 2021 RS 5
- 2021 MINI Clubman
- MINI Hardtop 2 Door 2023
- MINI Clubman 2023
- 2023 Hardtop 4 Door
Recommended
- Ram 2500 1998 Features Specs
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2019
- Used Jaguar I-PACE 2019
- Used Toyota Prius 2019
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2008 Pictures Colors
Other models
- New Subaru BRZ for Sale in Pinellas Park, FL
- New Lexus RX-350L for Sale in Rock Hill, SC
- New Toyota Camry-Hybrid for Sale in Fort Smith, AR
- New BMW 2-Series-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Jonesboro, AR
- New Lexus Es-300H for Sale in Burlington, NC
- New Audi S5 for Sale in North Charleston, SC
- New Cadillac Ct4-V-Blackwing for Sale in La Mesa, CA
- New Audi SQ5 for Sale in Newark, CA
- New Audi RS-7 for Sale in Lincoln, CA
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-L for Sale in Thousand Oaks, CA
- New BMW X5 for Sale in Woonsocket, RI
- New Infiniti QX55 for Sale in Norwalk, CT
- New Honda Odyssey for Sale in Bonita Springs, FL
- New Jaguar F-Pace for Sale in Scranton, PA
- New Toyota Rav4-Prime for Sale in Victorville, CA
- New Ford Edge for Sale in West Covina, CA
- Used Honda Crosstour in Encinitas, CA
- New Ram 2500 for Sale in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- New Toyota Corolla-Hybrid for Sale in Broomfield, CO
- New Honda Accord-Hybrid for Sale in Deerfield Beach, FL
- New Volkswagen Jetta-Gli for Sale in Camden, NJ
- New GMC Savana-Cargo for Sale in Waukesha, WI
- Used Lincoln MKT in Apache Junction, AZ
- New BMW X3-M for Sale in Rowlett, TX
- New Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale in Schertz, TX
- New Audi RS-7 for Sale in Rialto, CA
- New Lexus RX-450H for Sale in Dearborn, MI
- New Chevrolet Corvette for Sale in Monroe, LA
- New Subaru WRX for Sale in Mission, TX
- New Audi S3 for Sale in Sammamish, WA