2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Pros
- Quick, zippy acceleration guarantees grins for miles
- Sporty handling makes fun work of twisting roads
- Roomy hatchback design offers excellent passenger and cargo versatility
- High-quality interior materials look and feel great
Cons
- Transmission doesn't shift smoothly at low speeds
- Some competitors offer more performance for a lower price
- Standard high-performance tires contribute to a stiff ride quality
- Now-common safety aids limited to top two trims
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Golf GTI does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
One drive in a 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and you'll understand why this model has become something of an icon since its American debut in 1983. Like the standard Golf on which it is based, the Golf GTI offers plenty of practicality and interior materials that feel as if they were pulled from a more expensive German car.
But where the Golf emphasizes fuel economy and a competitive price, the GTI ratchets up the excitement with a punchy engine, a quick-shifting automatic transmission and stylish upholstery. As befits a performance car, the GTI sits a little lower and rides a little stiffer than the regular Golf, which degrades ride quality somewhat. The payoff, however, is heroic stability and grip in turns.
The GTI isn't the only choice among the so-called hot hatches; Ford, Mini and Subaru also make convincing alternatives. The GTI isn't even VW's top-performing hatch. For that, there's the much more hardcore (and expensive) Golf R. But for drivers who prize fun and practicality, the GTI checks all the right boxes.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI configurations
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a four-door hatchback that seats five. It's available in three trim levels: S, SE and Autobahn. The S comes well-equipped for a base model (automatic headlights, heated front seats, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), but lacks some more common features and conveniences. The SE fills in the gaps with amenities such as a sunroof, driver aids and upgraded entertainment. The Autobahn doesn't equip the GTI for life on the famous German superhighway, but it does make life notably more comfortable for the driver with leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and even a self-parking system.
All GTI models are front-wheel-drive and use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (220 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
For a base trim, the S comes with some nice features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, high-performance tires, LED foglights, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and a 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through. Technology features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and an eight-speaker sound system.
Moving up to the SE, our recommended trim, adds upgraded brakes (same as those on the Golf R), a limited-slip differential, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry, push-button ignition, an 8-inch touchscreen display, an eight-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, and VW Car-Net Security and Service connected services. It also gets driver assistance features that include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Leather upholstery is the only option for SE models. It is, in fact, the only option available for the whole 2018 GTI lineup.
Finally, the Autobahn trim adds an adaptive suspension, automatic high beams, a power-adjustable driver seat, a navigation system, and a subwoofer-enhanced Fender sound system. The Autobahn also showcases Volkswagen's most current driver assistance and safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors with Maneuver Braking (automatically applies the brakes if a collision with nearby objects while parking seems likely), a self-parking system (Park Assist), and a lane departure warning/lane keeping assist system.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Volkswagen GTI (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Golf GTI has received some revisions, including new infotainment systems, the addition of driver assistance features, and more standard horsepower for 2018. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Golf GTI, however.
Driving
Acceleration
Braking
5.0Steering
Handling
Drivability
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Climate control
Interior
4.5Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Driving position
Roominess
4.5Visibility
Quality
Utility
Small-item storage
Cargo space
Child safety seat accommodation
Technology
Audio & navigation
Smartphone integration
Driver aids
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI video
[MUSIC PLAYING] KURT NIEBUHR: On my left is the 2018 Volkswagen GTI. On my right is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. They both look pretty similar. So what makes this one the GTI, and what makes this one the R? Let's find out. [MUSIC PLAYING] The entry level 2018 Volkswagen GTI starts off at about $26,500 and goes up to what this car costs, about 36 grand. All GTIs come with front-wheel drive, four-cylinder, turbocharged engines. This particular GTI has the Autobahn trim, which comes with bigger brakes, the same size brakes that you can get on the Golf R. The 2018 Golf R starts at about 39 to 40 grand with a 6-speed manual. It's also a two liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it has all-wheel drive. This particular one has the DSG automatic. That bumps the price up closer to 41 grand. But there aren't really any other trims or options for the car. Is it really worth the extra money? [MUSIC PLAYING] The GTI has chunked up a bit over the last 20 something years. And it tips the scales at 3,216 pounds. The Golf R weighs about 200 pounds more. But you wouldn't know it based on the way it accelerates. We ripped off a zero to 60 time at 4.7 seconds. Shifts from the DSG were quick and aggressive, even chirping second gear. And the engine pulled hard right through the quarter mile. Try as we might, we just couldn't get the GTI to hook up. And our zero to 60 time suffered as a result. We suspected the Pirelli all seasons as the culprit and confirmed that suspicion as the day went on. Braking in the R was impeccable with consistent stopping distances and a low 106 foot range. The Golf R is faster for obvious reasons. It has more horsepower, But what's it like to drive? That's the important part. [ENGINE ROARING] One of the benefits to all-wheel drive is that you can use all of the power and the torque that the engine is making. The Golf R has all-wheel drive. So I can come out of a really tight hairpin, like this one, and I don't have to worry about feathering the throttle, managing wheel spin. I can just mash it. Even though you can get a 6-speed manual in this car, which is great, I love the fact that you can get a manual, the DSG is a fantastic gearbox. It's really fast. It's right with you. It knows what I want. It knows when I lift off not to upshift. It knows when I hit the brakes really hard like this. It goes down through the gears for me. It's a great gearbox. A great gearbox. [ENGINE ROARING] If I had one complaint about the Golf R is its weight. It just can't get away from how much it weighs. The front tires can get overworked and overheated pretty quickly if you start to push too hard. That's not saying that they're weak. You can cover ground at a pretty quick pace and they'll hold up just fine. But if you overdrive it, you'll lose the front tire. [MUSIC PLAYING] I think the Golf R is the pinnacle of practical performance. It's compact. It's fast. It has a hatchback. So if you really have your heart set on that nonexistent Audi S3 hatchback in the US, this is the car that you have to buy. Oh, it's good. [MUSIC PLAYING] So because the GTI isn't as fast, it doesn't have the raw speed of the R, you've got to work a little harder to make it go fast. But that's fun. And that's kind of always been the point of the GTI. You work hard and you're rewarded. I like that. [ENGINE ROARING] So this has front-wheel drive, not the all-wheel drive, which means you've got to pay attention on slow corner exits like this one. You come into it, and you can't just mash it. You've got to wait. And you still get wheel spin on the inside. This car does have an electronic limited slip, which helps a little bit, but you're still wasting power with wheel spin. It's really hard to find fault with a manual transmission in the GTI. It's just so intuitive. It's so easy to just rev match. Up shifts are positive every time. The gates are well defined. The action is right. There's really no reason not to buy the 6-speed manual. There really isn't. There is one knock against the GTI. I've got to say, it's the tire choice. These Pirelli all seasons just don't do the car justice. The chassis feels really good, and even without a limited slip in the front, or a proper limited slip in the front. It's still really playful. But the tires just give up really quickly. And they are loud and squealy. Listen to that. I wish this thing came with summer tires. The 2018 Golf GTI, it's got different ingredients, but it's the same recipe. What's not to like? Maybe besides the tires. Clearly, we love the GTI for the driving experience. It's fun, it's rewarding. But as the price climbs with options, it makes less and less sense. A $36 thousand GTI is a little hard to swallow, especially when the Golf R is looming just a few thousand dollars more. While the price tag might seem a bit expensive, the more time we spent in and around and driving the R, the more we were smitten with its mix of performance and comfort. At $40 thousand, we think it's right on the money. [MUSIC PLAYING] For more videos like this, hit subscribe. For full reviews on these VWs, be sure to go to Edmunds.
What's the Difference Between a Golf GTI and Golf R?
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.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf GTI safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision, including with pedestrians, seems imminent. If necessary, can apply automatic emergency braking.
- Maneuver Braking
- Embedded within the front and rear parking sensor system, automatically applies the brakes if a collision with a nearby object seems likely.
- Lane Assist
- Warns the driver of vehicles in blind spots with a flashing LED. Can also apply countersteering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
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See your car's valueIt's easy to understand the appeal of a compact hatchback. It combines the small footprint and thrifty fuel efficiency of a compact car with cargo capacity to rival the appeal of some big sedans. Yet that practicality doesn't have to be attached to a car that is boring. The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI falls into a subgenre of the compact hatchbacks once dubbed the "hot hatch." These variants had more gusto under the hood and refined, sport-tuned chassis to enhance athleticism and deliver driving thrills. And this performance bent comes at no loss to versatility.
The GTI represents the latest chapter in a story that dates back to the 1980s, when the GTI first appeared in the U.S. and arguably started the hot-hatch era. Through rabid enthusiast clubs and forums, the GTI has achieved cultlike status over the past three-plus decades. Spend time behind the wheel of the latest GTI, and you'll understand why its fans are so enthusiastic.
Based on VW's Golf, the GTI shares its roomy interior, impressive materials and commendable build quality. From there, the GTI adds sizzle in the form of a feisty turbocharged engine, a taut suspension, and sporty cabin upgrades such as heavily bolstered sport seats and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel. Visual effects include 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique lower front fascia and a chrome-tipped dual exhaust.
Whether you opt for the manual or the dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GTI is both swift (0-60 mph in the mid-6 seconds) and fairly fuel-efficient. The EPA estimates range from 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway) for the automatic transmission and 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway) for the manual. As you might expect, the GTI has a noticeably firmer ride than the standard Golf. But this is the trade-off for increased athleticism.
The GTI is available in three trim levels, ranging from the base S to the loaded Autobahn. The S comes with a generous standard features list, highlighted by heated front seats and a rearview camera. The Autobahn offers features such as a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and an adaptive suspension, which allows both a softer ride for commuting on rough roads and a tighter setting for curvy roads. The SE trim sits in between.
However you might want to equip your ideal GTI, you will end up with a car that draws a nice balance between driving enjoyment and everyday practicality. Let Edmunds help you find the perfect GTI for your driveway.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is offered in the following submodels: Golf GTI Hatchback. Available styles include SE 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 6AM), and Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Golf GTI 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Golf GTI.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Golf GTI featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,385. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $7,008 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,008 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,377.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is19.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 50 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,380. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $6,482 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,482 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,898.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is20% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 56 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,730. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $6,523 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,523 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$21,207.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is23.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 28 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $37,385. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $7,667 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,667 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,718.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is20.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 37 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28,830. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $6,283 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,283 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,547.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is21.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 21 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,700. The average price paid for a new 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is trending $6,683 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,683 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,018.
The average savings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) is20.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 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) 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI for sale near. There are currently 264 new 2018 Golf GTIS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,790 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $7,943 on a used or CPO 2018 Golf GTI available from a dealership near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 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