2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Trims Comparison

All GTI models are front-wheel-drive and use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired with a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For a base trim, the S possesses some nice features. They include 18-inch alloy wheels (with all-season tires), a limited-slip front differential, LED foglights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 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 and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker sound system. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available as part of the optional Driver Assistance package.

The limited-edition Rabbit supplements the S trim with special exterior color choices, adaptive LED headlights, black 18-inch wheels, a black spoiler and mirror caps, Rabbit badging, keyless entry with push-button ignition, and the contents of the Driver Assistance package.

Moving up to the SE gets you a sunroof, leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and VW Car-Net Security and Service connected services. The SE's Experience package adds adaptive suspension dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control) and an upgraded eight-speaker Fender sound system.

Finally, the Autobahn trim gets the adaptive suspension and Fender sound system as standard, plus automatic high beams, a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a navigation system and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. You also get more safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with Maneuver Braking (which automatically applies the brakes if a collision with nearby objects seems likely), a self-parking system, and a lane keeping assist system.

Summer-rated tires are an option, but only for the Autobahn.