2022 Volkswagen Golf R
Price Range: $30,197 - $40,590
Volkswagen Golf R Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(60%)
4(20%)
3(20%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Hottest hatch needs a software update!
Fred Mephisto, 11/17/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
To me this is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in the real world. Super snappy acceleration, AWD is glued to the road, quiet (but can give some pop and rumble if you like), it is just pure fun to tear around town. Seats are really comfortable and I think the overall appearance of the exterior is spot on, especially in the blue.
There was a recall to remove the plastic engine … cover as apparently it could come dislodged, but honestly I prefer to see the engine anyway. The VW luggage rack accessory kit is a perfect fit and works great so far. I am not positive but I strongly suspect a large number of this model coming to this
The real Achilles' heel of the 2022 Golf R is the in-dash system. Lots of annoyance here. A variety of problems relating to connecting our phones (pixel) and using Android auto. Connects and drops bluetooth over and over, can't decide which phone to use, has to be plugged in AND connected via bluetooth. (Which I believe is an Android auto issue, but I additionally purchased Motorola MA1 adapter which I also can not get to work in the R, however haven't tried on another vehicle.) Slow system boot. Occasional total audio failure requiring ignition cycle to fix. Always fun get into a hot car and wait for a boot process to complete before you can turn on a fan...
Overall, because this is my daily driver, the interface problems definitely dampen the otherwise glowing review I would have here. I'm hoping these are the sorts of things that get corrected with software updates.
Amazing to drive. The info system you get used to
Time4gary, 04/09/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I hate to say I like commuting - but now getting to drive the R, I actually look forward to commuting. That's certainly new. Such a fun car to drive. The info system isn't the easiest to use - but you get used to it as you learn all the shortcuts. Watching so many R reviews - I was led to think the new info touch interface was an inherently evil force in the world. It ain't that bad … - It could be better in some ways, but it has a lot to offer. Once you learn all you can do with it you can see how you can integrate your own personality into your car. I got a used 2019 R. That car was very nice but had issues so I got rid of it and went for a band new one. The new one drives noticeably better. I did get a new set of tires 235/40-19R vs the 235/35-19R that come new on it. After only a week I got a flat hitting a very small pot hole so got a second set of slightly less sporty but more robust Michelin Pilot tires with a taller sidewall.
Ignore bandwagon infotainment reviews!
MK8R, 12/31/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Don’t let these reviewers who spend 10 minutes trying to figure out the infotainment, sway you in their decision. Find out for yourself. It’s a NON issue. I’ve had my ‘22 R since Feb. ‘22 and I have never accidentally turned on the heated steering wheel. I can see it being possible if you drive with your palms flat gripping the inner spokes of the wheel. The volume and radio sliders on … the wheel are also way easier than actual buttons….try them and you will be surprised. Also the climate control complaints are vastly exaggerated. I set the temp when I first got the car and have not even touched them since. It works that well. The defroster, front and rear are on the lighted headlight switch area. Anything relating to vision is located there. Tons of shortcuts to you can customize. The “reviewers” all cry about a the 7 step process to turn off traction control……I swipe down from the top to open the shortcut and then tap off! Finally they recommend the manual….although a cool bit of nostalgia, you are buying a considerably slower car. The same car with the DSG is 1 full second quicker to 60 mph and the 1/4 mile. The manual is unremarkable and they haven’t advanced or improved it in many years. With the manual, the competition can hang with you, with the DSG, they do not stand a chance.
Best all around hatch!
T, 01/08/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The touch controls you adjust to fairly quickly, it has a great on road feeling and great acceleration. I do hope that they give everyone a software update on the infotainment but other than that I love it.
2022 Volkswagen Golf R videos
DRAG RACE! 2022 Hyundai Veloster N vs. 2022 VW Golf R | 0-60, Horsepower, U-Drag & More!
The funky Hyundai Veloster N and all-new Volkswagen Golf R go head-to-head in our U-Drags series! In this video, the front-wheel-drive 2022 Hyundai Veloster N takes on the all-wheel-drive 2022 Volkswagen Golf R in a drag race battle of very different hot hatches. Will the Golf R’s 315 horsepower and all-wheel drive be enough to offset its heavier weight compared to the… 275-horsepower Veloster N? Head to the video above to find out!
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Golf R safety features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns you if you're in danger of hitting the car in front and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react quickly enough.
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Alerts you if a car is in your blind spot and steers you back into your lane if you start to merge.
- Dynamic Road Sign Display
- Uses cameras to read road signs and relays useful information including speed limits to the instrument panel or head-up display.
FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf R a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Golf R both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Golf R gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Golf R has 19.9 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 R. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R:
- Redesigned for 2022
- 315 horsepower from turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Torque-vectoring AWD system for improved handling
- Launches the third Golf R generation for 2022 (eighth-generation Golf platform)
Is the Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
To determine whether the Volkswagen Golf R is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Golf R. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Golf R's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 Golf R and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Golf R gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Golf R is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
The least-expensive 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $44,090.
Other versions include:
- 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $44,090
- 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $44,890
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf R?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Golf R, the next question is, which Golf R model is right for you? Golf R variants include 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of Golf R models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina
$258/mo for Golf R Base
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Compact Car











