Skip to main content

2023 Volkswagen Golf R Trims Comparison

2023 Golf R trim level differences

For 2023, the Golf R is available in standard Golf R trim and a new 20th Anniversary Edition, which is limited to just 1,800 units. Both come standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive system with rear-axle torque vectoring capability. That engine produces 315 horsepower and either 280 lb-ft of torque with the standard six-speed manual transmission or 295 lb-ft with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Feature highlights include:

Golf R
Comes fully loaded with:

  • Adaptive suspension system
  • 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
  • Golf R-specific grille, bumpers, badging, side trim & exterior cladding
  • Chrome quad exhaust tips
  • Automatic adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Power sunroof
  • Heated exterior mirrors
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated leather front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Adjustable ambient interior lighting
  • Automatic windshield wipers

Tech features include:

  • Nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
  • 10-inch touchscreen display
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
  • Wireless smartphone charging pad
  • Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
  • Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
  • Automatic high beams

The Golf R also comes with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver aids that bundles:

  • Lane keeping assistance (steers the Golf R back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
  • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volkswagen and the car in front; enhanced stop-and-go functionality with automatic transmission only)
  • Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
  • Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition
This limited-production model includes all of the standard Golf's equipment plus:

  • Gloss black finished 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Contrast color-painted mirror caps
  • Blue "R" logo on grille, hatch and fenders
  • Puddle lights with special "20 Years" projection
  • Sunroof delete
  • Carbon-fiber interior trim
  • Blue "R" logo on steering wheel

Which 2023 Golf R trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition has the potential to become a future collector's item, but the regular Golf R comes just as well equipped and costs slightly less. Every Golf R comes fully loaded, so you'll receive handy features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a nine-speaker premium audio system, and wireless charging pad no matter which model you choose.

Compare 2023 Golf R trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Lanham, MD
Vehicle
Golf R Base
Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition
Vehicle
20th Anniversary Edition
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M
See all Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition for sale
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
Navigation
standard
standard
Satellite radio
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
standard
standard
Parking assistance
standard
standard
Upholstery
premium leather
premium leather
Heated seats
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
standard
standard
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
Sunroof
standard
Not Available
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Germany
Germany
Drivetrain
all wheel drive
all wheel drive
Engine power
315 hp @ 5,900 rpm
315 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Engine torque
280 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm
280 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
Tire size
235/35R19
235/35R19
Wheel size
19 X 8.0-in
19 X 8.0-in
Wheel type
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
20 / 28 / 23 MPG
20 / 28 / 23 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gal.
14.5 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
290 / 406 miles
290 / 406 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
39.3 ft.
39.3 ft.
Curb weight
3,404 lb.
3,404 lb.
Ground Clearance
4.7 in.
4.7 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
70.4 in.
70.4 in.
Height
57.7 in.
57.7 in.
Length
168.9 in.
168.9 in.
Wheelbase
103.5 in.
103.5 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
19.9 cu. ft.
19.9 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
34.5 cu. ft.
34.5 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
38.5 in.
38.5 in.
Front Leg Room
41.2 in.
41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
38.1 in.
38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.0 in.
35.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 in.
53.9 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$52,058
$50,726
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.69
$0.68
Depreciation
$14,365
$14,587
Financing
$6,891
$6,698
Taxes & Fees
$2,716
$2,653
Fuel
$13,950
$13,950
Insurance
$5,251
$5,251
Maintenance
$5,904
$4,606
Repairs
$2,981
$2,981
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Interior
Titan Black w/Blue Accents, premium leather
Titan Black w/Blue Accents, premium leather
Exterior
Deep Black Pearl
Lapiz Blue Metallic
Pure White
Deep Black Pearl
Lapiz Blue Metallic
Pure White