2024 Volkswagen Golf R Consumer Reviews
Pricing
Base (Editors' Pick) - $46,890 MSRP
Edmunds suggests you pay
$45,324Prices based on sales in TX thru 6/9/25
Final assembly in Germany
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Golf R, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf R since its last redesign.
Hottest hatch needs a software update!
Fred Mephisto, 11/17/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
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.
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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)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
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2024 Volkswagen Golf R for sale near you
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- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $44,998In-stock online
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $43,998In-stock online
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $46,998In-stock online
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Ignore bandwagon infotainment reviews!
MK8R, 12/31/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
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My 2023 20th anniversary edition Golf R
Tom S., 10/31/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Love this car. It is quick, fast, fun, under the radar, and handles like a dream. I am averaging 28 miles per gallon combined and I don't drive it conservatively. Everyone says bad things about the infotainment system, but once you understand how to work it and get used to it, it is very straight forward. Its multi drive modes allows it to be both a sports car and a comfortable daily driver. DSG is fast and smooth, and with launch control, 60 MPH comes in a hair over 4 seconds (not bad for a car that gets 28 MPG). I highly recommend this car for anyone that wants a wolf in sheep's clothing.
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Best all around hatch!
T, 01/08/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
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My opinion has changed
Michel, 10/04/2023
updated 10/04/2024
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have been driving my new 2023 Golf R for about a year now, so my opinion on an earlier review has somewhat changed. I still believe it's a very nice, well equipped and really fun to drive car, but with a number of issues. The heat sensitive keys on the dash are a real nuisance, since they don't work if you wear a glove. You must remove your glove if you want to do any kind of adjustment on the dash. Not fun for those who live in a cold country. Also I discovered a number of glitches on the top control panel mainly with the sun roof, nothing serious but VW couldn't fix them. I also experienced outbalanced tires, hard to fix due to the type of tire and finally the failure of a pollution control valve which took a long time to repair because the VW dealer didn't have it in stock. It is an expensive car, does it worth the price? Not sure any more.
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Release the hounds!
Xmeromotu, 12/02/2023
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wow! I have an M3 that’s a track car, and the Gold R is much faster for much less money. The technology in the little engine is amazing. I’m planning to get an ECU tune and probably a suspension tune from APR, plus an open air intake system to let the turbo breathe easier, but this little guy has already got plenty of power. Personally, I don’t see the problem with the switches myself. (1) I’m going to assume that VW made them to last, and (2) I don’t need to mess with the buttons all the time, and I have no idea why other owners would have to change setting all the time. How are people “accidentally” hitting the heated steering wheel switch?! There’s a perfectly good place for your thumbs on the wheel. The driving modes are controlled via the screen so no problem there, and “Automatic” is the best setting for the climate control and for the headlights, though it is the lesser choice in transmissions. 🤣 The “comfort mode” really is quite comfy, even without any extra tuning, and absorbs all the bumps without making the springs and dampers feel “mushy” at all. “Comfort” mode is still plenty responsive for most daily driving. “Sport” and “Race” modes definitely tighten things up, but I plan to baby this beast and keep it off the track for a couple years. Then again, it’s mighty tempting since I live only about 15 or 20 miles from a track. First World Problems, right?! Love the car, and glad that I bought it before those unable to drive a manual ruined the experience.
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Germans common sense lost, trouble coming?
trai an, 05/26/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 28 people found this review helpful
Good car but user experience destroyed by touch/swipe/wave controls. Touch screen, full one second latency mixed with rigid suspension means fifty-fifty chance of changing temp, air flow, media source or playlist etc on first try. And likely even then involving at least ten seconds of distraction from driving itself... Other half the time your finger lands just so that you touch something else (add time to get menu back) or en route your hand waved by another sensor, so by time finger reached screen it meets another menu, not one you wanted. Then the wheel, omg, purified disgrace of engineering and design. Holding both hands on in standard position but riding hard can make either right thumb base touch the wheel-heating touch-button (doesn't toggle on/off, have to cycle through four settings, same with seat heating, btw), or left thumb base touch and trigger driving mode change. So now you are out of your drive setting. And the fake/virtual display changed with that (different looks asigned to different driving modes). Like a teen on meth playing DJ for their fix. Graphic touch-based user interface with layered menus for a fast and hard driving mechanical construct where user is in unstable position. That's what held me back from buying electric, all those i tried had the plasma screen in the middle and touch GUI, did not see it coming that decent German engineering would give me same on 300hp stick driven hot hatch. Other functions acceptable but few hiccups present, not expected in price range: engine hood rubber dampener flying out of position every fifty miles or so; wireless phone charger overheats so much that the phone dies and base of stick shifter heats up; mirror not turning down on reverse though setting "on"; system not flagging low tire pressure repeatedly and on all wheels (as low as 29 psi from recommended 45). Manual shifter took about a thousand miles to flow and not stick, at five thousand miles now almost as good as best ones I've used.
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Nice but not as special as previous gen
Mike, 05/10/2024
updated 05/13/2025
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
2025/05/12 (17500 kms) - Still a great car to drive, lots of fun for the side roads, and comfortable for long trips with the practicality of the hatchback. Can't think of a better vehicle out there for the money. AWD is great in the snow. The only down side is that to put a hitch on (for bikes) you have to either put a hole in the bumper under the license plate, or the diffuser. The heads up display doesn't work very well for me because I always wear sunglasses when driving during the day and it is not visible with them on. PROS -great acceleration -customizable gauge cluster with possibility to have current gear front and center -quieter than earlier models and less vibration transmitted to the driver, so better for longer trips -good fuel economy on the hwy (about 7.5 l/100 km) -good handling and cornering -comfortable seats CONS -steering wheel buttons annoying and don't function well. -below par sound system -city fuel economy poor (17 miles / gal) -compared to previous generation it just lacks the specialness it once had, but still a great car.
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Has exceeded my expectations in every way
EA, 04/27/2024
updated 10/31/2024
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handling, Speed, Brakes, Comfort, Interior Quality and Refinement are all excellent, as is the Infotainment system. There's been so much written about how hard the Infotainment is to use - after a few hours it becomes second nature and it actually looks nice and uncluttered. Really like ability to change drive modes and set up the instrument display the way you want it to be. Also like the under the radar element - it's fast but the external styling is restrained and mature. Having 19”wheels is likely excessive. 18” or even 17” would still provide great handling but with a more comfortable ride. Still loving it after the first six months of ownership!
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4.6 and Sexy!
Dyno8, 01/01/2025
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A little Monster. Not a track toy but certainly more track capable than all but a very few in this segment. Think, BMW M2 crossed with a Civic Type R. Oh, this car is also all wheel drive. An extremely capable daily/fun/two person traveler. Or it has been for us. Overall, very much impressed!
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Fast and fun
Bob from Bklyn NY, 03/23/2024
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2020 Dodge Challenger widebody Scat Pack for the 2024 Golf R. Surprised that this Golf R is jsut as fast as the Challenger but handles so much better. Tech is good, there is a learning curve for learning how to use everything. I dont see why there are so many complaints about the infotament I have no issues so far, Just need to get use to them. I'm just missing gauges like the Volt/Battery gauges. This car is a sleeper if you are not a car person you dont know what this is. Glad that civics and dumb littles cars are not trying to race me like they did with my Challenger. So far I think this is a solid great driving car
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Exceptional Hot Hatchback
cdub, 01/11/2025
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased my 2024 blue Golf R here are the pros and cons. Pros- very quick, great handling, fit and finish are perfect, great exhaust tone, all-wheel drive, the ability to choose driving modes (exhaust tones, steering, and suspension), performance tunes are available to increase power further, excellent seats that are very supportive, fully loaded with options for the price. Cons: haptic buttons on the steering wheel and infotainment center buttons take time to learn and can be frustrating, comes with summer tires and if you are in a snowy climate other tires will be needed. Would I purchase it again? Absolutely!
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Love this car!
Dream Weaver, 03/21/2025
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving, handling, power are all excellent! This car is my commuter and I too can't wait to jump onto 95/495 (Washington DC beltway), particularly when driving in Nürburgring mode. It keeps the revs up and this blue beast gives me instant response (no turbo lag noticed) and power. That said, I have added a stage 1 tuner, performance exhaust, and cold air intake (100 horsepower added + torque)...AWESOME. Now the tech; while there is a learning curve, it's not bad as the two areas I use most are the climate button and performance button as nearly everything else is a "set it and forget it". Last lastly, as for the steering wheel, it's truly dependent on your driving positions and again, I don't have any issues accidently hitting buttons and when I have, it's only the steering wheel heating button. (Ummmm, turn it off if your hands feel warm.) I've had Audi's, Porsche's, and Corvettes and I have to say, for what this car is and offers at this price point, I would highly recommend it. It is the best commuter I've driven and equally good and comfortable on long hauls. Cheers!
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The Last Manual Transmission!
24MK8GolfR, 01/13/2024
2024 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very awesome car good handling all-wheel-drive very clean