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2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Review2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI and R return for 2024. We look at technology options, powertrain, and more in our review of this long-running hatchback.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI – vw.com | Shop 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Volkswagen hasn’t changed too much about the 2024 Golf GTI and Golf R. The former loses its 40th-anniversary edition from last year and now gets a new special edition called the 380. It specifically comes with a manual transmission only.
The only way to get a stick shift in the GTI is to go with the 380 version. Manual transmission lovers better jump on that deal now though because this is the last year that VW will make the GTI and the R with a stick.
Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
9.25/10
Interior
Score
8/10
Technology
Score
8/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Great Safety Technology
Comfortable Seats
Great Cargo Space
Lackluster Infotainment
Pricey Performance Models
Manual Passenger Seat Adjustments
A practical hatchback
2024 Golf GTI Specs
- 241 horsepower from base engine
- 273 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 19.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 34.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- Android / Apple connectivity
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Two years of free maintenance
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Powertrain 9.25/10
The Golf GTI and Golf R have two very different 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrains and each has its own set of constraints. Let’s break them down one at a time here. First, the cheaper Golf GTI makes 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and sends that to the front wheels only via either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s fast enough to go from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. It’ll also get up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
The Golf R makes 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s only available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive but also comes with the freedom to pick the six-speed manual or the seven-speed automatic. It’ll do 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds but there’s a catch. To achieve that speed you’ll need the automatic. The stick takes a full second more to reach the same mark. The Golf R also gets a special ‘Drift” mode that does all it can to make the car feel like an RWD-biased fun-mobile. According to the EPA, the Golf R gets up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.
Somehow it falls far short of what Audi does with a similar system in the RS3 and it’s nowhere near as dynamic as Toyota’s GR Corolla with its 30-70 torque split that can objectively send more power to the rear wheels until you decide to change it. Nevertheless, the Golf GTI and Golf R both benefit from excellent driver feedback and engagement when compared to the rest of the VW lineup.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Interior 8/10
Those who were a fan of the previous Golf will instantly recognize the updated design language of this new generation. The dash is sleek and futuristic with a large expansive bezel that holds the two main screens. The seats are comfortable and very well bolstered which we love. Notably, both the front and back seats offer generous headroom and legroom. The fit and finish around the cabin are good too.
Despite that, there are some pretty obvious cost-cutting measures that stand out in a car that can cost north of $45,000. For example, the front passenger seat is only available with manual adjustments. Much of the cabin features hard cheaper-feeling plastic and the piano-black surfaces are easy to dirty up. Nevertheless, this premium-priced hatchback does offer above-average cargo capacity and practicality for those who want it.
The cargo area boasts 19.9 cubic feet of storage space and that expands even further when one folds the 60/40 split-folding seats down. In the middle of the rear seats, you’ll find a ski passthrough. The Golf R also gets great front seats with three different pockets on the seat back for the second-row passengers.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Technology Features 8/10
As we mentioned in our review of the Golf GTI last year, the infotainment system is somewhat lacking across the board. The base model gets an 8.25-inch unit that is laden with somewhat slow reaction times and capacitive buttons that don’t react naturally or consistently.
The larger 10-inch unit in every other trim isn’t dramatically better though the digital buttons are larger and thus easier to manipulate. Physical buttons and knobs would really be a welcome addition to the next generation of VW control stack. One potential respite comes in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Another big win in the tech sector for the Golf is the inclusion of the “digital cockpit” driver information display. It’s basically borrowed from Audi and allows the driver to configure the layout however they prefer. Navigation directions can even show up as the main feature in the cockpit with an overlaid map which is a great option to have.
In terms of safety, the Golf GTI was an IIHS Top Safety Pick last year and might be again this year. The Golf R didn’t receive a rating. Both benefit from an above-average safety tech suite including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. While some aspects of the Golf disappoint, this set of driver aids certainly doesn’t.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Trims & Pricing
S – $32,915
The S comes standard with 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, LED headlights, a push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front sport seats, an 8.25-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a digital gauge cluster, seven speakers, a wireless device charger, and parking sensors.
380 S – $33,635
The 380 S is identical to the S but swaps the automatic gearbox for a stick shift and locks the buyer into a single paint color, grey, black 19-inch wheels, and an adaptive suspension.
SE – $37,865
The mid-range SE gets a larger 10-inch infotainment system along with a sunroof, adaptive headlights, integrated navigation, and a nine-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon.
380 SE – $38,435
Just like the trim beneath it, the 380 version of the SE is identical to the automatic version aside from a change to the gearbox and the locked-in features mentioned above.
Autobahn – $41,455
Finally, the Autobahn gets special 19-inch wheels with summer tires, heated rear seats, adaptive suspension dampers, rear-seat climate controls, a heads-up display, and an automated parking system.
380 Autobahn – $41,775
One last time, this trim is the same as the normal Autobahn but with the stick shift and the other features that come with it.
R – $46,605
The Golf R gets the 315 hp version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine along with standard all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, chrome exhaust tips, adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry, heated exterior mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats with leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, adjustable interior lighting, a 10-inch infotainment system, a Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers, a heads-up display, parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Overall Value 7.75/10
The Golf GTI and Golf R both present a challenging case for the practical buyer. No doubt they have serious hot hatch heritage on their sides but if hardcore performance is what one is after, there are better hatchbacks for the cash. If pure practicality is the name of the game, the regular Golf is more fuel-efficient and far cheaper. VW does offer some nice incentives and a two-year free maintenance package to buyers though. Those who want a dash of all things VW will love the Golf GTI and Golf R though and good for them.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8.25/10
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI – vw.com | Shop 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI on Carsforsale.com
The Golf GTI and Golf R are perfectly fine hatchbacks but we’d love to see VW push harder on the performance envelope. Neither one really competes with the rest of the hot hatch segment dollar for dollar. It’s also time to ditch the capacitive buttons.
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf GTI all-wheel drive?
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is only available with front-wheel drive. The Volkswagen Golf R comes with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
Does the Volkswagen Golf GTI have a turbocharger?
Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI has a turbocharger.
What type of engine is in the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The engine in the Golf GTI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 hp.
