The last two Golf models standing are the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R. Other than both getting the addition of a midyear anniversary trim level, they return unchanged. For the Golf GTI, VW calls it the 40th Anniversary Edition, and for the Golf R, it’s the 20th Anniversary Edition.
Otherwise, the Golf GTI’s trim-level lineup is the S, SE, and Autobahn, while the Golf R is the Golf R.
No matter the model, the mill is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In the GTI, it turns out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed manual transmission shuttling engine torque to the front wheels.
Ponying up an extra $800 gets you the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. Mileage is 27 mpg for combined city and highway driving with the manual. With the automatic transmission comes an engine stop-start system. It adds 1 mpg to the combined fuel economy.
Engineered to optimize grip and handling in the corners, an electronically controlled torque-sensing limited-slip VAQ differential is standard on every GTI. VW also gives it a sport-tuned suspension.
We’ll tackle the performance specs of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Golf R below; however, other than AWD, the underpinnings are about the same.
We like the GTI for its accessibility, pugnacity, and iconic standing. It strikes just the right balance between civility and performance. Although the Golf R serves well as an everyday driver, it pumps up the adrenaline with its spirited driving experience.
Resale values for the Golf GTI are about average, and the Golf R is above average in this segment, which includes the Subaru WRX and Mini Cooper 2-door.
Let’s take a look at what separates these VW hot hatches.
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S ($30,180)
The S and SE are neck and neck in the competition for best-selling GTI; however, we think the S is the best value among the GTI trims. It’s well equipped with features like rain-sensing wipers, push-button start, and a 10.25-inch configurable digital driver-information display. A big surprise is the multi-color adjustable ambient lighting.
Among the other standard fare are 18-inch alloy wheels and LED exterior lights (taillights, fog lights, auto on-off headlights, and daytime running lights). Also included are heated power outboard mirrors, red-painted brake calipers, single-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Heated washer nozzles, cloth-covered heated front sport seats, four USB ports, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are standard.
An 8.25-inch touchscreen oversees the infotainment system that includes a 7-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Wireless charging is also standard.
Picking the automatic transmission gains you stop-and-go adaptive cruise control rather than the traditional adaptive cruise control. No matter the transmission, the GTI comes with other IQ.Drive technologies like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Also included are blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and front-rear park assist. Also included is the semi-autonomous driver-assistance technology Travel Assist that can steer, accelerate, and brake the GTI.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the S base price brings the total to $31,275. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $562 per month. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S models for sale near you
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S includes:
Active Blind Spot Monitor – In addition to warning you when other vehicles are flanking you in adjacent lanes, this system will nudge you back into your lane if you ignore the warning.
Digital Cockpit Pro – This is VW’s official name for the configurable 10.25-inch digital driver-information display.
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition ($33,055)
Volkswagen will introduce the 40th Anniversary GTI sometime during the 2023 model year, slotting between the S and SE grades.
Only 1,500 will be built, half with the 6-speed manual gearbox and the other half with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. As a performance variant of the GTI S, the 40th Anniversary GTI is equipped with high-performance summer tires, adaptive suspension damping, speed-sensitive power steering, and “40” decals along the side sills.
Adding the factory delivery fee to the 40th Anniversary Edition base price totals $34,150. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $614. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition models for sale near you
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE ($34,980)
Building on the S, the SE adds a power panoramic sunroof, proximity keyless entry, and an upgraded infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen, navigation, and satellite-radio capability. Also included is a 9-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Traffic-sign assist joins the driver-aid technologies.
The $1,225 Leather Package brings leather seating surfaces, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and ventilated front seats.
Adding the delivery fee to the SE base price totals $36,075. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $648 per month. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE models for sale near you
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE includes:
App-Connect – It allows smartphone apps to interface with the car’s infotainment system.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach the vehicle or touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
Harman Kardon audio – This 9-speaker system includes a center speaker and subwoofer.
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn ($38,720)
In addition to gaining all the hardware of the SE’s Leather Package, the Autobahn adds 19-inch alloy wheels and the Multi-mode DCC adaptive damping suspension.
Also included are tri-zone automatic climate control, heated rear outboard seats, a head-up display, and high-beam assist. Parking steering assist that will steer your vehicle into a selected parking space is also standard with the Autobahn. However, operating the brake and accelerator while parking this GTI is still up to the driver.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the Autobahn base price totals $39,815. Using our no-money-down scenario, the monthly payment works out to approximately $715. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn models for sale near you
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control – By separating the GTI into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), this system allows independent temperatures in each. It then maintains those temps.
High-beam assist – With this system, your high beams are always on. The system automatically switches the high beams off when photosensors detect oncoming headlights or taillights.
DCC adaptive damping – This multi-mode system has Normal, Sport, and Comfort settings that electronically regulate the shock absorbers and steering accordingly.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R ($44,290)
VW uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the AWD Golf R as the Golf GTI; however, the engineers have tuned it to deliver 315 horsepower.
With the 6-speed manual transmission, it generates 280 lb-ft of torque. This output increases to 295 lb-ft of torque when you pay the extra $800 for the 7-speed automatic. EPA combined fuel economy is 23 mpg with the manual and 26 mpg with the automatic.
Outfitted much like the Golf GTI Autobahn, the Golf R adds Nappa leather seating with blue accents, sport brakes with cross-drilled front rotors, blue-painted calipers, and other R styling cues. The potent Golf R also gets a unique grille, bumpers, side skirts, a 2-piece rear spoiler, and chrome-tipped quad exhaust.
However, the head-up display that was available last year is gone from the Autobahn equipment.
Adding the $1,095 factory destination fee to the Golf R base price brings the total to $45,385. Putting no money down and financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of about $816. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf R models for sale near you
2023 Volkswagen Golf R includes:
4Motion – This is VW-speak for AWD. Standard on the Golf R, 4Motion provides rear-axle torque vectoring, in which a multi-plate rear differential can send as much as 100% of the torque to an individual rear wheel.
Cross-drilled rotors – These front rotors have a series of small holes to facilitate the escape of brake heat.
Golf R styling elements – Several unique Golf R styling elements are found in the grille, bumpers, and side skirts, providing a high-performance appearance.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition ($44,940)
This limited-production Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition is slightly more expensive than the standard Golf R and has 315 hp, just like the standard Golf R.
So what sets it apart? Mostly visuals. This 20th Anniversary Golf R wears black 19-inch alloy wheels, 20th anniversary badging, and plenty of blue “R” logos, plus an interior with carbon-fiber trim.
Adding the factory destination fee to the Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition equals $46,035. At 3% interest with no money down, financing for 60 months works out to $827 per month. See 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition models for sale near you
