2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Under the hood of the Golf GTI is the newest version of the EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has appeared in VW products for more than a decade. In the 2022 GTI, it produces 242 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque — a bump up from the previous engine's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is standard (rejoice!) and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.

Adaptive suspension dampers will once again be available so drivers can select their ideal blend of ride plushness and performance. While the current GTI offers just a few settings for the dampers, the new model will have a total of 15 steps between ultimate comfort and sportiness. Volkswagen has also retuned the suspension to reduce understeer. Combined with the fully defeatable stability control system, the new GTI appears to be much more performance-oriented than its predecessor.

On the inside, this modern Golf offers a sleek new dashboard design punctuated by two large display screens. The first is the central touchscreen, which features a 8.25-inch display on most models, or a new 10-inch screen on models equipped with navigation. The other is the eye-catching Digital Cockpit instrument panel already implemented in some newer Volkswagens. While it's often optional in other Vee-Dubs, the Digital Cockpit is standard equipment on the Golf GTI.

The new Golf GTI is equipped with plaid cloth seats, which have been a staple of the GTI since its inception. Optional leather seats are now perforated and offer front-seat ventilation — another first for the new GTI. The cabin also features 30-color adjustable ambient lighting for matching your mood and a heated steering wheel. Both are standard. On the options list is a head-up display that projects directly onto the windshield and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.