2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Price Range: $26,590 - $33,790

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback Exterior

The eighth-generation Volkswagen GTI isn't a dramatically different machine than the one it replaces. Instead of rethinking the GTI, Volkswagen's engineers have finely polished what made the GTI so good to begin with. It's fun to drive all the time thanks to a stout engine and sharp handling. It's comfortable and offers plenty of cargo space too. Frustrating controls and a high base price are its biggest flaws. But as a whole, the GTI is as charming as ever.

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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Pros

Sporty and fun handling
Roomy hatchback design for passengers and cargo
Sophisticated ride quality with the optional adaptive suspension
High-quality interior materials look and feel great

Cons

Infotainment system can be frustrating to use
Not as much power as some rival hot hatches

What's new

40th Anniversary Edition trim added to lineup
Part of the eighth Golf GTI generation introduced for 2022

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

6/10/2023

In 1983, the original hot hatch made its way to America. The first Volkswagen was a hopped-up version of the Rabbit, complete with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension wrapped in an affordable, practical package. It was a hit and spawned all manner of imitators, though the GTI itself is as strong as ever. Forty years after it was introduced, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI and more powerful Volkswagen Golf R (reviewed separately) are the only Golf variants still on sale in America. The biggest news for this year is a special 40th Anniversary Edition trim, which is limited to just 1,500 units for 2023.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Boydton, VA

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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
S 4dr Hatchback
$24,525
great price
$1,537 below market
- 26,696 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 24 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- Sanford Imports (93 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Sandford, NC
CARFAX One-Owner. 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S Reflex Silver Metallic Carfax Accident Free, Bluetooth, Collision Warning Alert System, Collision Av...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (24 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGA7CD0PW132539
Stock: 7006273
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-16-2025
Price Drop
2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback
$29,000
fair price
$646 below market
- 12,971 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 23 City / 32 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Auction Direct USA (58 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Raleigh, NC
Auction Direct USA in Raleigh, NC offers a huge selection of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs with transparent “Best In-Market” pricing and a stres...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (23 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVW9A7CD6PW185853
Stock: AD01603
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-17-2025

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Edmunds' spotlight: Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R

Volkswagen dropped the standard Golf from the lineup when it introduced the eighth-generation model to America in 2022, leaving the Golf GTI and Golf R as the only available models. So what's the difference? Think of the Golf R as a Golf GTI that's grown up a bit. It still features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, available manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension. What the Golf R adds is 74 additional horsepower, all-wheel drive and more standard features. There's a big price jump when going from the Golf GTI to the Golf R, but there's a big bump in performance and appeal.

Competitors to consider

While only a handful of hatchbacks are still available in America, there are a few sedans and other small cars that compete directly against the Golf GTI. Some of our favorite four-doors include the Hyundai Elantra N and Subaru WRX. The Mini Cooper S hatchback is smaller than the GTI but offers decent utility and sporty handling. It's also available with either two or four doors. If you want affordable performance but don't necessarily need four doors or a hatch, check out the highly rated Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 coupes.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.2

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Golf GTI drive? It should be no surprise that the latest GTI drives a lot like the old one. It might look different, but the engine, transmission and much of the suspension carry over. That said, it's not totally the same. Base GTIs get a slight bump in power, and all come standard with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that helps you quickly put down the power when exiting turns.

With the available dual-clutch automatic transmission, our test GTI covered 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. That's about half a second off the more powerful Hyundai Elantra N with the dual-clutch. The manual-equipped car was a bit slower at 6.5 seconds to 60, a tenth off the Elantra N manual and half a second off the Subaru WRX. Both transmissions are excellent. The manual transmission has a precise shifter and light clutch with an easy engagement point, so it's easy to drive either around town or on a winding road.

Our summer-tire-shod GTI stopped from 60 mph in just 103 feet, which is impressively short for an affordably priced performance car like this. Steering feel and overall handling have been improved too. Overall, this one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars on the road.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Golf GTI? The GTI has always excelled at balancing performance with comfort. The seatback may look different, but these seats feel familiar to anyone who's driven a GTI before. The fixed side and thigh bolsters are pronounced but not overly tight. Volkswagen has found a nice Goldilocks setting. And, yes, the GTI's iconic red, white and black tartan cloth seats carry over. Ride comfort has been improved thanks to a revised suspension tuning. Our loaded test vehicle was equipped with an adaptive suspension that can be set to a compliant Comfort mode or a firm Sport setting. There's a noticeable difference, but the GTI never feels too soft or overly harsh.

Not everything has been improved. While we appreciate the available three-zone climate control, the capacitive touch controls for the temperature are cumbersome and occasionally infuriating to use. Rather than buttons or knobs, the GTI uses touch points on the dash. They're difficult to see and use without taking your eyes off the road.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The GTI's interior may look different than before, but it doesn't take long behind the wheel for everything to feel a bit familiar. The seating position is excellent, with lots of adjustments and good visibility in all directions. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position, and there's plenty of room up front and a decent amount in the rear, though taller passengers might find rear legroom lacking. The brake pedal does sit a bit high off the floor, making heel-toe downshifts with the six-speed manual a bit awkward but not impossible. The GTI's compact size and wide doors make getting in and out a breeze, even with the sporty seat bolsters.

It's not all grand. The capacitive touch controls that plague the climate control system are present everywhere, from the headlight switch to the steering wheel controls. They're all too sensitive and provide too little feedback. We accidently turned on the heated steering wheel on multiple occasions when a palm grazed the button on a tight turn. It's frustrating and one of the few areas in which the new GTI is worse than its predecessor. We really don't get what Volkswagen was going for here.

Technology

9/10

How’s the tech? Volkswagen has heavily updated the GTI's tech. It features a new infotainment system with a new interface and lots of new features, though the system isn't perfect in practice. It's laggy at times, and it's not always clear where certain functions are located. The voice controls are excellent, with a robust list of commands and functions. You can say your feet are cold, and the GTI will start blowing warm air at the bottom vents. The GTI features wireless connectivity for the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration system. There's a wireless charging pad too, and USB-C ports for both front and rear passengers.

The GTI's advanced driver aids are equally impressive. The adaptive cruise control works smoothly, maintaining a tight gap in traffic and holding speed up- and downhill. It's even available with the GTI's manual transmission. Blind-spot warning, lane keeping assistance and other aids all work about as well as we expect from a car at this price.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Performance and style might be what draws your eye to the GTI, but its hatchback utility is part of what's made it so popular over the years. The cargo area is wide and tall, and the rear seats fold nearly flat in a 60/40 split for even more space. Overall space measures in a 19.9 cubic feet with the seats up and 34.5 cubic feet with the seats down. Storage up front is also impressive thanks to large door pockets and plenty of small bins for phone, sunglasses and more. The small and awkwardly placed cupholders are one of the few drawbacks.

There's a reasonable amount of space in the rear for child safety seats. Isofix anchors are easily located, though the front seats may need to be scooted up a hair to accommodate larger rear-facing seats.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the GTI is 28 mpg combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or 27 mpg combined with the manual. The dual-clutch also returns slight better city fuel economy, 24 mpg versus 23 mpg, and highway estimates (34 mpg vs. 32 mpg). We saw 30.8 mpg on our 115-mile real-world evaluation route driving a dual-clutch-equipped model, which is a good showing and a promising indication the EPA estimates are accurate.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Golf GTI a good value? The Volkswagen GTI has always been one of the most expensive vehicles in its class, but it's also generally felt a cut above most of its rivals. A well-equipped GTI crosses over $40,000, significantly more than most of its rivals. The interior looks and feels premium, with a clean design and lots of nice materials. The performance gap to other more powerful cars has narrowed thanks to the GTI's updates, but the Volkswagen is less of a performance bargain than the quickest hatchbacks in its class.

Volkswagen includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty, which is average for the class. The GTI's three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance is better than most, as is the scheduled maintenance coverage of two years/24,000 miles.

Wildcard

9/10

The GTI has always been one of the more subtle hot hatches around. While cars like the Civic Type R are adorned with big wings and wide fenders, the GTI has remained cool and clean, even if that new face is a bit more brash than before. Whether it's the tartan seats, red accents or new LED foglights, it's the small details that make the GTI charming.

And that's all before you get behind the wheel. The GTI is fun at any speed. The turbocharged engine offers lots of low-end power, so you can zip through traffic without having to work too hard. Then, when you escape the city and head out to a twisty road, the GTI rewards you with predictable handling and an engaging character.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim level differences

The 2023 Golf GTI is available as a four-door hatchback and comes in four trim levels: S, 40th Anniversary Edition, SE and Autobahn. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Keep reading to find out what comes on each trim:

Which Golf GTI trim does Edmunds recommend?

While the new 40th Anniversary Edition offers some distinctive flair, we still think the base Golf GTI S trim is the way to go. It comes well equipped from the get-go, with features like a limited-slip differential, LED lighting and a digital instrument cluster.

Compare 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$138/mo

$158/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Volkswagen Golf GTI Owner Reviews

4.4

27 reviews

5(67%)

4(19%)

3(7%)

2(0%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 VW GTI 40th Anniversary Edition

Michael, Oceanside, OR, 05/17/2023

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI 40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I had been looking at the 2022 MK 8 since its arrival to the USA in late 2021. Here’s the deal. I only captured my first glance of one about three months ago, passing through the small town I live in. Whenever we went to the dealer, none were ever in stock. When I first read about the 2023 40th Anniversary Edition, I thought this might be the car for me. One of the area dealers showed a … pomelo yellow 40th inbound sometime in March or April, and the salesman kept me posted. We arrived at the dealer the day following its arrival, and when I first laid eyes on it, I was smitten - most beautiful automobile I’d seen in my life! So we took it for a test-drive, and with the adaptive dampers, placed it in comfort mode. While the ride was a little stiffer than my 2017 Golf, the GTI felt incredible. I quickly got used to the clutch and six speed manual shift feel. Quite frankly, though, I was concerned about the infotainment system, as there had been so many complaints about it in the reviews I read. Well, despite the fact I’m an old guy, almost 67 years old, I found using this intuitive, and not the deal-killer I thought it might be. Since the 40th AE is based on the GTI S, it still has a volume control knob, and the climate control is easy-peasy. So not the nightmare I expected. However, I do NOT like the new GTI fuel gauge, please, make it electronic if you will, but give me a traditional looking one, not a straight line that’s tiny like this, then reads out mileage until empty. The other thing I dislike is the inability to easily set a trip meter. What I do like is you have two or three viable options as to how you want your instrument cluster to look. And the color changes you can make inside your car is cool, too. Three other disappointments: no Sirius/XM capability (VW, shame on you cheapskates), and no storage bin under the driver’s seat, and no wireless phone connectivity on the 40th AE (again, shame on you, VW for eliminating this - should be standard on the entire lineup). Those complaints aside, I decided to buy the car and have little regret. Our dealer offered a 10 year unlimited mileage warranty including repair of electronics and replacement of wheels and tires should they incur damage (some of the roads in our area are horrible) which I would recommend. The 40th AE has the 19 inch wheels with 35 profile tires, so there’s little rubber between you and the road. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles in the month I’ve owned it and feel good about the fuel mileage. I’ve gotten up to 37.1 mpg, but I suspect on a long haul I could get 40 mpg on this vehicle. I love the feel of the road, love the cornering, and love the acceleration. I see all these younger guys on YouTube modifying their GTI’s, and quite frankly, there’s no need for that - performance is stellar - you’ll never want for power or have a need for greater cornering ability unless you’re a weekend racer. I plan to leave mine stock (maybe it will be the only one in the country left as it came from the factory). I like the look and feel of the interior, do not object to the materials used, either. Mine has been tight as a drum and rattle-free, even on rough pavement. The fit and finish of both interior and exterior seems perfect to me - something I’ve appreciated about VW over the years. In order to protect my investment, I had a local shop apply Paint Protective Film on the front grill, headlights, front badge, hood, front fenders, A pillars, front door sills, roof, and the top of the rear bumper (where you load cargo) to prevent scratches and rock chips. I think this is wise, no matter the car you drive, as it will reduce if not eliminate damage to your paint. VW has excellent paint by the way, and this pomelo yellow color is just incredible - looks green in some light, sometimes yellow, and what an attention-getter! This is my retirement vehicle that I plan to drive until I cannot drive anymore. Did I make the right choice? Time will tell. I’m happy so far, and I’ve a unique car (quite likely the only one in my entire state) that doesn’t look like all the Japanese and South Korean clones out there. I’ve never had a problem with VW reliability and suspect this new GTI will be no different. Is the GTI the right car for you? Only one way to find out. Drive one. Look it over. But I will warn you, they’re hard to find. They pretty much sell as soon as dealers get them in stock. If my wife and I had passed on buying this one, three other buyers behind me were chomping at the bit, disappointed that we were the ones who left the dealer with it in our possession. So how would I rate it on a scale of 1-10? I’d say about an 8.5 - 9, with my only complaints being the ones I’ve already mentioned. I am a satisfied owner!

Still a fun car to drive!

Mike, 01/10/2023

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I had the MK7 and now the MK8 GTI and I am really impressed with the performance of this car, also the touch screen and haptic controls are really easy to use once you know where everything is.

Sad but true

M, 01/08/2023

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I’ll really like everything about the car’s chassis, engine, motor, and interior. I dislike the overly complex infotainment system with no mobs for radio or HVAC. It’s hard to concentrate on driving with this system. Hopefully they will add some physical knobs since it seems to be universally abhorred.

One Last Ride

Charlie Egan, 03/25/2023

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Straight opinion: it’s fantastic! 1. Feels new while also familiar 2. Noticeably more power 3. Haptic buttons and infotainment mechanics are just fine. After owning and loving my MK7.5 for four and half years, I jumped on the opportunity to purchase a 2023 GTI, as there were and are very few available in our area. The exterior looks fantastic in person. The interior is very clean, …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf GTI since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Volkswagen Golf GTI

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2023 Golf GTI Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,530
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$138/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Golf GTI models:

Forward Collision Warning: Warns the driver if a front collision, including with a pedestrian, seems imminent. If needed, it can apply automatic emergency braking.
High-Beam Controls: Automatically switches the GTI's high-beam headlights on or off depending on oncoming traffic.
Lane Keeping Assistance: Uses a flashing light to warn the driver of vehicles in blind spots. Can also apply steering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Selling or Trading-In?

Price & Payment

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Boydton, VA

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTIS 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' spotlight: Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim level differences

Which Golf GTI trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Volkswagen Golf GTI Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 VW GTI 40th Anniversary Edition

Still a fun car to drive!

Sad but true

One Last Ride

2023 Golf GTI Highlights

Safety

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S 4dr Hatchback

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
40th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback