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2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review
Price: $39,888
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Great
8.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The latest 2023 Golf R is quick and fun to drive but hasn't lost the cool, understated charm that defines a Volkswagen hatchback. It's pricey compared to some rivals, but you're getting plenty of performance in the deal. Great cars tend to be focused; the Golf R is a wonder because it seems to be good at nearly everything. We just wish Volkswagen would rethink its cumbersome in-car tech.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- New limited-production 20th Anniversary Edition
- Part of the third Golf R generation (eighth-generation Golf platform) introduced for 2022
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$185/mo for Golf R Base
Golf R Base
vs
$141/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#46 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Golf R from 2008-2022.$884/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.54x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).18%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Volkswagen Golf R Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(50%)
4(37%)
3(13%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Hottest hatch needs a software update!
4 out of 5 starsFred Mephisto, 11/17/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
Amazing to drive. The info system you get used to
5 out of 5 starsTime4gary, 04/09/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
Ignore bandwagon infotainment reviews!
5 out of 5 starsMK8R, 12/31/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
My 2023 20th anniversary edition Golf R
5 out of 5 starsTom S., 10/31/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf R since its last redesign.
2023 Golf R Highlights
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,740 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $185/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.9 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Golf R models:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns you if you're in danger of hitting the car in front and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react quickly enough.
- Active Blind-Spot Monitor
- Alerts you if a car is in your blind spot and steers you back into your lane if you start to merge.
- Dynamic Road Sign Display
- Uses cameras to read road signs and relays useful information including speed limits to the instrument panel or head-up display.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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