Used 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Golf R, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf R since its last redesign.
Hottest hatch needs a software update!
Fred Mephisto, 11/17/2022
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
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.
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Amazing to drive. The info system you get used to
Time4gary, 04/09/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
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2023 Volkswagen Golf R for sale near you
3 of 28 listings
- 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $39,652253 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $42,700266 mi away
- 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $47,491439 mi away
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Ignore bandwagon infotainment reviews!
MK8R, 12/31/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
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My 2023 20th anniversary edition Golf R
Tom S., 10/31/2023
2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
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Best all around hatch!
T, 01/08/2023
2022 Volkswagen Golf R 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The touch controls you adjust to fairly quickly, it has a great on road feeling and great acceleration. I do hope that they give everyone a software update on the infotainment but other than that I love it.
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