2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Name: 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Brand: Volkswagen
SKU: 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews)

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$26,415

starting MSRP

Hatchback
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28 combined mpg
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5 seats
168" length, 57.8" height
Front-wheel drive

View all 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI specs .

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim comparison will help you decide.

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Our expert's take

Volkswagen has announced the U.S. versions for the refreshed 2018 Golf lineup already unveiled for Europe. The new line includes GTI and R performance models and the SportWagen and Alltrack wagons.

Exterior

It’s an understatement to say that the exterior changes are subtle. The bumpers are slightly reshaped and are a little crisper. There now is a dash of chrome in the grill, some new wheel designs and some new paint colors. LED taillights and daytime running lights now are standard on all models; full LED headlights replace the bi-xenon units as the upgrade option.

Interior

More is changed inside where, in additional to some materials upgrades, there is a revised dashboard to accommodate a new media system with bigger screens — a 6.5-inch display on base models and an 8-inch touchscreen for SE and above models.

The top-of the line Golf R performance version is the only U.S. Golf that will have the new configurable digital instrument cluster available on more models in Europe. LED adaptive headlights also will be standard on the 2018 R model.

Under the Hood

Powertrains carry over from 2017, but the GTI gets a 10-horsepower boost to 220 hp. The GTI also gets upgraded brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential standard.

Safety

Driver safety and assistance technology, including a front collision system with automatic braking that now includes pedestrian detection, will be more widely available on most models with the second-level SE trim and above.

Consumer reviews

4.7

(28 reviews)

100% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.7
Interior design 4.9
Performance 4.8
Value for the money 4.6
Exterior styling 4.8
Reliability 4.7

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Most recent consumer reviews

4.6

2018 Golf GTI S (First VW)

April 13, 2021

By Dan from Weare, NH

Owns this car

Was looking for a 6-speed manual and the GTI was on the list. First ever VW test drive. Very impressed. Car is solidly built, handles great, shift action is superb, great steering feel. Wife was also impressed. So impressed that I purchased the vehicle the next day. Cannot yet speak to reliability but had to provide rating-Selected average. Only time will tell. Did purchase extended warranty.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior design 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value for the money 4.0
Exterior styling 5.0
Reliability 3.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Having fun
Does recommend this car

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?

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5.0

Fun to Drive

December 2, 2020

By GTIBill from BALTIMORE

Owns this car

I had a Subaru Impreza, which I feels lacking in the fun-to-drive category. I immediately took to the Golf GTI. The acceleration and maneuverability are top notch.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior design 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value for the money 5.0
Exterior styling 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?

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5.0

Perfect car!

July 11, 2020

By CFuhr from Lincoln, DE

Owns this car

So happy with my new vehicle! I needed an upgrade from my 2014 gti and this car has been so much fun! I’m really enjoying seeing all of the differences between my old car and this one!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior design 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value for the money 5.0
Exterior styling 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a Used car
Used for Commuting
Does recommend this car

0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?

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See all 28 consumer reviews

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper: 72 months/72,000 miles
Corrosion: 84 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain: 72 months/72,000 miles
Roadside assistance: 36 months/36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage: MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles/75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles/75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms: Vehicles purchased on or after 1/5/21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr/12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification required: 100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance: Yes