2018
Volkswagen Golf R

Starts at:
$39,785
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New 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.0T Manual w/DCC/Nav
    Starts at
    $39,785
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.0T DSG w/DCC/Nav
    Starts at
    $40,885
    22 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Notable features

Four-door hatchback body style
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Manual or automatic transmission
All-wheel drive standard
Adaptive suspension available
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity available

The good & the bad

The good

Punchy, smooth-revving engine
Front sport seats
Adult-size backseat
Versatile cargo space
Fender audio system's clarity

The bad

Drivetrain lag (automatic transmission)
Clutch feel (manual transmission)
Lack of steering feedback
Noisy motorized backup camera
Hefty price premium over Golf GTI
See all specifications

Expert 2018 Volkswagen Golf R review

img 1443690600 1534542931379 jpg
Our expert's take
By Matt Schmitz
Full article
img 1443690600 1534542931379 jpg

In his critique of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley says that, although Mercedes-Benz vehicles are on the spendy side even at their starting price, this luxury performance car makes a case for its as-tested $87,000. Boasting an impressive combo of advanced tech features, a plush interior, satisfying performance and that intangible cachet, the E400 coupe isn’t one note but instead plays the whole song.

Related: More Expert Car Reviews

“Swift, comfortable and elegant, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe is rewarding to drive and offers a long list of advanced safety features,” Hanley writes.

To match our favorable review, this week the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 lands in the No. 1 spot on our Top 5 most popular expert reviews of the week.

Meanwhile, topping this week’s roster of most-watched videos is one featuring yours truly as I debunk commonly held car myths, first airing on our weekly “Driving Smart” TV segment that airs coast-to-coast on local network news affiliates of the TEGNA group.

Top 5 Reviews

1. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe Review: It’s Time for Some Me-Time

2. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Review: Lighter, Stronger, User-Friendlier and More Comfortable, But Not Cheaper

3. 2018 Ford Mustang Review: Anything You Want, for a Price

4. 2018 Lexus LX 570 2-Row Review: Pay Less, Get More Space

5. 2019 Subaru Ascent: Ready to Conquer a Family’s Everyday Adventures

Top 5 Videos

1. Clever Car Hacks

2. 2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

3. 2018 Hyundai Kona: First Drive

4. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante

5. What’s The Best Luxury Compact SUV for 2018?

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Assistant Managing Editor-News
Matt Schmitz

Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R review: Our expert's take
By Matt Schmitz

In his critique of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley says that, although Mercedes-Benz vehicles are on the spendy side even at their starting price, this luxury performance car makes a case for its as-tested $87,000. Boasting an impressive combo of advanced tech features, a plush interior, satisfying performance and that intangible cachet, the E400 coupe isn’t one note but instead plays the whole song.

Related: More Expert Car Reviews

“Swift, comfortable and elegant, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe is rewarding to drive and offers a long list of advanced safety features,” Hanley writes.

To match our favorable review, this week the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 lands in the No. 1 spot on our Top 5 most popular expert reviews of the week.

Meanwhile, topping this week’s roster of most-watched videos is one featuring yours truly as I debunk commonly held car myths, first airing on our weekly “Driving Smart” TV segment that airs coast-to-coast on local network news affiliates of the TEGNA group.

Top 5 Reviews

1. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe Review: It’s Time for Some Me-Time

2. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Review: Lighter, Stronger, User-Friendlier and More Comfortable, But Not Cheaper

3. 2018 Ford Mustang Review: Anything You Want, for a Price

4. 2018 Lexus LX 570 2-Row Review: Pay Less, Get More Space

5. 2019 Subaru Ascent: Ready to Conquer a Family’s Everyday Adventures

Top 5 Videos

1. Clever Car Hacks

2. 2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

3. 2018 Hyundai Kona: First Drive

4. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante

5. What’s The Best Luxury Compact SUV for 2018?

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
6 years / 72,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
6 years / 72,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

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
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
100-plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.9 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.9
Performance 5.0
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • By BH Wisconsin from Neenah, Wisconsin
    Owns this car
    October 19, 2023

    Best vehicle I've ever owned

    I've owned this vehicle 2019-2023 (and counting). I'm 70yrs old and can say this is the best car I've ever owned. Performance, comfort and styling are 5.0. Most in my age group don't understand the Golf R until they get to drive it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bryan from Cleveland, Oh
    Owns this car
    October 15, 2022

    No compromise, all year commuter race car. Yes!

    The only "compromise" with this vehicle is it is smaller than most other vehicles on the road here in the US. The Golf R will have you quicker than 99% while getting 30 mpg. Fold the rear seats down put just about anything in the car with you. When you get done hauling stuff around, take it to the race track. When you get done lapping all the cars that were carried to the track, in a trailer, park it in your driveway. If you think this vehicle is an all climate, all season commuter vehicle, you are right. No need to rush the purchase. Drive a dozen, at least. This car, in my opinion, has no real compromises. My advice is , to not compromise color, wheel style, low/high milage, a scratch/dent or anything you may see yourself considering as important to you.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By R Fan from Sonoma, CA
    Owns this car
    April 5, 2021

    Performance on a Budget

    The Golf R is an amazing vehicle. 300hp, all wheel drive, active suspension, European quality (the Rs are made in Germany). More than I expected or hoped for when I bought. The only issue I have is slight wind noise at the drivers door in some wind conditions.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By ZEEEE from Schaumburg, IL
    Owns this car
    December 31, 2020

    Absolutely love this car

    We owned a 2008 R32 that we loved and thought we would keep forever (10 yrs old and only 40K mi) but an accident totaled the car and we needed new wheels. Contrary to all the stories that you hear about VW reliability, our experience was that our R32 was only back to the dealership for fluid changes - zero other issues. My wife loved the compact size of the R32 (which was her daily driver) so there wasn't much question that we would go with the updated Golf R and have not been disappointed 2 years later. The improvements from the R32 to the Golf R are significant including improved handling, smoother DSG, significantly quicker, much better ride (which is adjustable - 3 settings) and a much tighter body structure. The only letdown is that it doesn't have that mesmerizing growl of the R32's VR6. Also I still don't understand why VW refuses to offer a sunroof on the R. Otherwise it's superior in about every other way. We've yet to be back to the dealership at all (doing oil changes myself) so it's been rock solid reliable so far. A little pricey - yes - but we think definitely worth it. My son liked it so much that he bought a 2019 GTI (he couldn't afford a R) that's been great for him too.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By R-rated from Chula Vista
    Owns this car
    August 24, 2020

    Fast hatch with the right amount of styling.

    Are you having a midlife crisis? Do you wish you could have a fun, tasteful and not over the top hot hatch? Then the Golf R might be the car you are looking for! This car is not only a top tier Volkswagen, it is also very sporty. While it isn't exactly the fastest of the pack, it is still more then capable of bring a smile to your face. Next year marks the 8th generation of Golf's being released here in the USA and it is clear that they have the recipe for success down. If a hot hatch is what you are looking for, then I would highly recommend looking into the Golf R or GTI.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By NewPaltzJohn
    Owns this car
    March 26, 2020

    Refined performance

    Very happy with the blend of performance, comfort, and fit+finish. This is my first VW in about 20 years and I'm glad to be back.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JD from Chattanooga, TN
    Owns this car
    December 1, 2019

    Comfortable, fast, agile, advanced,

    Though not very big, that's about the only thing missing in this car. Amazing performance, great handling, great marriage between comfort and handling, great amenities on the electrical site, and the car's navigation features are very helpful. It has an incredible 6 year/72,000 miles warranty. This car isn't screaming at everyone to stare, but they will once they see you push it. This is a humble car: you can drive it softly and quietly but also fast and quietly all while looking respectful but not screaming aggression. The colors on the interior gives it a calm and sophisticated demeanor. One thing I like also is that I can turn most of the extra features off such as the lane assist, adaptive cruise control and all as well as adjust the steering wheel, suspension, and other things.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By JasonVdub from San Antonio, TX
    Owns this car
    August 24, 2019

    Extremely fun, fast, and reliable car to own!

    Being AWD and turbo charged is extremely fun. Very comfortable ride. The multiple mode settings are flexible and race mode is amazing. The infotainment system is beautiful and expertly designed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Hwarren2801 from San Diego
    Owns this car
    May 11, 2019

    Golf R - A “10” on the fun factor.

    I researched a lot of competitors in this class of vehicles. I chose the R because of the performance, interior design, quality, and AWD capability. I owned a 2015 GTI with the performance pack prior to this car and absolutely loved it. The R provides even better grip and over all performance. The GTI is fantastic. But I wanted to see for myself how this new R would stack up. I’ll tell you, it met all my expectations. You can’t go wrong with a GTI. The R just takes the already great GTI and makes it better.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Oldpro from San Mateo
    Owns this car
    December 31, 2018

    Super Car

    This car is absolutely one of the finest built dollar for dollar in existence! All around exhilarating handling and performance. Spectacular body style, and superior interior finish. Unbelievable excelleration, outstanding handling, fantastic safety features! Mind blowing sound system.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By R in Michigan from ANN ARBOR
    Owns this car
    December 10, 2018

    Very, very engaging

    Tremendously well designed; very quick; handles especially well; great seats and seating position; up-scale interior; solid. While every car has trade offs...this one has only one aspect that I think is a mistake by VW: the 19" wheels, while great looking, combined with 35 aspect ratio summer tires, may well be a problem given the lousy condition of Michigan roads. Currently riding on smaller wheels with winter-specific tires with a taller side wall for the snow season.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Rrrrondah from San Rafael Ca
    Owns this car
    October 11, 2018

    Most responsive car I've owned

    This car exceeds my expectation in areas of comfort, performance and build quality. The infotainment arrangement and the system itself is sub-par, especially having owned Audi products. The wheels are a bit juvenile and could better suit the lines of the car by using a more simple five spoke design. Fabulous transmission.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Volkswagen dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Volkswagen Golf R owners.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.9
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.7

Volkswagen Golf R history

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