2022 Volkswagen Golf review

What We Like

Impressive performance: With the demise of the standard Golf hatchback, VW can concentrate more on performance, and the new Golf R delivers. Its 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine accelerates it to 60 mph in a quick 4.3 seconds and with standard all-wheel drive, you won’t have to worry as much about traction. Handling is also inspiring and confident on a fun winding road.

Useful cargo space: Don’t judge this book by its cover. Even though the Golf R is a small, nimble hatchback, you may be surprised by how versatile it can be. Unlike sedans, hatchbacks benefit from a tall cargo area that can easily accommodate bulkier objects. You can fit as much as 19.9 cubic feet (about 25 grocery bags) behind the rear seats or 34.5 cubes if you fold the seats into the floor.

No sacrifices to comfort: Unlike a lot of sporty vehicles that sacrifice ride comfort for handling performance, the Golf R delivers a relatively smooth ride. It’s firmer than the typical hatchback, but the inclusion of adaptive suspension dampers noticeably reduces bumps and jolts. The driver can select a softer or stiffer ride with the touch of a button. Add in supportive seats and a quiet cabin, and it’s downright enjoyable.

What Needs Improvement

Frustrating touch controls: Volkswagen’s decision to replace traditional buttons and knobs with capacitive touch controls proves that new isn't always better. These controls need only the lightest of touches to activate a feature, or a gentle swipe to adjust temperature or volume. In theory, that sounds great, but in practice, it’s far too easy to inadvertently activate something. They’re also more distracting to use when driving since you briefly need to take your eyes off the road to make sure you're pressing the right button.