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2021 Volkswagen GTI review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen GTI highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Fun to drive
  • High-quality materials in interior
  • Advanced driver aids work well

Cons

  • Rear legroom is tight
  • Only one USB port is available

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 30 highway, 27 combined

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The 2021 Volkswagen GTI is practical and a lot of fun

The 2021 Volkswagen GTI, the final model year before being redesigned, offers a great blend of practicality and performance, resulting in a hatchback that's as fun to drive as it is functional.

The GTI is the performance version of the Volkswagen Golf, which was not sold in the United States after the 2021 model year. But don't let its sporty attributes fool you, the GTI is a great option for hauling people and their stuff.

The interior of the GTI has high-quality materials and spacious seating up front. Legroom is a bit tight in the back, and a tunnel that extends through the back row makes the center seat impractical. Getting in and out is easy thanks to wide-opening doors, and most of the controls are easy to use and understand.

All Volkswagen GTI years

What is new for the 2021 Volkswagen GTI?

  • GTI trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Parking features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The S trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Smart Key as standard equipment.
  • The SE trim now comes with Apple CarPlay, Navigation System, and Android Auto as standard equipment.

2021 Volkswagen GTI trims

Curious how Volkswagen GTI trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Volkswagen GTI S inventory

SE:

Autobahn:

What We Like 

  • Good performance: The GTI comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 228 horsepower. Accelerating from a stoplight or making a tight merge onto a highway won't be a problem for this Volkswagen. 

  • Impressive tech: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard features and work well. The advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, are also nice to have and are neither intrusive nor laggy.  

  • Comfortable ride: The GTI pleasantly blends performance with comfort. The available adaptive suspension makes for an even more comfortable ride, though the GTI is comfy without it.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Interior storage: There isn't much room for storing small items at the front of the cabin. The water bottle pockets in the doors are handy, but the regular cupholders are small and awkwardly placed. And the center console can't realistically hold much more than your smartphone.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2021 Volkswagen GTI is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen GTI an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen GTI 44th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen GTI

Volkswagen GTI features and specs

Curious how Volkswagen GTI trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • CD Audio
  • Full Roof Rack

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

228

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

103.6"

Overall length

168"

Width

70.8"

Height

57.8"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35.6"

Head room

F 38.4"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P225/40HR18

Rear tires

P225/40HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Volkswagen GTI FAQ

Volkswagen GTI articles

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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