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2023 Volkswagen GTI review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen GTI highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Fun to drive
  • Roomy interior
  • High-quality materials in interior

Cons

  • Controls can be frustrating to use
  • Cupholders are small and awkwardly placed
  • The touchscreen can be a bit laggy

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 32 highway, 27 combined

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The 2023 Volkswagen GTI is sporty and practical

The 2023 Volkswagen GTI 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 last sold in the United States in 2021. But don't let its sporty attributes fool you: The GTI is a great option for hauling people and their stuff.

The 2023 GTI celebrates the Golf's 40th anniversary with a special 40th Anniversary Edition trim limited to 1,500 models. A couple of small trim adjustments, including cloth seats becoming standard on the SE trim, are all the changes the GTI receives.

The interior of the GTI has high-quality materials and spacious seating. But touchscreen-like controls for the air and heat (and other functions) are frustrating to use. On the other hand, voice controls are excellent: A natural-sounding command like "my feet are cold" leads to warm air blowing on your feet.

All Volkswagen GTI years

What is new for the 2023 Volkswagen GTI?

  • Trim level added for enhanced customization options
  • New safety features including advanced driver-assistance systems
  • Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity
  • Performance enhancements for better fuel efficiency
  • Revised warranty coverage for added peace of mind

2023 Volkswagen GTI trims

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

S:

  • 241-hp, 273-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Volkswagen GTI S inventory

Autobahn:

What We Like 

  • Great performance: The GTI comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets 241 horsepower. Accelerating from a stoplight or making a tight merge onto a highway won't be a problem for this Volkswagen. 

  • Impressive tech: The voice-activated controls work great in the GTI, and wireless Apple CarPlay® along with Android Auto™ are standard features. The advanced driver aids are equally impressive. The adaptive cruise control works smoothly, and blind-spot warning, lane keeping assistance, and other aids all work well. 

  • 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 

  • Frustrating touch controls: The GTI has what Volkswagen calls capacitive touch buttons that function more like the screen of your smartphone than the buttons and knobs you're used to. These buttons are frustrating to use and it's very easy to press them accidentally.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

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 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Overhead Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Traction Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Power Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key
  • ABS Brakes
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Air Conditioning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Cloth Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Side Airbags
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Manual Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Navigation System
  • Android Auto

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Full Roof Rack

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

241

Torque (ft-lbs)

273

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

103.6"

Overall length

168.8"

Width

70.4"

Height

57.6"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35"

Head room

F 38.5"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P225/40HR18

Rear tires

P225/40HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 6

2023 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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