Volkswagen Golf R vs Volkswagen GTI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Overview
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Golf R Hatchback | Golf GTI S |
| Body style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $49,455 | $34,590 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 22 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal (best) | 13 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp (best) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (best) | 273 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 34.5 cu ft (best) | — |
| Payload | 948 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,461 lbs (best) | 6,366 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4.8 in | 5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 104 in (best) |
| Length | 169.1 in (best) | 169 in |
| Width | 70.4 in (best) | 70 in |
| Height | 57.8 in | 58 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Volkswagen Golf RGolf R Hatchback | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golf R Hatchback $49,455 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | SE $39,080 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Autobahn $42,480 MSRP |