The Volkswagen GTI Is Still Solid. It’s Just Not as Fun: Review

In a market where affordable performance cars regularly come and go, you can always depend on the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Relatively speaking, the GTI hasn’t changed much since the first generation debuted way back in the mid-1970s. It’s still the sporty, reliable five-door that enthusiasts have come to love.

These days, though, there are some really great alternatives—the Honda Civic Si, the Hyundai Elantra N, the Subaru WRX, the Toyota GR86, hell, even the base Ford Mustang. On the higher end of the spectrum, Toyota has the GR Corolla, while Honda has the Civic Type R. The point is: With so many new and exciting options out there, the GTI feels like the same car that VW’s been trotting out for decades. Only marginally better.

For 2025, the GTI ditches one of the key features that helped make it such an icon in the first place: Its manual transmission. Pair that with a cabin maligned for its lack of buttons, a design that’s barely different than before, and an engine that’s less powerful than its European counterpart, and it’s easy to see why some fans might be falling out of love with VW’s ubiquitous five-door and looking elsewhere.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pros

Very Quick
Excellent Transmission
Lovely Interior
Beautiful Paint

Even if it is less powerful than its European counterpart, you still can’t really fault the GTI for its engine. VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter makes 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, which sends the hot hatchback to 60 miles per hour in just about 5.7 seconds. It’s pretty darn quick.

The GTI’s motor is punchy and direct, with gobs of torque down low and smooth power all the way up to redline. You can rev the hell out of this engine, too—that is, before the transmission takes over and forces you to upshift.

Speaking of that transmission: It’s excellent. The death of the GTI’s manual is a tragedy, but it’s hard to find fault with VW’s quick-shifting, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It rips off lightning-quick shifts, minimizing perceived turbo lag, and sending a sharp recoil through your fingertips when you flick at the paddle shifters.

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Although this 2025 model may not look all that different from its predecessor, one thing VW knows how to do exceptionally well is paint. The Slate Blue on this tester is a no-cost option, and it’s the only color even worth considering.

Sure, the cabin’s lack of buttons is an issue (more on that in a minute). Otherwise, VW knows how to make a clean, modern, and lovely interior. Even with its iconic plaid seats still intact—exactly where they should be—the GTI’s cabin looks grown up and feels premium. Nothing about the new GTI’s interior comes off as juvenile, which you might have said of some of its predecessors.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cons

Not As Dynamic As Its Competitors
No Manual
Few Hard Buttons

Unfortunately, good looks and a punchy engine can only take you so far these days. The GTI feels flat and mostly unremarkable when you take a corner hard. Sure, it’ll certainly get around that corner quickly—the suspension keeps the car well-composed. But the GTI handles in a manner that’s far less thrilling than the next-best Civic or GR Corolla. And for as quick-shifting as that automatic is, it’s still no manual.

The interior looks pretty, but it leaves plenty to be desired in the ergonomics department. Even though VW added more hard buttons back onto the steering wheel following customer complaints, there are still no hard buttons for things like the volume and climate controls in the center console. Instead, you’re left swiping at a less-than-useful slider at the base of the touchscreen. It’s annoying.

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Verdict

At $33,670 with destination included, the GTI is still a screaming deal—undercutting alternatives like the Elantra N and WRX by a few thousand dollars each. If you want a better audio system and a sunroof, the SE starts at $38,645. If you want the fanciest features—19-inch wheels, a head-up display, adaptive dampers, leather seats with ventilation, etc—the fully loaded Autobahn model costs $42,105.

At face value, the GTI is still a great choice; it’s a solid, fun, and relatively affordable hot hatchback (assuming you don’t dig too deep into the options). But in an era with so many competitors—and good competitors—the GTI doesn’t do enough to stand out.

Competitors

Honda Civic Si
Honda Civic Type R
Hyundai Elantra N
Subaru WRX
Toyota GR Corolla

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