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5.0

2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Starts at:
$28,595
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2.0T S Manual 2.0T S DSG 2.0T SE Manual 2.0T SE DSG 2.0T Autobahn Manual 2.0T Autobahn DSG Shop options
New 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Choose trim
Compare trims
2.0T S Manual 2.0T S DSG 2.0T SE Manual 2.0T SE DSG 2.0T Autobahn Manual 2.0T Autobahn DSG Shop options
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Key specifications

Highlights
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
24 City / 32 Hwy
MPG
228 hp
Horsepower
5
Seating Capacity
Engine
258 @ 1500
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
228 @ 4700
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/121
Displacement
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
Suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear
Strut
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
N/A
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
13 gal
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
Safety
Standard
Backup Camera
Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Blind Spot Monitor
Entertainment
Standard
Bluetooth®
Electrical
140
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
480
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Notable features

Four-door compact hatchback
Turbo four-cylinder engine standard
Manual or automatic transmission
Automatic emergency braking standard
Performance-oriented GTI version available

Engine

258 @ 1500 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
228 @ 4700 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/121 Displacement
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 Engine Type

Suspension

Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
Strut Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
13 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
3,062 lbs Base Curb Weight

Safety

Standard Backup Camera
Standard Automatic Emergency Braking
Standard Stability Control
Standard Blind Spot Monitor

Entertainment

Standard Bluetooth®

Electrical

140 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
480 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

N/A Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Engine refinement
Cabin materials
Versatility

The bad

Steering feedback (GTI)
Clutch feel (manual transmission)

Expert 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf is a four-door, five-seat compact hatchback that’s powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an eight-speed automatic is available. A performance-oriented GTI version gets a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra GT, Toyota Corolla hatchback and Mazda3

What’s New on the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

The Golf lineup has been streamlined and now consists of a single TSI trim level that includes keyless access with push-button start, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The Golf and GTI also get an updated version of Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system and a Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required). Meanwhile, the GTI now has standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. 

What Features in the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Are Most Important?

The Golf offers a rare combination of practicality and fun-to-drive sportiness that makes it stand out from the crowd. It has important active safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking and useful technology like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

Volkswagen stumbled badly with its diesel emissions scandal, but it’s showing a renewed focus on catering to American tastes while retaining some of its German heritage. That said, the Golf line lacks the styling appeal of some competitors. However, driving one and experiencing its refinement and versatility might be enough to sway some compact SUV-minded shoppers.

2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf is a four-door, five-seat compact hatchback that’s powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and an eight-speed automatic is available. A performance-oriented GTI version gets a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Competitors include the Hyundai Elantra GT, Toyota Corolla hatchback and Mazda3

What’s New on the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

The Golf lineup has been streamlined and now consists of a single TSI trim level that includes keyless access with push-button start, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic moonroof and 16-inch aluminum wheels. The Golf and GTI also get an updated version of Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system and a Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required). Meanwhile, the GTI now has standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. 

What Features in the 2020 Volkswagen Golf Are Most Important?

The Golf offers a rare combination of practicality and fun-to-drive sportiness that makes it stand out from the crowd. It has important active safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking and useful technology like standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

Volkswagen stumbled badly with its diesel emissions scandal, but it’s showing a renewed focus on catering to American tastes while retaining some of its German heritage. That said, the Golf line lacks the styling appeal of some competitors. However, driving one and experiencing its refinement and versatility might be enough to sway some compact SUV-minded shoppers.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 20,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

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Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

Theres a reason it is called THE Hot Hatch.

Look, if you dont know about the virtues of the GTI, you really need to go drive one. This is the total package, a great combination of speed, handling and practicality. This is the mature, grown up way to inject enthusiasm into your daily commute, while still being able to show up at your In-laws place and look respectable. They'll never know that you can blow the doors off a lot of boy racers on the way there. Bottom line: If youre looking for a car that will make runs to Costco and then put a smile on your face on the back roads home, this is your best bet.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Great commuter car

Fun fun fun to drive!! Handlesany task I need and gets great gas mileage while still putting a smile on your face when you mash the petal. Interior feels like quality and is quiet to boot.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI is available in 3 trim levels:

  • Autobahn (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI?

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI reliable?

The 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI owners.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
  • Comfort: 5.0
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 5.0

Volkswagen Golf GTI history

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