2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI - As one of the defining hot hatchbacks, the VW Golf GTI has combined the same desirable attributes for decades: sharp handling, an eager powertrain, and surprising practicality. The newest model, due for the 2025 model year, surely won’t diverge from that formula, but it does introduce some new technology while losing the option of a manual transmission. We’re disappointed that VW is getting rid of the stick-shift, although the updated GTI will likely remain an engaging car to drive even without a clutch pedal. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four will continue to provide plenty of power in the front-wheel-drive GTI, although there’s also an even more extreme all-wheel-drive Golf R, reviewed separately, if you desire an even hotter hatch. On top of all that, the GTI’s four-door body offers plenty of room for rear-seat passengers and cargo, making this one of the most well-rounded vehicles on the market.
VW has shown an updated 2025 GTI that has many new tech features, including a larger touchscreen, an enhanced voice assistant, and revised infotainment software. It also has new steering-wheel controls that do away with the annoying touch-sensitive buttons from before, which is a welcome upgrade. Revised headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs are also on the menu. Best of all, the turbo four-cylinder engine gains a bit of power compared with before. Unfortunately, if you want a manual-transmission GTI, you’d better act fast, because the 2025 edition won’t offer a stick shift. The 2024 GTI 380 edition represents your last chance to shift your own gears.
The price of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $42,000 depending on the trim and options.
A larger infotainment screen will be offered in the updated GTI, and it measures 12.9 inches. That’s a useful size increase over the old model’s 10.0-inch screen, and VW also promises better functionality from its upgraded MIB4 software. An enhanced voice assistant promises to recognize more commands.
