A pint-sized rocketship | 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

The 2022 Volkswagen GTI enjoys more power and better handling in its Mk8 redesign.
Shop for the Volkswagen GTI on CarGurus: cargur.us/M32X_
The VW Golf GTI has long been the de facto choice among hot hatch enthusiasts. For the eighth-generation, the GTI gains more horsepower and torque, but it also gets a lot more tech. We took an SE trim GTI up into the mountains of North Carolina to see if it's still one of the best cars on the road.
For more information on the new GTI, read our full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/M32W_
Presenter: Matt Smith
Cinematography: Elliot Haney
Written review: Matt Smith
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0:00 the 2022 GTI
1:12 Powertrain and Driving Dynamics
2:10 Fuel Economy
5:04 The Driver's Cockpit
6:53 Exterior Overview
8:43 Technology
10:34 Pricing and the Competition
11:33 Final Thoughts
#Volkswagen #GTI #HotHatch

[@tomfoolery1967]

Which would I take home? Well I bought a 2022 GTI Autobahn the same day I test drove it. What a sweet car.

[@aamirmoinuddin9904]

GTI is still the HOT HATCH, no competition.

[@lucatrinchera6458]

Dopo anni la serie 8 e una vera GTI

[@ianmcculloch6839]

The GTI is still number 1 in my books.

[@NGMonocrom]

And, good news for those who like to save money. These are already available on the used market. Often with just a few thousand miles on them. No, no issues (except for the typical ones VWs are known for, even when new). Yes, it's the info.-tainment system. Owners couldn't get used to the whole no-button layout, and are selling them! Neighbor of mine picked up a sweet SE trim with barely 3K miles on her.

[@JEdmund81]

Love my '19 SE GTI manual and can see myself getting a Mk8 in 3-4 years. Hopefully a mid-cycle refresh will improve the front a bit and also fix the interior tech mistakes.

[@gusss3667]

I ordered one in black, can't wait for it to arrive!

[@caffeineisking8132]

I got a white one on order .. you will have kids and lose your hair before it arrives I've been waiting since March and still absolutely no sign of it

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@caffeineisking8132 Can you say "chip shortage"? I knew you could.

[@strker99]

@@caffeineisking8132 I ordered one on Saturday but I told my sales rep I'm pretty flexible on the color, he called me this morning someone canceled a Performance (Autobahn) model and it will be in next week in black pearl. The only catch is it has the plaid seats. I'm not a fan of the plaid seats and I'll lose the cooled and seat memory function. Couldn't believe i could of had one next week.

[@caffeineisking8132]

@@strker99 The longer it takes the better at the moment with the insane amount of software issues I'm hoping mines gonna come with all the new updates and fault free 😬

[@bvedant]

@@strker99 are you in Canada? Nice that you get the option to keep Tartan with the Autobahn, for us in the US leather comes standard with the trim.

[@TheDonta99]

GTI all the way.. I've always thought of it as been more premium to the other competitors or upscale as you put it. 😋👌🏽

[@Stainlessautos]

Just drove one of these for the first time Monday. They are so much faster than prior generations. Even felt faster than my tuned focus st.

[@mrjjthor]

Love the GTi. Hopefully I'll get another one after this chip shortage ends and their inventory goes back up. Not gonna pay above MSRP for any cars.

[@piercetonmazell9402]

Gti all day, more power more class

[@Mav86asian]

This thing makes at least 260bhp at the crank

[@tetchuma]

Since the 2022 will only be available with an electronic parking brake… my Mk7.5 will be my last GTI. Volkswagen changed the legendary recipe, but with my experience with having to deal with electronic parking brake issues (with my husbands car) I would never consider burdening myself with the idiotic complications caused by the removal of a mechanical solution that all drivers have had for over 120 years.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

Efficiency and weight safety . That’s why they did it, I kid you not the epa requires all new cars designed after 2019 to have an electronic parking break if they have an automatic gearbox. Don’t blame the auto makers this time

[@foodNtravel87]

GTI for sure! They age just like a fine wine! Yet CG is the next KBB or better since my friends and I found and bought vehicles thanks to CG!

[@Itsdjsigi]

With all the new tech, I can't imagine it being as reliable as previous generations

[@victoraddison6190]

I wanted to buy the new Golf R, but I decided to purchase a 2022 Mini Cooper S Clubman. I like the interior better and appreciate you still have a knob to control radio volume.

[@geronimooo260]

Choosing a car for a knob, funny !

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

@@geronimooo260 User interface and enjoying the ride is important.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Understandable. No idea what the interior of the Mini is like. All I know is this current Golf sucks in that department. I've used cars with out physical controls and I'll never spend money to get one.

[@emiliodaloisio3312]

In the process of ordering (once the order system opens again due to wiring harness plant in Ukraine) Moonstone grey 6-speed manual autobahn w19" Adelaide wheels/roof/audio package here in Canada...might see it 10-12 months:(

[@brianjburrows8967]

GTI for the win! Will be picking up my 2022 GTI autobahn 6MT this month. Coming from a 2015 S model with DSG.

[@user-he7sc3fg3r]

How. U already order it. U in usa?

[@vikyatka660]

How come? They will start to be available for US in December :))

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Why’d you switch to the manual? Did you get it under MSRP? I’m getting a Golf R

[@gustavopaulette3496]

Yo

[@brianjburrows8967]

@@gustavopaulette3496 I have been wanting another manual for a while now. Ready for a change.

[@tonycoz2309]

Digital temp controls are a backward step. Knobs and dials are more tactile and safer. Change for changes sake.

[@c5jp904]

Actually, it’s probably just cheaper to produce these days.

[@jmahizzle]

That front end reminds me of a Toyota CH-R or last gen Rav4....that's not a positive

[@tetchuma]

Imagine if your lifelong favorite Peppermint and Spearmint toothpaste, suddenly announced that they were changing its flavor to Mustard and Cranberry sauce… That’s how I feel about the Mk8 GTI. Piano black trim? (Which no one has ever liked) Capacitive buttons on the steering wheel? No convenience buttons on the dash? And the ultimate dealbreaker… An electronic parking brake??? Seriously?!?!?! Did VW put the failed VW Phaeton design division in charge of completely changing the recipe?!?! We’re they secretly TRYING to kill off the GTI with this “upgrade”? (wink, wink)

[@padistedor457]

I have a 2018 GTI Autobahn. Would never give it up for the MK8. VW removing the hand brake and physical controls was a huge mistake. Don't care about the slight bump in HP.

[@tripsbacks]

Im with you man. I have 2018 SE and I think the mark 8 looks less sporty and plain. I'll just tune it when I pay it off for a boost in power.

[@bvedant]

You pulling handbrake turns or something in your vehicle? Why do you even need a mechanical handbrake

[@padistedor457]

Yes, if you like to spin around in the snow, a hand brake is a must. With the MK8, VW lost touch with what GTI buyers want.

[@opencarry3860]

I'll stick with my VW GOLF MK7 2 door that is running an APR Stage 1 tune, which has the same power output as the new GTI. It cost less, has physical interior controls, an actual e-brake, and it weighs less.

[@Buxtonphil]

this was a great review. subscribe.

[@user_uif_ghg_wer_das]

GTI for any given day.

[@swanblake]

Interior is a disaster. Definitely a step backwards from the Mk7. Lower quality, modest power gain, and awful touch capacitive controls for everything. I'd get a MK 7.5 GTI before prices creep any higher.

[@ismaeljrp1]

The materials are technically the same. It's just the layout of it that makes it seem a little too streamlined and cheaper looking.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

That’s exactly what I have. A black 2018 GTI I got new three years ago and now I’m getting more for it than what it cost me three years ago. Excited for this new 2022 GTI

[@jamesconnolly3042]

This or a MAZDA 3 Turbo hatchback 🤔

[@thomasianni4934]

I’m asking myself that same question lol. The Mazda has AWD and a more luxurious interior, but the GTI has better performance and more backseat/trunk space. Such a tough decision!

[@drumflip1253]

Veloster N I own one and if you want performance go Veloster N.

[@jamesconnolly3042]

@@drumflip1253 I’m in my 50’s. I’m still cool, but I’m not Veloster N cool 😂

[@katiecannon8186]

@@jamesconnolly3042 Which did you choose? I just got a GTI. My sone got the Mazda 3. They’re both really nice. But I really adore my GTI.

[@masterslimes]

I used to have a GTI - first generation ( 2007 ) ..totally unreliable car. I drove it gently and it rewarded me with a blown head gasket, then later a blown turbo. And of course constant check engine lights. I loved the car, but could not afford to keep it on the road. I switched over to a Subaru STI, and this car is much more reliable. Do you guys think the newer GTIs are more reliable ? My STI gets TERRIBLE mileage, so I am looking into something fun to drive, but decent on gas....

[@GTIclubdport9462]

That 2007 generation of GTI is unreliable but from 2015 up to 2022 is very reliable car..i had 2019 gti i dnt have any single problem i tuned with stage 2 tune..but i dnt have any single problem ..i just traded in to 2022 gti mk8 im loving this car very strong solid under body and the that new turbo is powerful..💪💪

[@mattdesocio2371]

Why no mention of the Mazda3 Turbo as a competitor when it’s a hatch, but instead a WRX sedan? Completely different practicality from hatch to sedan in my opinion.

[@hitmanhart6275]

Yeah its a hatch , but not sporty at all.

[@mattdesocio2371]

@@hitmanhart6275 Are we really going to act like a GTI is significantly sportier? Veloster N yes, but the GTI is in the same punchy commute mold as the Mazda3. I’ll admit the Mazda3 isn’t some raw smiles per mile vehicle but it is the closest hatch competitor in the American market right now and seems to get overlooked often in the same price category.

[@hitmanhart6275]

@@mattdesocio2371 We disagree, its ok. But dont get me wrong , the 3 Turbo is a great car for what it is. But man... they left so much on the table.... and btw Mazda doesn't really want to compare their car with a hot hatch.

[@mattdesocio2371]

@@hitmanhart6275 All completely fair. I Turo’d a Golf R on my trip to the California mountains this past summer that was lightly modified and there’s no question it had sportier intentions than the Mazda3 Turbo, but it honestly wasn’t significant enough to say that it was clearly the better enthusiast choice. I encourage you to watch the Everyday Driver episode on youtube where they compare the Golf R to the Mazda3 Turbo. The fact that those cars are even in the same enthusiast discussion is why I feel that the Mazda3 and GTI deserve to to compared/cross shopped.

[@hitmanhart6275]

@@mattdesocio2371 And they are... In fact , i open-mindly test drive it last week. But without hesitation i keep my deposit on the GTI. I live in a mountainous snowy region, the AWD would have been great and the reliability of Mazda is better. But man this car was ''soft & gentle'' 😀

[@lukewalker1051]

Nice review. My comment: The capacitance control infotainment display in this car is a SHOW STOPPER. It will alienate a good percentage of performance car shoppers from buying this car. So what is the take on this? The take is...I am an automotive engineer...is, a car company can be both incredibly talented and incredibly stupid at the same time. All that work to release this wonderful car only to ruin it because the infotainment system is the core of controlling the car's functionality. A huge disappointment VW took this direction but please consider how awful VW reliability shared by other German brand automobiles has been. A car is an aggregate of decisions all said. A great car I could never stand to own.

[@bvedant]

Since they started to create vehicles on the MQB platform VW and Audis have actually been quite reliable.

[@jerkfacestudios3921]

This seems to be the predominant take on this car from most auto journalists and it’s such a gross exaggeration, it’s frankly embarrassing. I was a skeptic too, but having lived with the car for almost a month, I can confidently say that the infotainment and capacitive buttons on the steering wheel have zero negative impact on the driving experience. In fact, I don’t think I’d want to go back to the old mess of buttons and knobs if I could. MAYBE just for the HVAC controls, but it’s far from a show-stopper. Everything you need on a regular basis is no more than 1 tap away, and the steering wheel controls are especially excellent and intuitive. The problem is that there’s a slight learning curve and people would rather bitch and complain than learn a new thing.

[@carking1043]

good review!

[@LeftenantMalachi]

This or the 2022 Elantra N? Can't decide.

[@katiecannon8186]

GTI. I’m 60 & it’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned, which has included BMWs and Mercedes. It’s fun, comfortable, a great size & the hatch is like having all this plus a “cross over” convenience. And the base trim is really all most people need. Though, if I drive a lot more than I actually do, I’d have paid the extra for the SE mostly for the keyless entry & built in navigation.

[@user-hh4hc2lt6e]

It’s a no from me. Looks like a Toyota from the front lol. Honda had the best hatch with the fk8 type r but now they came up with the atrocity they call the new 2022 civic… just looks like an accord now. As for vw, the Previous golf is the best looking version imo.

[@MrNickyjq]

Hey great review, but I wish you guys would also include the the maintenance on these vehicles how much is an oil change how much is a tune-up that all makes a big difference when you're buying a car so please next time you do a review add that in thank you Nicky Q from Brooklyn New York

[@th3m1ke]

Sounds great but I really dislike the front end - too round and unaggressive. Reminds me of how I loved the MK5, hated the MK6, and now love the MK7.

[@haze1123]

I love GTIs. But not this one. The front-end looks droopy-eyed and sad. And all of the user interface tech on the interior is a disaster. Anytime a manufacturer ditches the volume knob, you know they are making big mistakes. All this flat black, haptic touch gear needs to go.

[@tetchuma]

The Electronic Parking Brake is a dealbreaker for me. I’ve used one, and as a manual shifter, I’d NEVER own one!!!

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@tetchuma I have a manual CC in addition to my MK7.5 GTI and while I prefer the mechanical parking brake in the latter, trust me. You can adjust.

[@geronimooo260]

I bet you liked blackberry

[@haze1123]

@@geronimooo260 I like adjusting the volume and temp without taking my eyes off the road. But yeah, the BB keyboard was good. lol

[@jarheadjake503]

Nice. SEMPER FIDELIS

[@maveric0738]

Please stop with the SUV’s!!!

[@oliver5403]

Veloster N and Elantra N are like 32k. I would probably buy one of those instead. And I am a GTI guy I have had 2 MK1s, a MK4, and a MK5.

[@GTIclubdport9462]

Veloster n and elantra n has too many recalls

[@katiecannon8186]

Nowhere near the same comfort & near premium feel. GTI S trim is also cheaper. Plus Hyundai has been having tons of recalls & the dealerships tend to be huge and horrible to deal with.

[@naughtysauce4323]

I'll wait for whatever gen brings all the buttons back.

[@paulitik7]

I feel like the infotainment system and controls being all touch screen and lack of physical knobs would cause me to wreck.

[@katiecannon8186]

There’s lots of short cuts. It’s really very easy to use. And while reviewers are sliding their fingers to change things like temp, all you really have to do is put your finger where you want it. No sliding necessary.

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

I'm glad I got my '21 GLI. No haptic crap.

[@bvedant]

Not a fan of the exterior design personally

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

@@bvedant I like the MK4, MK6 and MK7. Although the first two I certainly rate higher. Beats the MK5 hands down. The MK8s are okay but I really don't like the interior changes where the driver interfaces with the vehicle.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Thankfully, across the pond we have so much choice. Civic, Hyundai, ford, BMW 1er, mercedes A, other VW group cars with equally stupid interiors. Choice is a wonderful thing. I'd pick a Ford, cos I enjoy the way they drive, HVAC and volume controls.

[@bvedant]

Latest Ford compact cars are far from the prettiest though.

[@bvedant]

What happened to those Vauxhall and French hot hatches they’d review on Top Gear back in the day? Fallen out of relevance?

[@pigeonpoo1823]

The fiesta ST killed the competition, so everyone vacated the sales space. And in the class above, vauxhall nearly went bankrupt, and the French (Mégane rs excluded) just gave up

[@jbshp2011]

Why would anybody get this fucked up mk8 gti i mean buttons and no freakin knobs..forget about it..i rather have the mk7 gti..bye!

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Too bad the interior sucks. I'll stick with my 7.5

[@Clodrock]

Such crappy ergonomics.

[@limpunsing224]

Tiring Golf look

[@marktepper3440]

Unreliable Junk

[@stephenhendricks103]

Do you need sunglasses when you crawl out from under that rock?

[@baronvonjo1929]

Totally