Is the 2023 VW Golf R a BETTER hot hatch than a Toyota GR Corolla?

This Golf R is in its 8th generation and VW brought it back for more in 2023. On the outside you will see a familiar shape with special touches. There are 19in wheels, unique rear wing and new "R" badge. On the inside there is leather interior, large infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. Under the hood there is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 315HP & is mated to a 6-peed manual and AWD. Is the 2023 VW Golf R a BETTER hot hatch than a Toyota GR Corolla?
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Videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@AustinZimmermann-f7b]

I don't care what car you're reviewing, I just love the off the cuff comments in all your content! Very entertaining. Plus, you do a great job of high lighting what the car does well and what the joys of ownership would be. There are too many channels that spend 20 minutes talking about what's wrong with a car and its off putting. Keep it up!

[@AntFragale]

I have a Mk8 R and I just wanted to point out some corrections. I’ll edit as I keep watching the video. 1). All of the cars don’t have engine covers. This isn’t just your press car. There’s a recall about them coming in contact with hot parts and melting or something. I think they came loose and moved around was the issue. Regardless, they haven’t been on cars in a while. So any new purchasers, don’t expect one. 2) The 0-60 for the manual isn’t 4s. For the DSG it is but the manual is a tad slower. The 1/4 mile time of low 13’s is accurate for manual though. (DSG is like 12.5). **tuned DSG (stage 1) is like 11.4ish for those wondering** 3). Everyone I know who has a radar detector taps them in the mirror :P. Not a “correction” but I’m just saying. 4). To be fair, you *clearly* moved and tried to turn the heated wheel on. It was clear as day lol. I’ve driven my car now for over a year and never once came close to hitting it accidentally. They’re haptic buttons, not just touch sensitive. You have to “press” them still. For those watching, it’s not nearly as easy as people make it seem. The system is intuitive and really is hassle free when you own it for a day or so. 5). Big one here, there IS a heads up display (HUD). I don’t know why he said there isn’t, maybe his car has it turned off. But it shows your speed, speed limit, traffic alerts with the lane and cruise info, navigation directions, etc. It’s fully adjustable and moveable in the settings. 6). The DSG has launch control :)

[@peptors6686]

Excellent points! I own a 2023 20th Anniversary for four months now and not a single issue with the steering wheel button being inadvertently activated.

[@billymays7210]

*C&D got 3.9 for DSG and 4.9 for manual...

[@mattmekhaeil]

It’s awesome how both hot hatches you’re comparing both have a 6 speed manual. That’s the way they should be bought

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right mAtt

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

Why?

[@mattmekhaeil]

@@AmericanBusinessman422 they’re a lot more enjoyable and fun to drive with a manual

[@tomb9658]

I agree with the 6 speed manual. fun to drive

[@scrutch666]

If you like transmissions that feel like a toy. im a spoiled s2k owner. I think i will buy the golf r as my daily as dsg and my s2k will go back to be the weekend car

[@br3wsan]

I've got a 2023 Golf R (manual). I love how enthusiastic he is in this review. One thing I noticed, it does have a heads up display (HUD). Sounds like it might have been turned off.

[@FragGile]

I had no idea they did a Golf R in manual still, repsect.

[@br3wsan]

@@FragGile Yeah, for the MK8 the manuals were North American exclusive.

[@tannerhawes6890]

My dad has this car and let me drive it. The HUD is impossible to see with some polarized glasses.

[@syiunshi]

@@FragGile 2024 is the last year with the manual

[@johnborsil5396]

Had a dip on the GR. I switched to the R. I need it to not only rip, I need it to haul my every day tasks without looking like a midlife crisis. I do like the way the GR looks, but ultimately, I like clean lines & more sophisticated looks.

[@Mav86asian]

The short answer is: YES, of course. That thing is ballistic. Standard ones eat sportscars for lunch. APR tuned version can beat supercars.

[@theredsalmon612]

Got damn

[@eklektikTechno]

I own a 2018 Golf R completely stock and it’s always calling me to come drive it! 😁 very addictive car to own. They are definitely driver’s machines

[@porterreeve1823]

Just picked up a GTI because I could get it for MSRP. If it wasn’t for markups, the Golf R would be tempting. However, I have already fallen in love with my GTI. Such a fun car. And yes- manual is the way to go.

[@peptors6686]

I recently purchased a 2023 20th Anniversary R in manual and in addition to the power, the ride is phenomenal. I also love the fact that it is a sleeper car.

[@DM72513]

You’re lucky! I just picked up a 23 Jetta Sport 6-speed because all the GTI’s near me were marked up and I really wanted a 40th Anniversary Edition. They wanted $3-5k over for them which was just ridiculous.

[@porterreeve1823]

@@DM72513 that is crazy. A couple dealers in my area were actually doing 3-4 k off the autobahn trim and I saw a discounted 40th edition. I wasn’t planning on buying but when I saw the spec I wanted in the exact color for MSRP, I had to go check it out.

[@jimsimpson546]

2018 GTI Autobahn love it. R's are often traded in @ 3 years

[@porterreeve1823]

@@jimsimpson546 usually due to warranty expiration or any reason why?

[@Topazviper1]

This was my dream car, but dealerships are so greedy the last 2 years they mark up this car 10k literally everywhere I looked across the country. So I got an Audi S3 instead for MSRP no mark up. I do wish Audi would have brought the S3 hatch to the states, but I'm happy with the sedan for now.

[@josephparker9726]

Good choice Audi s3 way hotter

[@porfiriato84]

Even without markup for the S3, you didn't really save much vs the golf R.

[@josephparker9726]

@@porfiriato84 you can find new s3 as low as 49 k at dealers lots , but golf r basically same price so I agree

[@Topazviper1]

@hwoo562 51k vs 55k and Audi has much nicer interior and actually has buttons and its an Audi. Only zonk is no ventilated seats

[@josephparker9726]

@@Topazviper1 way nicer interior and exterior lol

[@cardo1111]

A sweet ride and as always an excellent review. Congrats again on over 1,000,000 subs 👍🏽

[@willieboy7264]

Golf R. Had a 2012 GTI and it still is the winner as my favorite car of the cars ive owned. The level of fun is just so high in the GTI/Golf R. For a mid 30 year old, this Golf R just seems more mature and subtle than the Corolla. Hands down Golf R or even a GTI.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing the great ownership experience

[@ryeguyseattle]

Also owned a 2012 GTI that I bought new. So many issues with it. Turbo going out at 60,000 miles, regulator in a rear window went out, water got in the cabin every time it rained. Just so many issues for something I took very good care of. Great car for the first 4ish years of ownership. A constant headache for the next four years. But was definitely fun to drive when new.

[@willieboy7264]

3 years 92k miles not one issue. Got totaled when I was rear-ended by a kid on his phone.

[@haze1123]

Nothing beats a volume knob and physical HVAC controls. Bring back the basics, VW.

[@porfiriato84]

Y'all overreact every time with that.

[@ryanb8736]

@@porfiriato84VW was always about ergonomics and easy operation. No looking and know where everything is with ease. Only physical buttons allow that. VW even admits they made a mistake on this model. Next model, they will go back to physical buttons. Also haptic feedback buttons are a bad trend in a vehicle. Ferrari did it and nothing but issues too. More complaints.

[@bean420man]

It’s been rumored that VW is bringing back physical buttons and knobs next year.

[@ZekeBriarcliff]

The lack of buttons is a real irk for me. It makes no sense to have to access a computer in order to heat my seat. Plus, I need real control over the volume. I can't fumble for that when hitting a bit of twisty road. I call that unsafe at any speed...

[@RaitisRides]

Excellent points for sure!

[@watchreport]

The problem is how they integrated it. I have all my climate controls in a screen but it’s a massive screen in my ford edge and all the climate stuff is always at the bottom of the screen, no matter what menu you go into and while their was an adjustment, the way it’s set up makes it easy to get used to. The way they did it in this golf is just sloppy.

[@anthonyfarias998]

I think a lot of the negatives were blown out of proportion. It took me a day and a half to get used to not having buttons. I actually love it. There are 4 buttons below the screen that get you directly to the drive mode screen, air conditioning options, park assist. Very easy to use and it actually works really well. HK sound is fantastic once you set the equalizer as they are set neutral from factory. Love the look of the GR Corolla as well but the R just looks more adult. Sleeper. I actually prefer that over the flashy Corolla or type R.

[@silimarina.]

you can also get used to being locked in a prison, but that doesn't mean it's great. Having buttons, especially for the climate is the best. VW's approach is really stupid

[@katiecannon8186]

@@silimarina. I actually love the interface. Especially love the capacitive buttons on the steering wheel.

[@Cobra_460]

Joe those left to right transitions and you laughing made me smile from ear to ear!!! And awesome job Steven

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad you could take the ride with me!

[@Android.Paranormal]

I prefer the Golf R for the following reasons... - Larger so it's more practical - 1 extra cylinder for more potential power with upgrades - More comfortable ride in comfort mode with adaptive dampers - Also even though I enjoy manual, I do enjoy a dual clutch too. For a enthusiast with back issues like me this is HIGHLY appreciated!

[@talonfast25]

I agree

[@dobermanguy9437]

Toyotas are 100% more reliable than vw's Volkswagens in my opinion are not very good vehicles always something going wrong with them

[@Android.Paranormal]

@@dobermanguy9437 6 years & 61k miles on my GTI and not a single issue so far. Toyota may be a little more reliable, but VW is not unreliable from my experience. If you aren’t keeping the vehicle beyond 100k miles its a non-issue.

[@luisjose79]

@@dobermanguy9437nope they are not

[@luisjose79]

@@dobermanguy9437vw are reliable too

[@EvendimataE]

i prefer the body style of the golf way more.....but i trust more the reliability of corolla

[@khronin]

I get cars by value and performance--I bought a Kona N out of all these cars because of the markups of the Golf--Civic and corolla--all were 10 to 15k more then a Kona and the wet dct clutch on the Kona gets it off the line very fast.BTW at the price thy are asking you can get an AWD Stinger with a 3.3 TT v6 which i had for a year and it is faster then these cars and I have had zero problems with hyundai products and dragged all of them at public drag a few times.Price for price i would get the Golf R--because after 100 mph the corolla 1.6 runs out of steam compared to a 2 litre turbo.

[@AmericanBusinessman422]

If you think Toyota is reliable then you have been brainwashed by the marketing.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one

[@ShanerHulk]

That EAAA motor is extremely reliable, in all kinds of VW Audi cars

[@gabrieldetwiler7078]

New Toyotas are just like any other brand in reliability at this point. Plus coming from someone with a 2019 GLI and had a 2017 Alltrack, the EA888 Gen 3 and 4 motors are VERY reliable

[@yourmanzach2307]

hey Raiti, congrats on 1 million subscribers! I've been your follower since way way back. definitely way before 100k followers. You're the best bro!

[@mohamedk2303]

Jose Canseco bobble head doll with a syringe and a bag comment was an absolute classic. Love the content.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the laughs

[@TheoWashington-w5f]

Joe you are so good at giving your truth on the reviews. Im only watch you for my next vehicle. You and the Team keep up the great work.

[@DavidGarcia-ov3fb]

Have driven both and the GR clutch/shifter/ driving feel is so much better. Great feedback from the clutch, crisp (but long ) shifter throws, you do get more technology with the R tho. Both easily dailyable but the GR takes it for me. Also the fact the R doesnt have autorev-downshifting is wild at the price point its at, considering the GR does get it.

[@jesurunblends]

so The vVW has a true manual shift?

[@pmscalisi]

The less technology would be more appealing for me

[@toledotoledo7297]

@@pmscalisi well auto rev match is technology

[@pmscalisi]

@@toledotoledo7297 I think drivetrain tech is a positive thing. I’m no fan of all the other bells and whistles

[@jimm2434]

I have to be honest here. You had the best time of your life driving this Golf R. Kinda wish you would’ve spent more time behind the wheel. Your camera man who spotted the Golf in the Taillights excellent details. I love the beautiful views you captured while on the course. I also admired the end shot as well. I definitely love the Golf R but the price of $48K is outrageous.

[@RaitisRides]

I am just glad that I could share it with you!

[@patrick0uch]

I was just thinking about the golf R as a GR corolla alternative yesterday (because apparently the wait is over 2 years for a GR corolla in my part of Canada) and this video comes up. perfect timing

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow that’s crazy! I’m glad that I could bring it to you!

[@Anamnesis]

"That soft felt lining will make sure you don't scratch your french fries." SOLD! 😆

[@Nvaus1]

The man's a poet.

[@donjohnson2428]

Joe, you are such a vital presence for the car enthusiast community. You consistently deliver and bring the people what they want. I was grinning ear to ear and laughing along with you as you were tearing through those twisty bits. Thank you for everything you do! P.S. I think I would take the Golf R over the GR Corolla every day of the week and twice on Sundays!

[@melprophet1936]

Great review as always! I love my 2017 Golf R. It's the most fun to drive car I've ever owned...I wonder if there's any chance VW will listen to the negative feedback they've been getting and go back to buttons and knobs?

[@ericcarson342]

Love my my 2018 7.5 R Lapiz blue. I wish it came with the xenon and most importantly the Pretoria wheels but still a great car.

[@donjohnson2428]

I doubt it. Changing back would be an admission of defeat. I think they will keep them as long as people keeping buying new GTIs/Rs. And dealer markups indicate they’re not having any problems moving units.

[@melprophet1936]

@@ericcarson342 I love the Lapiz Blue....couldn't get it when I bought my R. I got the Limestone Gray. It is a great car. The Pretorias look amazing, but I took mine off. I lived in NYC metro area at the time and the roads were terrible. So many flats and blow outs with those things I swapped down to 18" BBS wheels.

[@alexpun7011]

At least they'll change back to buttons on the steering wheel. Not sure if they'll do the same on the infotainment

[@peptors6686]

I have had my R for four months now and although I anticipated issues with the info center, as most reviewers have brought up, I have not had a problem. I also have yet to accidentally activate the steering wheel heat button even once.

[@robertwong103]

I love that you gave tribute to the VW R32

[@MK7Justin]

Hey Joe, they actually don't come with an engine cover from the factory anymore. They were catching fire and haven't came out with a replacement.

[@adamfehr1994]

I just had one delivered with the cover on it

[@itsvictorrivera]

I’ll take this over the GR any day of the year.

[@sunburn8640]

Yes, the answer is YES! It’s much more handsome snd the interior feels more in line with the asking price. The Corolla is fun, but the interior is straight rent-A- Car

[@ADAYWITHTOOTS]

Wanted one of these so bad lol. All dealers around me had it marked up to 60k. Ended up buying a new Stinger GT2 instead.

[@geldingmakr]

Same I had to fly to the mid-west to get a deal and drive it 1,200 miles home 😅

[@onurgns]

Golf is a legend . Don’t compare it with Corollas 😀😀

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

No hot hatch will ever beat Golf R 🔥

[@silimarina.]

except there are planty of hot hatches that beat Golf R on a track

[@lupavo1738]

Lmao, CTR says hello, which is the "hot hatch" king.

[@johnclark7973]

Just gotta say your video intro is perfect: great (compelling) music, graphics, and perfect short length! The intro really sets an exciting stage. 👌

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so awesome of you to say John

[@johnclark7973]

@@RaitisRides Likewise, Joe!! 🙏

[@marvinmurakami8828]

I would take this over a GR Corolla only if its reliability is excellent. This car is much better looking with its clean purposeful styling.

[@nikomoin7604]

The golf 8 looks awful all around

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

VW reliable? hmm

[@paulb2769]

I would go with Toyota quality and reliability !!!

[@DENTSHAVEMENTALILLNES]

Toyotas are extremely basic and boring. This car is exciting and the DSG gearbox is unbelievable.. really feels like something out of a 100k sports car. Toyotas don’t feel like that. If you are a true enthusiast you would go for the golf R. Just test drive them and see.

[@nightreapers3425]

@@nikomoin7604 Grc butt hurt

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

Hey Joe! Unexpected Car review. I just wanna say that I love your content!

[@RaitisRides]

You are the best!

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

@@RaitisRides Thank you!

[@henryi9738]

I got a 2015 MK 7 Golf R and freakin' love it ! 😁👍

[@Hiddentrax]

This is what the integer Type S should be priced at!!

[@RaitisRides]

What would you price the Type R then?

[@Hiddentrax]

@@RaitisRides 42k for Type R. 45k for Type S, even 47k for Type S isn't bad. 52k is just absurd I'm sorry

[@CRatcliffe]

Except you struggle to find a golf r at msrp for the mk8

[@michaelbergschneider2446]

Agree. Love the Teggy Type S. $52 is too much money for it.

[@hhhydeee]

@@Hiddentrax fact is you can’t buy type r with less than 50k😂

[@breakandrun70]

Hey Joe, Great review on the Volkswagen R, You said it had a air cooled engine, no liquid cooled, did you miss the radiator? I will forgive you for that, but do not let it happen again! If you want some crackles and pops, just put a stage 1 tune on it. If you want a beast, put a stage 2 on it. Thanks for the review.

[@Sp99226]

If someone can’t love themselves then they can’t love somebody else. I love how Joe just thinks of this stuff on the spur of the moment , pure genius my man !!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Steven I really appreciate that

[@Sp99226]

@@RaitisRides Np my man I’ve been watching you since the beginning and love how you’ve grown!! Congratulations!!!

[@mazpr2025]

Haa, you are so sweet... 😂

[@hardykornfeld1733]

Joe, I know you know this but you said drift mode sends all the torque to the rear wheels. The torque sensing diff get no more than half the total torque but can send all of that to one rear wheel. It’s a hokey drift simulation but that doesn’t detract from the excellence of the R for the street. If you want a car for the track, look elsewhere (Camaro SS 1LE?) for for an all weather daily that’s rewarding to drive, the R is hard to beat. I might buy one if they ditch the haptic controls before it goes away.

[@SkyPix119]

Amazing review as always!

[@alexincorduroy8281]

Did you feel the rear power kick in at all? Thoughts?

[@stevegaspar]

The 333 golf R only in Europe sells for $80k and sold out in 8 minutes. Lastly the DSG MK8 GTI performance is on par, and beats in many instances, the manual R. All manuals are gone for 2024 too

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the info Steve

[@JCTiggs1]

Straight line acceleration is quite a bit slower in the manual R vs DSG. Car and Driver did 0-60 in 4.9s with the manual and 3.9s in the DSG. And if you plan to increase HP with a mod chip the DSG will hold up with the power, the manual won't without a clutch disc upgrade.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Can't believe Joe didn't zonk the rear wiper!

[@RaitisRides]

It’s a hatchback

[@roniegamboa4223]

Joe I can relate to that feeling of fun fun fun driving VW and that is the perfect road for that bad boy R!!! As some Golf fanatics say it is the poor man’s Porsche. Well let’s just have some kind of respect for the road users sorry guys Joe’s laughs and smile on his face is just being truthful. Wear your safety belts, keep your eyes on the road, NO TEXTING.

[@JCTiggs1]

I've been on a waiting list for a Golf R for almost a year now. The dealer has only received 3 this year and they don't expect anymore for the 2023 model year. Hopefully I'll be able to get one in 2024. In the meantime I bought a GTI 40th Anniversary Edition . Great car!

[@redtop1705]

The VW is in another league performance wise and build quality I have a Mk8 Gti and I don’t have any issues with the buttons. I’ve just ordered the MK 8.5 golf R black edition and I know that a couple of the buttons you now have to literally press ie the R button and the heated steering button. VW have sorted the problems. The gears will not change up when in S+ or manual mode a massive improvement

[@DM72513]

The DSG Golf R is in a performance bracket above the GR Corolla, CTR, ITS, etc. 400+ HP with a tune and the transmission advantage competes with the $50-60k+ performance cars.

[@geldingmakr]

I hope it competes with $50k cars ; considered all the dealers In Ohio Pennsylvania Virginia NC and SC are quoting $55-63k out the door.

[@kugelschreiber5678]

20:14 I have a B7 S4 in 6spd, and the travel distance between the brake and gas pedals are similar - too far apart with the brake pedal being far up. I can easily heel toe downshift NOW, but it took a few weeks of tinkering my foot position to get it right. My previous s2k and e46 m3 didn't have these issues, and heel toeing was a breeze. I wish these types of cars had adjustable pedals lol.

[@Dagot1948]

Dealers in the Chicago area are asking up to $59K for an R and all are automatic. I lucked out last year and got one of the few 2022 GTI 6sp's available and had to pay full sticker of $40. Not sure I'll ever be able to afford that R, but it's a great car!

[@killfox101]

Where? The ones I have seen have been between 46k and 50k. I live just outside the city.

[@Dagot1948]

@@killfox101 That is the list price. Contact them and request the ASKING price. No one in Chicago is selling for less than $5K over sticker. I drove nearly 400 to a dealership in Missouri that had a '24 R 6sp with a much better price. It was worth the long drive and I'm a happy man!

[@MrSoulMonk]

Your reviews are consistent and top notch but I have never seen a video where you were laughing this much with joy while driving. Looks like the VW truly gave you the driving enjoyment. Thanks again for another great review.

[@KApatriot]

Wanted a Golf R but settled for a GTI instead because the new R was not available in 2021 at the time, and even if it was, not sure I would have gone with it because of the big price difference. Yes, you might get a little better performance with the R, but I tell you what, my GTI is not too shabby. I'm still digging it.

[@Mr1wd]

Wait till VW adds buttons back for MK8.5

[@RaitisRides]

That’s a safe bet

[@gymclasshero88]

lol didn’t happen 😮

[@sibarrette8374]

still rocking a blackberry eh? 😂

[@Mr1wd]

@@sibarrette8374 Clearly coming from someone who's never a used touch screen to adjust climate while driving. Buttons are easier, period.

[@blevins77]

No manual

[@ADPeguero]

This man sure knows how to properly describe any vehicle. Makes me run to a dealership closest to me to buy one. Great work as always.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very awesome of you to say!

[@ADPeguero]

@@RaitisRides I want this car so bad. I just can't get over the dealer markups in the Boston area. I have a 2018 Red model and love it. Guess I'll have to love it a little longer until I find a dealer willing to sell it for MSRP without the dealer markups. Any suggestions?

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Markup galore for all three.

[@BMW_M5_COM14]

Very good reviewing a car 🖤✅

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate that

[@ryanb8736]

I haven’t seen you smile and laugh like this in a long time. These are great cars.

[@brianmwirigi200]

Amazing you have finally brought the manual golf R.

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

I like the GR Yaris the most but obv we dont get that. GR Corolla id take over the Golf for multiple reasons. If they made the Integra AWD, especially since Acuras SHAWD is great, id take that just for the looks + power, but the Corolla has the function and looks and reliability + AWD etc.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points

[@Naj2theWorld]

Great work Steven for noticing the details.

[@RaitisRides]

He really has a good eye!

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Looks nice and looks good Joe .

[@Knapster4444]

I love my golf r. It’s great for those roads. Really it’s enough power. Was it worth 10k over msrp….. probably.

[@robertseidl6798]

Thanks Steve!

[@RaitisRides]

He is a great guy!

[@brianpereira7483]

Vw is the best in its category hand down

[@MTechnikM]

golf r is equivalent to a luxury vechicle that lacks performance/power - except just the exact opposite. Looks like a normal commuter car that everyone and their grandma drives except its fast.

[@iglapsu88]

I love the term "All-Wheel-Drive Supremacy"! I was the guy in the back with the twinkie screaming "red" Wish it was a two door vice 4. Just my preference. Engine Prop rods are fine. Six-speed manual all the way for me! That GR Corolla engine seems too small, but Toyota overall has better reliability than Volkswagen. The Volkswagen seats look real nice. Well at least the infotainment is a touchscreen. Wish the steering was drive-by-wire. That would be so cool. Nice job as usual Joe!

[@stevethomas760]

The GR is a smaller car and the visibility isn't that great. About the size of the '05 WRX I owned. With on the six speed, it is the way to go on a performance car

[@mickeybrumfield764]

If you live in Florida or Southern California, tell the VW people to disconnect the heated steering wheel if they can't move it somewhere else.

[@RaitisRides]

I know right

[@phillm156]

The R is everything I wanted in an everyday functional hot hatch. The deal breaker is the ridiculously useless Haptic interface. It seems petty but it’s something you have to use every day.

[@dougmaverick3287]

Joe it looks like you're liking those California twisty Canyon roads. I think you need to move there brother get out of that hot humid Florida climate where all the roads are straight as an arrow. The GR Corolla has a much harsher ride compared to the Golf R. So if it's your daily driver, something to consider. The Golf R is far easier to live with than the GRC. Also the interior of the Golf R is of a much higher quality and more luxurious, a much nicer place to spend time in better seats leather interior, getting into the GR Corolla you can easily see its economy car roots.

[@krane15]

This is what a lot of the detractors don't consider. The GR is more of a track car, but that also makes it less of a daily car. Consider, would you take granny to Sunday meeting in a GR? You'd also get pretty roughed up on an all-day cross country in GR. On the other hand, the Civic R is roomier and does do a lot of things better. Even so, the all-wheel drive would be the better choice if you live in show country/Canada.

[@KStone2583]

100%! They’ve been making GTI/Golf since, forever.

[@Pharcyde90]

Love that the camera guy’s name is Stephen haha , fell in love with this car today and currently locating one.

[@zachtamele7356]

“If somebody cannot love themselves, they can’t love somebody else” , powerful 🤝

[@juanfernandez8987]

Not once he said it was fast. Which is surprising, because the Golf R is the fastest hatch in a straight line, by far. I tested a DSG one before I bought my Type R and is was without question much faster than the Honda.

[@JCTiggs1]

He tested the manual in this video which is slower vs DSG. Car & Driver tested a Golf R DSG, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds while the manual they tested did it in 4.9 seconds. For comparison the new Type R they tested did it in 5.0 seconds. So straight line performance for a manual Golf R vs Civic Type R are almost identical.

[@Cheapchase]

If you could mix last gen interior and exterior of this gen it would be the best ever

[@diegoarango6217]

There is a head up display that shows you speed limit and your speed.

[@BoshPony]

I'm pretty sure there is a heads up display on this car it was probably just turned off pretty sure you can see the projector in the reflection on the windshield

[@davonne225]

Love those wheels. Love those seats too

[@RaitisRides]

They really are great

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

Now my car to buy!

[@RaitisRides]

I can see you in this one!

[@georgefeliz7875]

If we are talking about quality cars you should compare cars with the same quality or at least a little bit closer together- to me the Toyota is a good car but it can't compare with the VW. Because a car is not just motor and transmission is about quality parts and components.

[@Astroinmotion]

I wish they keep the manual handbrake which makes it more driver's car

[@QuietStormX]

Miss the 2 door! I'd take the Manual and a lot of Speed parts to add..

[@tjprovo24]

Answer: Yes Objectively faster, more economical, more practical, more cargo space, more driver and passenger space, much higher quality interior (despite its annoying haptic touch everything), a proven reliable engine which doesn’t push so much factory boost that it’s reliability will be a concern at the 100k mile range (see GRC lol), better build quality everything. GRC might have a nicer factory shifter feel and better AWD system, but that’s literally about all it’s better at, objectively.

[@RaitisRides]

Very good points!

[@IMiss_The90s]

Agreed. I would have to get the piano black or gloss black around the infotainment and cluster wrapped with something matte. Too much dust/fingerprints/scratches and reflection for me.

[@MaziEmdi]

Joe u the man… love ur reviews and side comments!

[@bryanwashington9511]

The hot hatch 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it

[@mistamaog]

These cars are amazing, if I had $45k, I would get this car. Also whoever is interested in the Golf R should get it in a manual. North America is the only region to get this in a manual since the product manager of VW USA fought tooth and nail to get us this. Let's appreciate it!

[@Marbind]

45k? Maybe an old used one.

[@geldingmakr]

@@Marbindeven used mk8 golf r’s with 15k miles are $50k 😮

[@kblack3970]

If the Golf R sold at msrp, I'd own one!

[@krane15]

Nobody puts a gun to your head to pay more than MSRP for any car. Do they?

[@kblack3970]

@@krane15 that's true...

[@tomdrummy4984]

Didn’t know they still made these. Never see any on the road.

[@RaitisRides]

Tell me about it Tom

[@SMRacingg]

22:04 I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure there is a head-up display, it can show your speed and warnings. Great review though!

[@Manjuicey]

I think reviewers should really stop mentioning MSRP as a thing since everywhere you look they are really no where near those prices anymore.

[@BMW_Z4idiot]

@Raiti's Rides, you're incorrect, the Golf R and GTI's do not come with an engine cover. Apparently they have issues with causing fires and VW does not have a fix.

[@kovalm3]

Joe, you forgot to zonk the rear wiper.

[@Da__goat]

For the money; it feels like VW really missed the mark on this one. (I personally hate the trend toward minimalism in the industry). But, most importantly, the User Interface just is not what you'd expect for all that money. Yes, the engine is very good, the ea888.4 is solid. However, at MSRP, the GR corolla has a much better interior, at this price point you're starting to encroach on the Type R, and there are other things that the Type R offers, like better sound and Honda reliability. For a better interior, the Jetta GLI is where it's at, $32,000 and the same transmission. You could even argue that the Civic Si looks a lot better as a result but the markups on some of those have been pretty crazy. A slightly used Audi S3 would definitely be worth the money, and this is of course assuming you don't run into any dealer markups

[@goulartaf66]

How's the reliability on the golf R is that built in Germany? I know a lot of people that have Volkswagens that are brand new that ended up training them in because they started having a lot of issues with them. Not very reliable.

[@5dliving1111]

Awesome Steven you have got a nice eye to catch the small details on the car 🚗 ❤😂

[@jeaneestigene3652]

Honestly, I like the Subaru TR. 2) VW golf R. 3) Toyota Corolla Gr but I know the GR is more reliable

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a great list!

[@federal6616]

VW ain't crazy. They knew they had to slide Rati those keys and get tings buzzing 😮

[@RaitisRides]

Oh heck yeah

[@JJMR22]

Sucks that here in PR the dealer markup is 20k or close to that on most cars. Really like this Golf R!

[@cwx8]

I ordered an R in mid 2022. They say itll be another 1.5yr before I see one.

[@krane15]

Anticipation.

[@podiumz1993]

If you want a comfortable and quick highway and city friendly car, get the Golf R. If you ever want to go to a track or drive it like a sports car, get the Corolla GR.

[@richurro20]

except the gr corolla awd system overheats on a track after going only 2 laps. its an abysmal track car actually.