2025 Volkswagen Golf R: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to shy away
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is a feat of modern engineering, but there are still some downsides you should think twice about.
The Volkswagen Golf R entered the automotive scene back in 2002 and quickly became a staple of the segment. More than 20 years later, the Golf R remains a top competitor in the hot hatch field. Even with its history behind it, the 2025 Volkswagen R has a handful of alternatives to be wary of, some of which outdo it on crucial aspects.
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R sees a couple changes to its powertrain, a handful of styling updates, and a revised infotainment system. There’s also a cosmetic variant that gives the Volkswagen Golf R a more aggressive look, plus a package for the true enthusiasts among us. This time around, the VW Golf R comes in two trim levels.
Reason to love it #1: 328-horsepower engine
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R arrives with an additional 13 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque over its predecessor. That increase makes the 2025 Golf R the most powerful production Golf model to ever grace roadways.
The Golf R comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates an astounding 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
That kind of power puts the VW Golf R a punch above the Civic Type R, which offers 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota GR Corolla also falls short, coming in with 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
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Reason to love it #2: Striking styling updates
Performance isn’t everything in a hot hatch. The bodystyle is in the name, after all. For the 2025 model year, the Volkswagen Golf R arrives with a handful of styling updates that make the hatchback even more striking than it was before.
On the exterior, the Golf R sees new lighting in the form of headlights and an illuminated VW logo. The hot hatch rides on athletic 19-inch forged alloy wheels that are 20% lighter than the outgoing Golf R’s wheels.
If you’re interested in cutting back on weight, the Golf R is also available with a Euro Style Package. Opting for the package will cost you $3,795, and it removes the sunroof, switches out the standard exhaust for a lighter titanium version, and shifts from Nappa leather seating upholstery to fabric.
Reason to love it #3: AWD comes standard
Performance cars often come with standard rear-wheel drive, but that’s slowly changing as manufacturers standardize all-wheel drive. The VW Golf R is a leader in that regard, with every model since 2002 coming stock with an AWD system. The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R stays the course and comes with an AWD system designed to improve traction and handling.
In addition to AWD, the 2025 Golf R rolls out with selectable driving modes designed for everything from comfort to thrills. Several driving modes that stand out in particular include Comfort, Sport, Race, and Drift.
The Honda Civic Type R, one of the Golf R’s main competitors, is sticking with FWD for the 2025 model year. Others, like the Toyota GR Corolla, have followed the VW Golf R’s lead and come with standard AWD as well.
Reason to love it #4: Golf R Black Edition
Hot hatches need to do more than put out impressive performance. They also need to look the part, and Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition has the looks to match the power. Starting at $48,415 MSRP, the Golf R Black Edition builds on the standard Golf R.
The top-spec model features cosmetic changes, including blacked out detailing, badging, and accents, and black quad exhaust tips. The model also rolls out on 19-inch gloss black forged alloy wheels with darkened headlight elements giving off an intimidating stare. Inside, you’ll find carbon fiber elements that complete the performance vibe.
Reason to think twice #1: No manual transmission
Manual transmissions are quickly going the way of the dodo, and the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is yet another example. For 2025, Volkswagen has cut the manual transmission from both the Golf GTI and Golf R. That just leaves a seven-speed automatic transmission to channel all the Golf R’s 328 horsepower.
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That puts the Golf R in a tough spot when compared to its competition. The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R both come with a standard six-speed manual transmission.
Reason to think twice #2: Pricier than competitors
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R starts at $47,100 MSRP. A jump from the 2024 model’s $45,665 price tag. That price makes the Volkswagen Golf R the most expensive hot hatch around.
The 2025 Honda Civic Type R starts at $45,895 MSRP, while the Toyota GR Corolla is available from $38,860 MSRP. The Toyota GR Corolla takes its price advantage one step further, with the range-topping GR Corolla Premium Plus trim starting at $45,515 MSRP.
Final thoughts
There’s no denying that the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is an impressive example of engineering, but its drawbacks simply can’t be ignored. A manual transmission is typically synonymous with the hot hatch experience, and the lack of one can be off-putting. The VW Golf R is also pricier than its closest competitors. If you’re in the market for a hot hatch like the Golf R, spend some time behind the wheel of the Civic Type R and GR Corolla, too.
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