2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Starting at $29,690

10/10

C/D RATING

Specs

Photos

Volkswagen

10/10 C/D RATING

Specs

Photos

Select a year

Highs Exceedingly fun for the price, wonderful transmissions, classy and practical.
Lows Ride quality can be a bit harsh, too understated for some, rival hot hatches cost less.
Verdict The Mk 7 Golf GTI is the ultimate sport compact.

By Eric Stafford

Overview

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is affordable, practical, and—most important to folks like us—a brilliant driving machine. Hence its spot on our 10Best and Editors' Choice lists. While the current generation is nearing the end of its life cycle, it still continues to impress: It has won our annual 10Best award multiple times, including making the most recent list. With a sprightly 228-hp four-cylinder engine and terrific manual and automatic transmissions, this front-driver is wonderfully speedy. Of course, quickness doesn't equal engagement. Thankfully, Volkswagen has ensured this hot hatch provides nimble handling and communicative feedback. Those characteristics also apply to its sedan sibling, the Jetta GLI. Although its staid styling and above-average price won't appeal to everyone, the GTI's holistic approach to performance and undeniable versatility make it the ultimate sport compact.

What's New for 2021?

The current Golf GTI has had a great run, but 2021 is the last model year for this generation. While the upcoming 2022 model marks a promising evolution, there's still a lot to like about the Mk 7, which carries over unchanged for its swan song.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI starts at $29,690 and goes up to $37,940 depending on the trim and options.

We recommend the mid-level SE trim, which comes standard with LED headlights, leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, and a panoramic sunroof. While we think the dual-clutch automatic transmission is really good (and affordable), we'd stick with the standard manual gearbox. It's one of the best in the business and makes every drive an engaging experience.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The GTI's 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is one of the greats. Offering a reasonable amount of power, it delivers instant response and solid acceleration. The clutch pedal in manual models is easy to use, which means shifting is never a chore. But if you'd rather let the car handle the gearchanges, the optional dual-clutch automatic is no slouch, either. We'd happily pilot a GTI every day. It is nimble and responsive and takes corners beautifully. Most important, this hatchback is well coordinated and does just what you want it to do. The GTI reacts to steering inputs so quickly and accurately that you'll think the car is a sentient being. Plus, its brakes are firm and progressive on the road and strong on the track.

View Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy in the sport-compact class ranges from acceptable to outstanding, and the GTI provides some solid numbers. According to the EPA, the automatic model is the most efficient with ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; going with the manual reduces those numbers to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Golf GTI outperformed expectations in our real-world testing, sweetening the deal. The last version we tested earned 36 mpg during our 200-mile highway test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Volkswagen interiors are simple and well crafted, and the GTI's is no exception. Although the car's main selling point is its agility and driver feedback, shoppers can still outfit their hot hatches with a few luxury features. Notable options include dual-zone automatic climate control and 12-way-adjustable leather power seats, but the GTI is plenty comfortable in its base guise. Four people can travel in reasonable comfort in any of them, but don't expect vast amounts of spread-out room in the rear seats. The entire Golf family enjoys large cargo holds, easy-to-fold seats, and useful in-cabin storage cubbies. Thanks to the nearly flat load floor, you'll have no trouble packing up the car for a trip to the beach or a ride home from IKEA.

View Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every model in the GTI lineup is graced with a touchscreen that is simple to use, but in our testing, it sometimes responded slowly to inputs. The system uses a mix of touch and voice commands as well as several menu-based buttons. It's about as easy to operate as the average smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, too, and make device integration a cinch.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Golf GTI a five-star safety rating but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet published the GTI's results. A full complement of driver-assistance equipment is available. None of it is standard, however, which is perhaps the one thing holding the GTI back from perfection. Key safety features include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

What was once the industry's best bumper-to-bumper warranty, at six years or 72,000 miles of coverage, has been shortened to four years or 50,000 miles. To help make that reduced coverage a little easier to swallow, Volkswagen now offers two years of regularly scheduled maintenance at no charge.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications:

VEHICLE TYPE:front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED:$35,920 (base price: $27,265)

ENGINE TYPE:turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection

Displacement:121 cu in, 1984 cc
Power:220 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION:6-speed manual

CHASSIS:
Suspension (F/R):struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R):13.4-in vented disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires:Hankook Ventos S1 Noble 2, 225/40R-18 92 H

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase:103.6 in
Length:168.0 in
Width:70.8 inHeight:56.8 in
Passenger volume:96 cu ft
Cargo volume:23 cu ft
Curb weight:3221 lb

C/DTEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.5 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 22.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 12.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 8.4 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5 sec @ 100 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

C/DFUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 25 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 28/25/33 mpg

>>CLICK TO DOWNLOAD TEST SHEET<<

More Features and Specs

Shopping Tools

What's My Car Worth?

Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

Get Estimate

Insurance Marketplace

See what you can save on car insurance.

Learn More

Auto Loans & Financing

Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.

Learn More

Similar Vehicles

2024 Honda Civic Type R

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$45,890

EPA MPG

N/A

C/D SAYS: The 2024 Honda Civic Type R is 315-horsepower of absolute fury, but its compact size and outsized comfort make it especially easy to live with. Learn More

Honda Honda Civic Type R Model Years

View 2024 Honda Civic Type R DetailsStarting at $45,890 · 10/10
View 2023 Honda Civic Type R DetailsStarting at $44,890 · 10/10

2024 Honda Civic Si

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$30,195

EPA MPG

31 combined

C/D SAYS: Affordable and fun to drive, the 200-hp 2024 Honda Civic Si might lack power, but it comes through with many desirable standard features and great footwork. Learn More

Honda Honda Civic Si Model Years

View 2024 Honda Civic Si DetailsStarting at $30,195 · 10/10
View 2023 Honda Civic Si DetailsStarting at $29,895 · 10/10

2024 Toyota GR Corolla

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$37,595

EPA MPG

24 combined

C/D SAYS: Toyota has turned its Gazoo Racing performance division loose to apply the tuner treatment to the Corolla hatchback—and the result is a 300-hp mini monster. Learn More

Toyota Toyota GR Corolla Model Years

View 2024 Toyota GR Corolla DetailsStarting at $37,595 · 9.5/10
View 2023 Toyota GR Corolla DetailsStarting at $36,995 · 10/10

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

9.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$34,850

EPA MPG

N/A

C/D SAYS: The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N carves through curves and whips down straights with so much gusto that it's managed to win us over despite its polarizing design. Learn More

2024 Volkswagen Golf R

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$46,890

EPA MPG

23–25 combined

C/D SAYS: The all-wheel-drive 2024 Volkswagen Golf R swings 315 horsepower at the streets like it's attempting to break an MLB home run record. Learn More

Volkswagen Volkswagen Golf R Model Years

View 2024 Volkswagen Golf R DetailsStarting at $46,890 · 9/10
View 2023 Volkswagen Golf R DetailsStarting at $45,835 · 9/10

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

8.5

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$29,310

EPA MPG

30 combined

C/D SAYS: Handy moves and 228 horsepower mixed with impressive highway fuel economy make the 2024 Jetta GLI as fun to drive as it is smart to own. Learn More

Volkswagen Volkswagen Jetta GLI Model Years

View 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI DetailsStarting at $29,310 · 8.5/10
View 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI DetailsStarting at $32,680 · 8.5/10

2024 Subaru WRX

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$33,855

EPA MPG

21–22 combined

C/D SAYS: A more refined ride and tamer attitude make this WRX feel all grown up, but that comes at the cost of some its most cherished wild-child antics. Learn More

Subaru Subaru WRX Model Years

View 2024 Subaru WRX DetailsStarting at $33,855 · 8/10
View 2023 Subaru WRX DetailsStarting at $31,625 · 8/10

2024 Mini Cooper JCW

/10

C/D RATING

Starting at

$36,395

EPA MPG

26–28 combined

C/D SAYS: The Mini Cooper JCW is a hoot and a half, but it could stand to add a skosh more practicality. Learn More

Mini Mini Cooper JCW Model Years

View 2024 Mini Cooper JCW DetailsStarting at $36,395 · 6/10
View 2023 Mini Cooper JCW DetailsStarting at $33,895 · 6/10

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Starting at $29,690

Overview

What's New for 2021?

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Infotainment and Connectivity

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Specifications

Shopping Tools

Similar Vehicles

2024 Honda Civic Type R

2024 Honda Civic Si

2024 Toyota GR Corolla

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

2024 Volkswagen Golf R

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2024 Subaru WRX

2024 Mini Cooper JCW

More From Volkswagen

2025 Volkswagen ID.7

2026 Volkswagen ID.8

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Microbus

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

2025 Volkswagen Golf R

2024 Volkswagen ID.4

2024 Volkswagen Taos

2023 Volkswagen Arteon

2024 Volkswagen Jetta

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

References