2022 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Exciting performance
- Impressive cargo capacity
- Comfortable seats and ride quality
Cons
- Overly sensitive capacitive touch controls
- Can be pricier than competitors
- Lacks the personality of some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Returns With a New Lease on Life
After more than four decades, Volkswagen has discontinued its Golf hatchback for the U.S. market. There are two surviving remnants of the Golf, though, and thankfully, they’re our favorites: the GTI (reviewed separately) and the top Golf R, which have both been fully redesigned for 2022.
Not surprisingly, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R gets more power and performance than its predecessor. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine output increases from 288 horsepower to 315, while all-wheel drive and the sport-tuned suspension ensure all that power is controllable. Besides the related GTI, the Golf R doesn't have many contemporary rivals. Hyundai’s Veloster N is the closest, along with the Honda Civic Type R. The Golf R is a more well-rounded choice than the Veloster, but it’s also more expensive.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf?
- The Golf is available in a new trim called the R.
- The TSI trim has been discontinued for 2022.
- Golf trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters, Lane Departure Warning, Automated Cruise Control, A/C Seat(s), Heated Steering Wheel, Leather Seats, Memory Seat(s), Head Up Display, Rear Spoiler, 4WD/AWD, CD Audio, Navigation System, Satellite Radio Ready, and Harman Kardon Sound as standard equipment this year.
2022 Volkswagen Golf trims
R:
- 315-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Side Airbags
- Automated Cruise Control
- Sunroofs
- Power Mirrors
- A/C Seats
- View our Volkswagen Golf R inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2022 Volkswagen Golf
What We Like
Impressive performance: With the demise of the standard Golf hatchback, VW can concentrate more on performance, and the new Golf R delivers. Its 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine accelerates it to 60 mph in a quick 4.3 seconds and with standard all-wheel drive, you won’t have to worry as much about traction. Handling is also inspiring and confident on a fun winding road.
Useful cargo space: Don’t judge this book by its cover. Even though the Golf R is a small, nimble hatchback, you may be surprised by how versatile it can be. Unlike sedans, hatchbacks benefit from a tall cargo area that can easily accommodate bulkier objects. You can fit as much as 19.9 cubic feet (about 25 grocery bags) behind the rear seats or 34.5 cubes if you fold the seats into the floor.
No sacrifices to comfort: Unlike a lot of sporty vehicles that sacrifice ride comfort for handling performance, the Golf R delivers a relatively smooth ride. It’s firmer than the typical hatchback, but the inclusion of adaptive suspension dampers noticeably reduces bumps and jolts. The driver can select a softer or stiffer ride with the touch of a button. Add in supportive seats and a quiet cabin, and it’s downright enjoyable.
What Needs Improvement
Frustrating touch controls: Volkswagen’s decision to replace traditional buttons and knobs with capacitive touch controls proves that new isn't always better. These controls need only the lightest of touches to activate a feature, or a gentle swipe to adjust temperature or volume. In theory, that sounds great, but in practice, it’s far too easy to inadvertently activate something. They’re also more distracting to use when driving since you briefly need to take your eyes off the road to make sure you're pressing the right button.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Golf an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Golf 26th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen GolfVolkswagen Golf features and specs
R 4WD/AWD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Manual Transmission
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
315
Torque (ft-lbs)
280
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
103.5"
Overall length
168.9"
Width
70.4"
Height
57.7"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35"
Head room
F 38.5"/R 38.1"
Front tires
P235/35YR19
Rear tires
P235/35YR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Manual 6
2022 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R offers 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
The Volkswagen Golf received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Golf as 25 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here is what's new for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf:
- R
- Sunroof(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
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