2023 Volkswagen Golf review
Volkswagen Golf highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Thrilling performance
- Hatchback versatility
- High levels of comfort
Cons
- Frustrating capacitive touch controls
- Pricier than other hatchbacks
- Lacks the personality of some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R continues to deliver hot hatchback performance
Although Volkswagen pulled the plug on its standard Golf hatchback, the Golf name lives on with the Golf R and GTI (reviewed separately). The Golf R has always been the top dog in the Golf lineup, building upon the GTI’s sporting potential with more power and all-wheel drive.
For 2023, the Golf R returns unchanged except for a 20th Anniversary Edition that celebrates VW’s R performance brand. That means you’ll get all of the thrills that we’ve come to expect from this pint-size powerhouse as it challenges a new crop of rivals. These include the Toyota GR Corolla and Honda Civic Type R. The Golf R is the most refined of the bunch, with the GR Corolla being the more raucous choice and the Civic Type R splitting the difference.
All Volkswagen Golf years
What is new for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf?
- Golf trims have been upgraded with Cruise Control and Adjustable Suspension as standard equipment this year.
- Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
2023 Volkswagen Golf trims
R:
- 315-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Cruise Control
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- A/C Seats
- View our Volkswagen Golf R inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2023 Volkswagen Golf
What We Like
Exhilarating performance: With 315 horsepower coming from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Volkswagen Golf R is a rocket among hatchbacks. Standard all-wheel drive gives it the traction needed to launch from a standstill to 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds and also delivers an abundance of grip when cornering. If you’re seeking performance, this is a great place to start.
Hatchback practicality: Despite their rather small footprint, hatchbacks have always over-delivered when it comes to utility and convenience, and the Golf R is no different. The cargo area can hold up to 19.9 cubic feet (or about 25 grocery bags) behind the rear seats. Those seats fold almost flat to the wide cargo floor to expand capacity to 34.5 cubic feet, which rivals some subcompact SUVs.
Comfortable ride and cabin: Sporty handling typically results in a firmer ride quality and that is certainly the case with the Golf R, but not so much as to be uncomfortable or intrusive. Credit the standard adaptive suspension dampers that allow the driver to select between a softer or stiffer ride. A relatively quiet cabin and supportive seats add to the overall effect.
What Needs Improvement
Unintuitive capacitive touch controls: Rather than traditional buttons and knobs, Volkswagen opted for capacitive touch controls for the Golf R. They’re much more distracting than traditional controls since you have to pay closer attention to hit the right button. They're also far too easily activated inadvertently if you happen to brush against them.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2023 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
20th Anniversary Edition 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
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- 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 Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- 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
2023 Volkswagen Golf FAQ
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 20th Anniversary Edition : 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- R : 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
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 2023 Volkswagen Golf:
- 20th Anniversary Edition
- Cruise Control
- Adjustable Suspension
- Full Roof Rack
- Front Seat Heaters
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