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2014 Volkswagen GTI review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen GTI highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Punchy engine
  • Sophisticated DSG automated manual gearbox
  • Good fuel economy

Cons

  • Handling not as sharp as rivals
  • Limited cabin space
  • Standard manual transmission isn’t for everyone

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 31 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Fun hatchback

For 2014, Volkswagen dropped the two-door model of its GTI. The four-door model offers better practicality but if you’re after the clean lines of a two-door hatchback, a previous model might suit you better. There’s also been a shake-up on trim-level names for 2014 but the equipment remains much the same. Overall, the 2014 Volkswagen GTI is a good choice if you’re looking for a practical hatchback with a bit of the fun factor.

All Volkswagen GTI years

What is new for the 2014 Volkswagen GTI?

  • The Autobahn trim has been discontinued for 2014.
  • GTI trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
  • The 2.0T trim now comes with Smart Key and Leather Seats as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2014 Volkswagen GTI

1. Plenty of cargo space 

The hatchback design of the 2014 GTI means you get plenty of cargo space. There’s 15.2 cu-ft to play with, which is plenty for road trip luggage, sports equipment, or weekly groceries. If you need more, though, you can fold the standard 60/40-split rear seats to open up a total of 46 cu-ft. This means you can carry ski gear, haul DIY materials, or even help friends on moving day. 

2. Compact footprint 

As a hatchback, the 2014 Volkswagen GTI has a small footprint that makes it very maneuverable. This makes it a great choice if you live in a suburban area and regularly need to travel downtown or navigate tight parking lots. Inside, this doesn’t impact space too much as in the front you’ll still get 41.2 inches of legroom. Space in the back seats is a little more limited at 35.5 inches but it’s enough for adults on short journeys. 

3. Balanced engine 

The 2014 Volkswagen GTI has a 2.0L turbocharged engine that’s good for 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This gives you a nice balance between punchy performance and fuel economy. It’ll get an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, but can still manage a sprint of zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the DSG transmission (according to the manufacturer).

 

4. Fun to drive 

This is a performance-focused hatchback that's a lot of fun to drive while retaining a cooling air of sophistication at the same time. It comes standard with a manual transmission, which gives you an engaging driving experience but the available automated manual transmission is best for exploiting every ounce of fun from the punch turbo engine. All 2014 models have four-corner independent sport suspension and the XDS® cross differential system for improved traction and handling. 

5. Lots of features 

With a sophisticated design, this fun little turbo is full of great features. The base Wolfsburg Edition has a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, air conditioning, heated sports seats, and more. The Driver’s Edition adds a few extra touches such as a touchscreen audio interface, navigation, and a sunroof. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen GTI an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen GTI 44th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen GTI

Volkswagen GTI features and specs

2.0T 2WD 4D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

207

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

101.5"

Overall length

165.9"

Width

70"

Height

57.8"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 35.5"

Head room

F 39.3"/R 38.5"

Front tires

P225/40HR18

Rear tires

P225/40HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2014 Volkswagen GTI FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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