2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Initial Driving Review: Improved, But at a Price

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      When the world is trying to communicate something, it's wise to pay attention. You may not need to follow any recommendations—just give them some thought. Volkswagen deserves recognition for not only acknowledging the feedback regarding the Mk 8 Golf’s user interface but also taking steps to address it. If the 2025 Golf GTI were a video game, this mid-cycle update would be the quality-of-life patch that brings many on board after a lukewarm launch and subsequent review backlash.

      “Nearly” is the important term here because, in business, repairing something that’s broken always involves a trade-off. In this case, it’s the elimination of the GTI’s manual transmission. While these two changes aren't directly linked, their timing adds complexity to the legacy of this eighth-generation hot hatch. You can purchase an older model with three pedals or a newer one with actual buttons on the steering wheel, but you can’t have both. Regardless of your choice, the car remains enjoyable.

      2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE featuring a new Slate Blue Metallic color. Adam Ismail

      The Basics

      The Mk 8 Golf GTI made its debut in North America for the 2022 model year, having launched in German showrooms three years prior. This 2025 model represents a refresh—informally referred to as “Mk 8.5”—that VW has been teasing for some time. The essential specifications remain unchanged: VW’s 2.0-liter EA888 Evo4 four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG. That’s sufficient torque for a hatchback weighing approximately 3,180 pounds, and it’s available almost right away, at 1,600 rpm. This engine is impressive and still stands out as one of the car's highlights.

      Adam Ismail

      The majority of the updates for 2025 focus on the GTI's interior. The infotainment screen has increased in size to 12.9 inches diagonally and features a redesigned user interface that makes navigating content and controls easier than before. Thankfully, physical buttons are back on the steering wheel. New trim elements have also been introduced, including ArtVelours seats taken from Europe’s Clubsport model for the mid-grade SE package, as well as new 19-inch wheels for the Autobahn version that draw inspiration from the Mk 5 GTI’s classic “Detroit” rims.

      Exterior and Interior Design

      The external adjustments to the Mk 8 are likely to go unnoticed by all but the most dedicated GTI enthusiasts. The front bumper has received minor modifications; the top edge of the lower grille now runs straight instead of dipping for the license plate bracket. The iconic red grille stripe has made a comeback, extending further than before and running through the headlight clusters. The VW emblem now lights up—a feature that feels increasingly odd on non-EVs—and GTI badges have been added to the front edges of the doors.

      Despite its quality-of-life enhancements, the interior may not impress those who were not fond of the previous model’s features. With a starting price of $33,670 for the GTI, I wouldn’t call the fit and finish objectionable. While some people might criticize the plastic quality, it’s important to remember that this is an economy car, and a soft-touch dashboard typically costs significantly more. Although I'd appreciate a more stylish interior—after all, the Honda Civic and Kia K4 show how it can be done—there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the GTI’s relatively plain cabin.

      Now it functions even better, thanks to the updated steering wheel that includes traditional physical buttons. The familiar design is common across other modern Volkswagens, but its presence is welcomed. Also, as someone frustrated by the previous Golf’s non-backlit volume and climate controls, I'm grateful they are now illuminated. It’s hard to believe these vehicles once rolled off the assembly line without such thoughtful design elements, but at least the criticism led to subsequent improvements.

      Driving Experience

      Moving on to the more pressing concerns, the good news is that everything people loved about the current GTI is still present, aside from one key aspect. Personally, I hadn’t driven this iteration of the hot hatch before—only the more powerful R spec—but I enjoyed my few hours behind the wheel. The chassis is excellent, the ride is well-planted but surprisingly comfortable even without the adaptive suspension, and the front end feels eager. The steering may feel slightly numb, but it’s within typical tolerances when comparing electronic power steering across manufacturers, and you quickly adapt to it.

      Volkswagen, Andrew Trahan Photography

      Ultimately, this remains a modern GTI, which means it’s inherently laid-back. The synthesized engine sound tries to enhance the experience in Sport mode, but it doesn’t provide the raw excitement of a rally car on the road. The driving experience is smooth and refined, making it enjoyable.