This is Motormouth couple car review of the updated 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatchback.
Gone is the manual transmission for 2025, the VW GTI is powered by a 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This a FWD model.
The refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI gets some exterior and interior tweaks including, a new front bumper, new colour options, wheels and accents plus an upgraded infotainment system and new interior décor.
This 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI sporty hatch has VAQ limited slip differential which reduces understeer and gives the car higher exit speeds, it just makes it more fun to drive for a FWD car. There is available adaptive damping with driving profile selection which we have on our GTI and we both feel it makes a big difference.
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI comes standard with some nice features like a 12.9” touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 10.25” digital driver display, wireless charger, 6-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery, heated manual front seats, manual height adjustment and power recline, heated steering wheel, 30 colour ambient lighting and IQ Drive driver assist technology.
The biggest 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI changes come to the interior, hard buttons replace the haptic switchgear on the steering wheel and a new ventilated 15-watt wireless charger has been added. There’s also less piano black replaced by a grey trim pieces and of course the new infotainment system with faster processing times.
Here’s the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI pricing for Canada which includes, freight, PDI and fees. GTI $39,172 CAD and Autobahn $43,172 CAD,
In the US, S $32,445 USD, SE $37,420 USD and Autobahn $40,880 USD.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI fuel economy, the GTI gets 9.9L/100 km, 24 MPG city and 7.4L/100 km, 33 MPG highway
Andrea Instagram https://www.instagram.com/motormouth_andrea/
Zack Instagram https://www.instagram.com/motormouth_auto/
35 Comments
Could never understand why VW didn't bring the stunning Scirocco to the U.S., replacing the Golf 2 Door.
The Fender audio system was one of the best I ever experienced in a car, I'm saddened to hear it's been replaced. I'm also glad to see leather make a comeback at VW. I felt the vinyl the company went to a few years ago was a definite cost cutting measure and it kept me away from VW. (I was a victim of the diesel debacle and was forced to turn in my beloved Passat TDI. My next choice would have beed a GTI but not with the cheap seat covers.)
I thought, "F who?" lol
Great review guys.
– This screen sticks up at least an inch too far. Zack/Andrea's '24 is much better integrated. Would easily trade size for that….then, VW – still incorporate in a slim panel below the "always there" control improvements mentioned.
– VW needs to fire the wheel design team (looks like they raided the Japanese Origami School of Design or the Koreans). A classic BBS-style cross-spoke would be just the ticket here, and sprechen German much better.
– I'm with Andrea on the blue, it's fine and timeless, understated Germanic. Some modest but distinctive trim and a decent set of wheels (above) would say "GTI" special enough.
– GTI_door_badge_ must_go. Hopefully just stuck on and removable. See wheel and trim comment, above.
– My .02
I would have bought GTI a year ago, but the dealer would not install a trailer hitch for a bike rack. I ended up with a BMW.
Looks great! Owned 5 GTI’s and this one is much improved over the MK8. Love the design tweeks, new wheels and yes buttons.
No stick no joy. 🙁
As the owner of a nicely modded MK7 GTI, that giant screen on the dash is absolutely hideous. Glad VW got rid of those silly haptic sliders and brought back the buttons on the wheel.
New steering wheel is such a massive upgrade! Still needs at least a few more buttons but a step in the right direction.
I had a MK7 for five years that I loved, though the leather seats did not wear well at all. Does seem very odd that VW has not been able to get auto brake hold in these North American cars.
with the prices of cars these days, I will buy something that is cheap to repair and is reliable
As a Golf owner, I’m so envious of the size of the Civic Hatchback. I still think it’s a better overall car than the Honda though.
Great review! No manual? Then I'd take the Civic Hybrid Sport hatchback over the GTI.
Hmmmm. I’ve got a ‘23 40th AE in pomelo yellow, and I prefer the looks of the 8 over the 8.5. I love my manual transmission! Also like my smaller screen – the new one is too large and looks added on rather than integrated. Also love physical buttons for the radio. I’ve never had one single regret about the touchscreen or the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. I think I might have found the real sweet spot for the latest generation. I’ve had it two years now, not a single complaint.
As always great entertaining review !
All the info needed in a short video !👍
Guys, where are these made? Germany or North America?
I wish VW would make fun commercials for the GTI like they used to. They were great! The old commercials inspired me to buy one, back in the day. Wah Wah Wah GTI!
The GTIs is the best value. I love my 2024! Only thing i really miss are the automatic door/keyless entry.
The Mk8.5 R Black Edition in Lapiz Blue is what makes me 🤤
The 2025 GTI has more value than the 2025 GR Corolla.
do all this bugs, flies repellent sprays actually work…?
I wish they still made the Golf/Rabbit for North America.
That center screen is absolutely obnoxious, no wonder drive in theaters are disappearing
German's being stubborn?? Never heard that before 😅😅.
Still make this?
I actually really like the Mk8.5 GTI. The styling updates are subtle, but effective, and I like the new MIB4 infotainment system. It looks like a huge improvement over the MIB3. I do hope they'll reconsider in the future and offer us a manual transmission option again. Maybe when production moves to Mexico in 2027, they can fit the Jetta GLI drivetrain to the GTI. I know that engine is one generation older, but I'd be fine with that to get the manual again.
Great review. Looking forward to the one on the R. 🙂
I was out as soon as you said no manual transmission. It is off the list for consideration. Thank you for stating that right away in your review.
I love it
I just have to convince my wife that the GTI is a great family car
Tone down the piano black? No, eliminate it altogether. ALL VEHICLES, ALL BRANDS.
The styling never changes…same car for the last 30 years.
The interior, like many modern cars, is absolutely ruined by that oversized iPad on the dash. I am sick of seeing those stupid ugly things on the dash. I have liked GTIs since the beginning, but I would never buy this car just because of that stupid oversized screen and ugly video game instrument panel. What a damned shame.
Wheels are too darn big not to mention ugly. Those fog lights too. That 5 honeycomb look, not a fan. Single just looks much better.
Awesome review! and stated your case for the Autobahn well. I love the Blue as well
One big advantage over the R (and others) is the tight turning radius..also the Audi S3
Have you ever asked auto execs why they use “piano black” on interiors of cars? NOBODY likes that in any car (at least outside of car designers)…. Our 2001 Volvo uses all matte black, and it looks so much better, has no fingerprint smudges ever, and doesn’t reflect sunlight into your eyes …