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The original hot hatch and its all-wheel-drive big brother. 241 hp in the GTI, 328 hp in the R, and a usable hatchback either way. 2026 GTI and Golf R models are in stock at Elk Grove Volkswagen.
This is Elk Grove Volkswagen's guide to the current Golf GTI and Golf R: what each trim gets, how the two cars differ, the key specs, and what changes for 2027.
Three GTI trims and one Golf R. Prices are 2026 starting MSRP before destination.
From $34,590
From $39,080
From $42,480
From $49,455
| Golf GTI | Golf R | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2026) | $34,590 | $49,455 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo four, 241 hp / 273 lb-ft | 2.0L turbo four, 328 hp / 295 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | 4MOTION all-wheel drive with rear torque vectoring |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG automatic | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb.) | 24 / 32 / 27 | 22 / 31 / 25 |
| Cargo (seats up / folded) | 19.9 / 34.5 cu ft | 19.9 / 34.5 cu ft |
| Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi new-vehicle limited · 2 yr / 20,000 mi Carefree scheduled maintenance | |
You want a fast, fun daily driver that's easy to live with and costs about $15,000 less than an R. The GTI SE and Autobahn add the sunroof, digital cockpit and leather that make it feel premium.
You want all-weather grip, track-day ability and the most power Volkswagen offers in a hatchback. All-wheel drive makes it a genuine year-round car for Sierra ski trips.
Golf GTI: The S, SE and Autobahn trims carry over, and the base S gains equipment from higher trims, including keyless access and Light Assist automatic high beams.
Golf R: The lineup grows to two trims with the return of the Golf R Black Edition alongside the standard R.
Engines, transmission and dimensions are unchanged. Our current stock is 2026 GTI and Golf R models; ask us about incoming 2027s.
Price, power, mpg and which one to buy.
TrimsGTI S, SE, Autobahn and Golf R compared feature by feature.
CargoWhat fits behind the seats and with them folded.
Sedan optionPrefer a sedan? The GLI shares the GTI's engine.
Every new Golf GTI and Golf R bought from Elk Grove Volkswagen includes our Knight4Life lifetime engine warranty, covering vital engine components for as long as you own it (terms apply), on top of Volkswagen's 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and 2 years/20,000 miles of Carefree scheduled maintenance. We're on W Stockton Blvd just off Highway 99, an easy drive from Sacramento, Lodi, Galt and Stockton.
The 2026 Golf GTI starts at $34,590 MSRP for the GTI S. The GTI SE starts at $39,080 and the GTI Autobahn at $42,480. The all-wheel-drive Golf R starts at $49,455. Prices exclude destination, taxes and fees.
The GTI is front-wheel drive with a 241-hp, 273 lb-ft 2.0-liter turbo. The Golf R uses a 328-hp, 295 lb-ft version of the same engine with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and rear torque vectoring, plus adaptive dampers, bigger brakes and track-focused drive modes including a Drift mode. The R is quicker and grippier in all weather; the GTI is lighter, cheaper and still genuinely quick.
No. The current Golf GTI and Golf R come only with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. Volkswagen dropped the manual from both cars starting with the 2025 model year.
Not new in the US. Volkswagen sells only the Golf GTI and Golf R here; the standard Golf hatchback was discontinued after the 2021 model year. If you want a practical compact Volkswagen without the performance price, look at the Jetta or the Taos.
The 2026 Golf GTI is EPA-rated 24 mpg city, 32 highway and 27 combined. The Golf R is rated 22 city, 31 highway and 25 combined.
The GTI and Golf R hold 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seat folded, more than most compact sport sedans can manage.
The 2027 Golf GTI keeps its S, SE and Autobahn trims, and the base S gains features from higher trims, including keyless access and Light Assist automatic high beams. The 2027 Golf R lineup adds back a Black Edition alongside the standard R.
2026 Golf GTI and Golf R models are on the lot in Elk Grove. Browse inventory or call to set up a test drive.
Elk Grove Volkswagen · 9776 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-460-8489 · Serving Sacramento, Stockton, Folsom & the Central Valley
MSRP shown is manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2026 model year and excludes destination, taxes, title, license, registration, dealer documentation fees and optional equipment; 2027 pricing may differ. Dealer price may vary; see dealer for current pricing, offers and availability. EPA estimates are for comparison only; actual mileage will vary. Specifications and features are based on manufacturer information available at the time of writing, vary by trim, model year and configuration, and are subject to change. Performance driving modes are intended for closed-course use. Knight4Life benefits are provided by Elk Grove Volkswagen, not Volkswagen of America; see dealer for terms and exclusions. Driver assistance features are not a substitute for attentive driving.
