“2016 Golf GTI (Sport) - you want it. High quality interior, amazing driver experience - get your seat, info displays, and stats just how you like them. I hear the automatic transmission is nice, but I have the six-speed manual and let me tell you - it's fun.”
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2017, the Golf GTI’s biggest change is a new Sport trim that delivers the sharper performance setup without the comfort-heavy equipment of the SE or Autobahn. The car itself is not redesigned; Volkswagen mainly reshuffled the trims and their standard equipment.
About the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7th generation (Mk7, 2015-2017 U.S. pre-refresh form), final year before the 2018 styling and tech update.
Volkswagen positions the Golf GTI as the original hot hatch: a small performance car that still works as an everyday hatchback. The appeal is the blend of quick turbo power, sharp handling, usable rear-seat and cargo space, and a cabin that feels more polished than many rivals. More than some competitors, the GTI is built as an all-rounder. It suits drivers who want one car for commuting, errands, road trips, and back-road fun without giving up practicality.
The S stays closest to the classic GTI formula, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, plaid heated sport seats, sport suspension, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Sport emphasizes performance hardware, while the SE adds leather, a sunroof, and Fender premium audio. Autobahn is the fully equipped version, with navigation, leather, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, and more driver-assistance equipment.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new Sport, SE, and Autobahn have a front limited-slip differential and larger brakes as standard equipment. SE and Autobahn output rises from 210 to 220 horsepower for 2017.
Styling
Sport gets distinctive 18-inch Nogaro wheels and unique mirror-cap details. Autobahn gains standard bi-xenon headlights that turn with the steering.
Safety
Autobahn gains standard adaptive cruise control, Front Assist with automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
The SE gets a revised optional Driver Assistance package, while the Autobahn receives a broader set of standard driver-assistance equipment.
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 220 hp | 220 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft | 22.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI a redesign?
No. The 2017 Golf GTI remains the seventh-generation model and keeps the same basic body and platform. It is the final U.S. model year before the 2018 styling and technology update.
What is special about the new 2017 Golf GTI Sport trim?
The 2017 Sport is the performance-focused trim between S and SE. It combines a front limited-slip differential and larger brakes with plaid cloth seats, bi-xenon headlights, keyless start, and 18-inch Nogaro wheels, while leaving out the SE’s leather and sunroof.
Which 2017 Golf GTI trims have the limited-slip differential and larger brakes?
Sport, SE, and Autobahn have the front limited-slip differential and larger brakes as standard equipment for 2017. The base S does not receive those standard upgrades.
What became standard on the 2017 Golf GTI Autobahn?
The 2017 Autobahn gains a front limited-slip differential, larger brakes, bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment.
Is the 2017 Golf GTI meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Yes, mainly in trim packaging rather than basic design. The 2017 model adds the Sport trim, makes upgraded performance hardware standard on Sport, SE, and Autobahn, and gives Autobahn more standard driver-assistance equipment.
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
4.5
2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
(274 reviews)
“Great driving experience . Excellent design and performance. Great value for the money”
“Spacious 4 door hatchback with a manual transmission and Apple Carplay that's fun to drive and has good gas mileage.”