“2019 VW GTI SE, it is everything they say it is, a great mix of practicality and performance. Excellent build quality, understated styling. Very happy with it.”
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a lineup-wide performance upgrade: every trim gets 228 horsepower, larger brakes, and a limited-slip front differential. It is a meaningful mechanical update rather than a redesign.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7th generation GTI (2015-2021), second year of the facelifted Mk7.5 update introduced for 2018.
Volkswagen positions the Golf GTI as the classic hot hatch: quick and playful enough to feel special, but practical enough to serve as an everyday five-door. The 2019 brochure leans on turbo power, sharp styling, and hatchback usefulness, while reviewers highlight the same blend of fun handling, usable rear-seat space, and cargo flexibility. Its core appeal is getting real driver involvement without giving up daily-driver comfort and everyday practicality.
The S keeps the GTI formula simple with plaid heated sport seats, a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the newly standard performance hardware. The limited-run Rabbit Edition adds special colors, black exterior details, LED headlights, keyless entry, and more safety equipment, while SE brings leather and a sunroof. Autobahn is the fully equipped version, with navigation, premium audio, an adjustable suspension, and the broadest driver-assistance package.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 2.0-liter turbo engine rises from 220 to 228 horsepower across the lineup. Larger vented brakes and the VAQ limited-slip front differential become standard on every trim, and the automatic changes from a 6-speed to a 7-speed DSG.
Styling
The limited-run Rabbit Edition joins the lineup between S and SE. It has special colors, gloss-black 18-inch wheels, a black rear spoiler, and Rabbit-specific plaid seat trim.
Safety
Driver-assistance equipment spreads farther down the lineup. Rabbit Edition and SE include forward-collision warning with pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while Autobahn has the most complete safety package.
2019 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 | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/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 | 228 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp | 228 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 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| 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
How is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI different from the 2018 model?
The 2019 GTI gets 228 horsepower instead of 220, and every trim gains larger brakes and a limited-slip front differential. Automatic models move from a 6-speed to a 7-speed DSG, the Rabbit Edition joins the range, and leather becomes standard on SE.
What is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition?
The Rabbit Edition is a limited-run trim positioned between S and SE. It combines plaid heated sport seats with special colors, black 18-inch wheels, a black rear spoiler, LED headlights, keyless entry, and added driver-assistance features.
Does every 2019 Golf GTI have the upgraded brakes and limited-slip differential?
Yes. Every 2019 Golf GTI trim has larger vented brakes and the VAQ limited-slip front differential, hardware that had previously been reserved for upper trims.
Did the 2019 Golf GTI get a new automatic transmission?
Yes. The 2019 GTI replaces the previous 6-speed DSG automatic with a 7-speed DSG automatic wherever an automatic transmission is fitted.
Are the same driver-assistance features included on every 2019 Golf GTI trim?
No. Driver-assistance equipment varies by trim. Rabbit Edition and SE include forward-collision warning with pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while Autobahn adds features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and parking assistance.
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
4.4
2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI
(242 reviews)
“8th Gti I've owned and they continue to live up to their reputation. They don't do any one thing outstanding, they do everything great. Power, economy, styling, handling and versatility. The Gti has it all.”
“The GTI is a car for many people, people who love to drive, who crave the excitement of driving and who enjoy the flexibility of driving both a sports car and a car that makes sense. The GTI is a car that crosses all ages and backgrounds.”