“They are no longer available. Very nice and sporty car, comfortable in the comfort settings, roomy, good storage, good tech, great daily driver with no need to worry about ground clearance or road surfaces.”
2019 Volkswagen Golf R: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main 2019 change was the trim lineup: Volkswagen dropped the Base trim and added the 4Motion trim. Beyond that, the Golf R was a quiet carryover with no major changes to its performance hardware, styling, safety features, or cabin tech.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
Mk7.5 version of the seventh-generation Golf, final U.S. model year before the redesigned Mk8 Golf R arrived for 2022.
Volkswagen positions the Golf R as a fast, premium-feeling hatchback that blends everyday usefulness with serious pace. Its main draw is that it does not force a tradeoff between fun and practicality: it has real cargo space, all-wheel-drive traction, a polished cabin, and strong turbo power. Compared with louder rivals, the Golf R stands out by being more understated in its design and easier to live with every day while still feeling genuinely quick.
The 2019 Golf R is a well-equipped performance hatchback built to be quick and sure-footed while remaining comfortable for everyday driving. Its highlights include a 288-horsepower turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, adjustable suspension, a digital instrument display, navigation, and Fender premium audio.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The Base trim was dropped, and the 4Motion trim was added. The Golf R otherwise retained its established one-trim, well-equipped format.
2019 Volkswagen Golf R specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 288 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 52.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Power Driver Seat | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R compared with the 2018 model?
The trim lineup was the main change for 2019: the Base trim was dropped, and the 4Motion trim was added. The engine, all-wheel-drive system, adjustable suspension, safety equipment, and cabin technology carried over without major changes.
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R redesigned?
No, the 2019 Golf R was not redesigned. It was the final U.S. model year of the Mk7.5 version before the Golf R left the market for 2020 and later returned as a redesigned 2022 model.
Did the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R get a new engine?
No, the 2019 Golf R kept its 288-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic-transmission versions remained paired with all-wheel drive.
What technology comes in the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R?
The 2019 Golf R has a digital instrument display, an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Fender premium audio system with a subwoofer. Its standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R a major update over the 2018 model?
No, the 2019 Golf R is not a major update over the 2018 model. Apart from the trim-lineup change, its core mechanical equipment, styling, safety features, and cabin technology remained substantially the same.
2019 Volkswagen Golf R Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R.
4.3
2019 Volkswagen Golf R
(141 reviews)
“The Golf R is a well-made, fun driver, that is comparable to German cars above its price point.”
“Save more money for upgrades because the factory detunes the car a lot, but also get it because its awesome.”