“This is an extremely entertaining vehicle to drive. It has a very sporty feel and is at a good price point for the performance that it provides.”
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a full redesign that introduces the eighth-generation GTI to the U.S. Its biggest change is the move to the new Mk8 platform, bringing stronger performance, a more digital cabin, and updated styling.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8th generation (Mk8), first U.S. model year and full redesign year.
Volkswagen positions the Golf GTI as the original hot hatch: a compact hatchback that mixes real everyday usefulness with lively performance. Its appeal is the balance of quick turbo power, sharp front-drive handling, useful rear-seat and cargo space, strong standard equipment, and an available manual transmission. Compared with many sport compacts, the GTI leans toward balance rather than extremes, aiming to feel fun on a back road, easy to live with in traffic, and polished enough for daily use.
The S is the straightforward enthusiast trim, with plaid heated sport seats, a digital instrument display, and the GTI’s limited-slip differential for better front-wheel grip. The SE adds a 10-inch navigation touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and upgraded lighting, while the Autobahn combines leather seating with adaptive suspension, a head-up display, and added comfort features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The updated 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine rises from 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to 241 hp and 273 lb-ft. The six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic continue.
Styling
The redesigned body gets a lower, sharper front end, new lighting details, an X-shaped fog-light design, and new wheel designs.
Safety
Volkswagen’s driver-assistance suite becomes standard on every trim. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.
Tech
Every trim gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 30-color ambient lighting, and a more touch-focused cabin. The SE gets a 10-inch navigation touchscreen, while its leather seating changes from standard to optional.
Structural
The redesigned chassis adds revised suspension tuning and a new system that coordinates handling responses with the standard electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
2022 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 |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 241 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 34.5 cu-ft | 34.5 cu-ft | 34.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| 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 | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2022 Golf GTI is the first U.S. model year of the eighth-generation Mk8 and has a new body, redesigned cabin, updated chassis, and stronger engine.
How much power does the 2022 Golf GTI make?
The 2022 Golf GTI makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That is an increase from 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft in 2021.
Does the 2022 Golf GTI still have a manual transmission?
Yes. The redesigned 2022 Golf GTI retains a six-speed manual transmission, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the other transmission.
What safety features became standard on the 2022 Golf GTI?
The 2022 Golf GTI makes Volkswagen’s driver-assistance suite standard across the lineup. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.
What are the main differences among the 2022 Golf GTI trims?
The S focuses on the GTI essentials, including plaid sport seats and an 8.25-inch touchscreen. The SE adds a 10-inch navigation screen, panoramic sunroof, and upgraded lighting, while the Autobahn adds leather seating, adaptive suspension, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
4.2
2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
(124 reviews)
“Infotainment system is a complete failure. Hard to use, not intuitive, no buttons, requires you to take eyes off the road to operate the climate control. Other than that, the car is amazing and fun to drive.”
“No question one of the best choices for a small sporty car with 4 doors and cargo space.”