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2022 Volkswagen Golf R: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2022 is the arrival of the fully redesigned eighth-generation Golf R, known as the Mk8. It brings more power, a new all-wheel-drive system, a digital cabin, and standard driver-assistance technology.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
8th generation (Mk8), first U.S. model year of this redesign.
Volkswagen positions the Golf R as the do-everything performance hatch in its lineup: fast and serious enough for enthusiasts, but still practical, comfortable, and understated for daily use. The core appeal is all-weather grip from all-wheel drive, strong turbo power, hatchback cargo flexibility, and a more premium cabin than many sport-compact rivals. It is the mature hot hatch choice for shoppers who want speed without giving up everyday usefulness.
Volkswagen positioned the 2022 Golf R as a well-equipped performance hatchback that balances everyday usefulness with all-weather grip and back-road ability. Its standout features include adaptive suspension, Race, Special, and Drift drive modes, a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated and ventilated Nappa leather front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine replaces the previous engine setup. A new all-wheel-drive system can vary power between the rear wheels, and Race, Special, and Drift drive modes broaden the car’s performance settings.
Safety
Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE safety suite becomes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear traffic alerts.
Tech
The cabin adopts a more digital layout, centered on a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
Structural
The Golf R moves to its fully redesigned eighth generation, known as the Mk8, for its first U.S. model year.
2022 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 | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 34.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Alarm System | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Park Assist | |
| Rear View Camera | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Heated Steering Wheel | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
| Ventilated Front Seats | |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R a new generation?
Yes. The 2022 Golf R is the first U.S. model year of the fully redesigned eighth-generation Mk8 model.
How much horsepower does the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R have?
The 2022 Golf R has 315 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
What changed about the 2022 Golf R’s all-wheel-drive system?
The 2022 Golf R gets a new all-wheel-drive system with rear torque vectoring. It can vary power between the rear wheels to help the car turn more sharply and put its power down more effectively.
Does the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R have Drift mode?
Yes. The redesigned 2022 Golf R has Drift mode, along with Race and Special modes and a steering-wheel shortcut for its performance settings.
What driver-assistance features are standard on the 2022 Golf R?
The 2022 Golf R has standard adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear traffic alerts as part of Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE safety suite.
2022 Volkswagen Golf R Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R.
4.1
2022 Volkswagen Golf R
(48 reviews)
“Good overall car if you're looking for something sporty and fun, though the on-wheel controls could be WAY better optimized”
“You will enjoy the car and its performance. It has everything you would need for a sedan, minus the foldable side mirrors.”