VW Golf R vs. VW Golf GTI: How to Choose the Right Hatchback

Where to Find the New Volkswagen Golf for Sale Near You in Utah

The VW Golf has a rich and colorful history of delivering big things to drivers in a relatively small package. Along with the VW Beetle, the Golf has always run on the small side since it made its debut in the 1970s. However, unlike the Beetle, the Golf packs some serious zip.

Always has. Always will.

That’s why drivers get hyped up when they hear there’s a new Volkswagen Golf for sale, especially when it’s followed by those three important letters: GTI. Drivers and reviewers alike understand that the Volkswagen Golf GTI knows how to bring it in the areas of speed, agility, handling, and quality of ride.

The VW Golf GTI is so popular among hatchback enthusiasts that the automaker decided to one-up themselves with an even speedier variety – the VW Golf R. So, what exactly is the difference between the GTI and the R? We’ll break down what makes each vehicle distinct. Afterwards, we’ll tell you where you can find a VW dealership near you for test driving.

VW Golf GTI vs. VW Golf R – Main Specs and Performance Differences

The first thing you’ll notice when comparing the VW Golf R to the Golf GTI is that they both fall in line with the classic hatchback body style. However, there are design elements that make each vehicle distinct. For instance, the 2023 GTI has the signature red accents all throughout, keeping with the tradition of the prior iterations before it. On the other hand, the R has a slightly longer rear spoiler and a more traditional front grille compared to the GTI’s honeycomb-patterned one. The Golf GTI’s wheels are 18” compared to the R’s which are 19”. Regarding storage, both offer the same max capacity of 34.5 cubic feet (with the back seats folded down).

The differences between these two hatchbacks becomes far more apparent when comparing performance aspects. Each Golf can be outfitted with either a 2.0 TSI 6-speed manual engine or a 2.0 TSI 7-speed DSG® automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and Sport mode. However, the VW Golf R comes with 4MOTION® control, which means that it features all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive.

4MOTION® control technology also ensures better handling, cornering, and overall maneuverability on tricky surfaces. Further, the VW Golf GTI provides up to 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque compared to the VW Golf R which delivers 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re comparing the Golf R to the Golf GTI on performance alone, the Golf R delivers a lot more power, acceleration, and far better handling. Don’t get us wrong, the Golf GTI is a fantastic high-performance hatchback; the Golf R is simply superior in these ways.

VW Golf GTI vs. VW Golf R – Price, Features, and Warranty

The area where the VW Golf GTI wins is on price. It has a starting MSRP of just $30,530 compared to the VW Golf R’s starting MSRP of $44,740. Naturally, this begs the question, “Why is there such a price discrepancy?” You already know that the R has the GTI beat on performance. That alone should justify it; however, the VW Golf R also comes with a lot of additional features the entry level GTI doesn’t have. Some of the top ones include:

• Discover Pro: 10″ touchscreen navigation and AM/FM/HD Radio
• Dynamic road sign display
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Integrated light bar
• 12-way power adjustable driver seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Leather seating surfaces
• Leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel, heated, with touch control and shifting paddles
• Electromechanical dynamic progressive power steering system
• Multimode DCC and adaptive chassis control
• Heads-up display for driver
• Poor weather lights
• Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof
• Climatronic® Touch three-zone automatic climate control with advanced air filter
• XDS cross differential system
• Keyless access with push-button start/stop
• Park assist with park distance control

As you can see, the VW Golf R is packed to the gills with features. For a little extra, you’ll get the most elevated version of a Volkswagen hatchback ever assembled. However, the Golf GTI has four trims to choose from if you’re not ready to make that leap.

Whichever you choose, you can be sure that each new Volkswagen Golf for sale will come with one of America’s leading warranties – Carefree Coverage. This warranty from VW consists of four types of coverages and services intended to keep your new car in pristine condition, including maintenance, roadside assistance, a wide-coverage warranty, and myVW remote access. Whenever you visit the VW service center, Carefree Coverage will appear in your records, making the process simple and easy.

Test Drive the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI at VW SouthTowne in Utah!

Now that you know more about what sets the VW Golf R apart from the VW Golf GTI, the next step is to take them for a test drive. The VW SouthTowne dealership is currently awaiting both models, so your best bet is to contact us directly to let us know you’re interested in seeing these vehicles. Once they arrive, we’ll reach back out to let you know they’re ready for test driving.

Visit VW SouthTowne today, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. You can also contact us by phone by calling (801) 988-5825 or by emailing us via the contact form on our website.

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