The Volkswagen Golf has long been an icon around the world, serving as both a practical economy car and hot hatch for millions. For 2025, VW has made some updates for the Mark 8.5 Golf GTI and R, which are the only models available in the US. So, is this still the ultimate Hot Hatch for your driveway?? This article will cover all the detailed specs of the Refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Golf but be sure to watch our full in-depth review for all the visual details!

What’s New for 2025?

  • Updated front and rear fascias with new wheels
  • Updated interior with new tech
  • No More Manual option
  • R receives engine upgrades

Trims and Pricing

MSRP

S: $32,445

SE: $37,420

Autobahn: $40,880

R AWD: $47,100

Prices rise some for 2025, but they remain in line with most competition, and VW sweetens the deal with lots of luxury.

Air Ball and Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk: Both models are packaged really well with many rare options

Air Ball: We wish the GTI kept its manual transmission, and both models a lower price

Design and Features

While the refreshed design on this updated Golf is by no means radical, we consider that a good thing for an icon such as this. All models are rocking new bumpers and lighting fixtures, with the R ramping up aggressiveness as the range topping model. You can also black elements out on the R with the Black Edition. For more design details, watch our detailed full review at the bottom of this article!

As for the features, here is a breakdown of what we know will be on the 2025 Volkswagen Golf:

Feature

Availability

Exterior

LED Headlights

Standard Adaptive LEDs with Light Bar and Lighted Emblem

LED Fog Lamps

Accents Lamps on the GTI only

Wheels

18 or 19-in alloys depending on trim

Mirrors

Standard Blind Spot Monitor, heating, and Power folding

LED Taillights

Standard Full LED

Exhausts

Dual on GTI | Quads on R

Forward Emergency Braking

Standard on all Golf models

Lane Keep Assist

Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist

Auto High Beams

SE+

 

The interior of the Golf also sees some much-needed improvements for this year!

Interior

Smart Entry

SE+

Materials

Cloth, Leather, and Nappa Leather Options

Seat Adjustment

Standard: Manual | Autobahn+: 12-way power & Memory

Push Button Start

Standard

Steering Wheel

Leather Wrapped and Heating Standard

Rain Sensing Wipers

Standard

Gauge Cluster

Standard: 10.25-in full digital display | HUD on Autobahn+

Wireless Charging

Newly Standard with more power and ventilation

360 Degree Camera

Not available | Parking Sensors Standard

Single Zone Automatic Climate

Standard | Three Zone: Autobahn+

Heated and Ventilated Seats

Standard: Heating | Vented on Autobahn+

Audio

Standard: 7-speakers | SE+: 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio

Infotainment

Standard: 12.9-inches with Wireless connections and built-in navigation

Auto Dimming Mirror

Standard

Moonroof

SE+

 

The rear seats are surprisingly well-equipped, especially on top models. 

Rear Amenities

USBs

Standard

Rear Vents

Standard

Heated Rear Seats

Autobahn+

Power Rear Hatch

Not Available

 

For in depth details on the 2025 Golf, watch our full first look review linked at the bottom of this article.

LOOKING TO BUY One OF THis VEHICLE?

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What’s Under the Hood?

The Golf still offers two engines for 2025, with both providing ample power for enthusiasts:

GTI: 2.0L Turbo-4 cylinder: 241 hp and 273 lb.ft

R: Upgraded 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder: 328 hp and 295 lb.ft (+13 hp from ECU tune)

All models will have an 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, as the manual was discontinued for this year. The GTI is FWD only while the R comes with standard 4Motion AWD. The Fuel Economy for 2025 is as follows:

GTI DSG: 24/32/27 MPG

R DSG: 22/31/25 MPG

We hope you have found this overview of the 2025 Volkswagen Golf helpful! For a more detailed first look of the Golf, please watch our video below! What do you think of the new Golf? Let us know in the comments!