Golf GTI/R Earns Spot on Car and Driver 10Best for 2026

Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatches are celebrating another major milestone. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R have both been named to Car and Driver magazine’s prestigious 2026 10Best Cars list—further cementing their reputations as benchmarks for performance, practicality, and everyday driving fun.

This latest recognition marks an incredible 20th appearance for the Golf GTI on the 10Best list, a testament to its enduring appeal and its role in creating the modern hot-hatch segment. The Golf R earns its fifth 10Best honor, continuing its rise as one of the most compelling all-weather performance cars on the market.

Why the GTI and Golf R Keep Winning

According to Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga, the latest updates played a key role in this year’s recognition:

“We’ve always loved the current Volkswagen GTI’s mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality, but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list. And, the Golf R’s design looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.”

Both models were refreshed for the 2025 model year with updated exterior and interior designs, upgraded infotainment systems, and an expanded suite of driver assistance features—changes that continue into 2026 and help keep the Golf lineup competitive and compelling.

Golf GTI: The Original Hot Hatch, Still Going Strong

Few cars can claim the legacy of the Golf GTI. For 2026, it remains available in S, SE, and Autobahn trims, delivering its signature balance of performance and usability at an accessible price point.

• Starting MSRP: $34,590 (S trim)
• Engaging driving dynamics
• Practical hatchback versatility
• Updated interior and technology for 2026

It’s a formula that has resonated with drivers for decades—and one that continues to win over new enthusiasts.

Golf R: Power, Precision, and Everyday Performance

The Golf R takes the GTI’s hot-hatch DNA and turns everything up a notch. Following its recent refresh, the Golf R now delivers 328 horsepower, up from 315, making it quicker and more capable than ever.

• Starting MSRP: $49,455
• 0–60 mph in just 4.1 seconds
• Standard model lineup for 2026
• Available Euro Style Package, featuring:
• Akrapovič™ titanium exhaust
• European sport seats
• Sunroof delete
• Nearly 80 pounds of weight savings

It’s a car that blends understated design with serious performance—perfect for drivers who want a true sports car feel without sacrificing daily usability.

A Win for Volkswagen—and Drivers

“Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go.”

The Car and Driver 10Best awards evaluate vehicles based on value, fun, and mission fulfillment, with more than 90 vehicles tested over two weeks for the 2026 list. To earn a spot, vehicles must be priced under $115,000 and available for sale in the U.S. by January 31, 2026—criteria the GTI and Golf R meet with room to spare.

Looking Ahead

With a combined 25 appearances on the 10Best list, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R continue to prove that great driving experiences don’t have to come at the expense of practicality or value. Whether you’re drawn to the playful spirit of the GTI or the blistering performance of the Golf R, Volkswagen’s hot hatches remain among the very best cars you can buy.