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2019 Volkswagen GTI

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OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2019 2.0T S 4dr Hatchback
most popular
Price:   -  From $27,595
2019 2.0T Rabbit Edition 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $28,895
2019 2.0T SE 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $31,795
2019 2.0T Autobahn 4dr Hatchback Price:   -  From $35,995

Overview

The 2019 Volkswagen GTI is a compact performance hatchback with room for five. This front-wheel-drive model comes with a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a limited-slip differential, which make the GTI a true track pleaser.

What's New for 2019

Volkswagen continues to turn up the heat in the segment even as competitors such as the Ford Focus ST depart. Volkswagen’s on again, off again flirtation with the Rabbit name is back on, thanks to a limited-edition GTI Rabbit edition slotting between the S and SE trims. A newly-available Driver Assistance Package comes to the SE. Other changes include an updated front end. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also now available.

Volkswagen GTI

Choosing Your Volkswagen GTI

The 2019 Volkswagen GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This small sport hatchback has a six-speed manual transmission or a newly available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission ($1,100 extra). Models with the manual gearbox make an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 combined. The GTI with the automatic transmission delivers 25/31/27 mpg (city/highway/combined). All models take regular grade gasoline. When fueled with premium grade, the GTI makes 230 horsepower.

Volkswagen outfits the 2019 GTI with a long list of standard features, including LED lights, heated front washer nozzles, aluminum-alloy wheels, a sport steering wheel wrapped in leather, sport front seats with driver lumbar support, heated front seats, and a six-speaker audio package.

The VW GTI is available in four trims:

Volkswagen GTI

Rabbit Edition

The Rabbit name is nothing new and has been swapped with the Golf previously. Under the GTI umbrella, it represents a tribute or heritage model and starts at $29,790. It builds on the base model, adding LED headlights with adaptive lights and keyless entry with push-button start. Two special exterior colors, Urano Grey and Cornflower Blue, offer a handsome complement to the Clark Plaid seating inside. Other modifications include special badging and red-trimmed floor mats. Beginning with this trim, Volkswagen includes the safety equipment from the Driver Assistance Package as standard.

Volkswagen GTI

SE

Starting at $32,690, the GTI SE adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen display with a CD player. Satellite radio and an upgraded security package are also included. The Experience Package ($860) bundles a Fender premium audio system and VW's dynamic chassis control (DCC).

Volkswagen GTI

Autobahn

The top-trim GTI Autobahn starts at $36,890. It adds features such as adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and navigation. This model gains DCC chassis control, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and a Fender audio system. Summer tires are a no-cost upgrade.

CarsDirect Tip

You can’t go wrong with any of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI trims. The base model with the Driver Assistance Package delivers solid value. The Rabbit Edition, however, is the sentimental favorite. The only dilemma facing shoppers is choosing between the manual and quick-shifting automatic. Choose the latter if maximizing your speed times takes priority over rowing your own.

Get your price on a Volkswagen GTI »

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Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Natural athleticism. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been the benchmark for the hot hatchback segment, and that continues for this model year. With a 228-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the GTI provides great thrust with little lag. In keeping with appealing to those that like to drive, a six-speed manual transmission is still standard.

Besides the Golf GTI's punchy engine, the hatchback is incredibly balanced around corners. When barreling down a winding road, the hatchback provides excellent feedback, while the suspension feels dialed in. There's a nimbleness in the entire chassis that others just haven't been able to replicate.

Good cargo capacity. The GTI may be geared toward performance, but it hasn't lost its versatility. With the second row in place, the GTI can hold up to 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space. That figure expands to 53.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down – all of this while offering a sporty ride and excellent driving dynamics.

Better than average fuel economy. Despite being a sporty hatchback, the GTI manages to get good fuel economy for the segment. When equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the vehicle has EPA ratings of 25 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg highway, and 27 combined.

So-so safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the GTI and didn't name the vehicle as one of its Top Safety Picks. The reason being the vehicle's “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The IIHS also found the GTI to have “Basic” front crash prevention.

Some of the GTI's competitors, like the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT, received higher ratings. Hyundai's option was named a Top Safety Pick.

Conservative styling. With a turbocharged engine, excellent handling, and a sporty lineage, one would think that VW would endow a more aggressive design into the GTI. That, though, isn't the case. The Golf GTI is one of the more conservatively styled sporty cars on the market.

While this will appeal to some, it could dissuade others. The good news about the safe design is that the Golf GTI will continue to look good as it ages. Competitors have aggressive, over-the-top styling, but the Golf GTI doesn't, making it an understated performance vehicle. Unless you know what you're looking for, the GTI looks like any other Golf for the most part.


Volkswagen GTI

Final thoughts. When it comes to a usable performance vehicle that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, the 2019 VW Golf GTI is hard to beat. Not only is it fun to drive on the track or a good winding road, it's also practical and civilized to commute in.

A peppy engine, a well-sorted suspension, and a proper six-speed manual (or a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic) all make the GTI the complete package. The hatchback body style brings some extra versatility, too. If there's one complaint, it's the vehicle's lack of character compared to the competition.

The Ford Fiesta ST is livelier and more enjoyable to drive., though that vehicle has a rental car interior. The Elantra GT is a better option in terms of value. Hyundai introduced a new Veloster recently, but while that has loads of character, it's smaller and has an asymmetrical design that some may not like.

Check prices for the 2019 Volkswagen GTI »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 228 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 7-spd Tiptronic auto-shift man w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
24 / 32 / 28 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 228 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
24 / 32 / 28 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
53.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
93 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
168.0 "
Exterior Width
70.8 "
Exterior Height
57.8 "
Front Headroom
38.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.1 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,062 Lbs. / 3,128 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way (2-way Power)
Front Armrests
6-way (2-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Fcw W/autonomous Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitor Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Pedestrian Monitoring Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer Iii
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2019 Volkswagen GTI for Sale

Other Volkswagen GTI Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Volkswagen GTI years that you might be interested in.

Volkswagen
2.0T SE
Color: Deep Black Pearl
Price

$33,995

Mileage

11,312 mi

Map location icon

Volkswagen of Hartford (94 mi)

Phone: (860) 969-0139
Volkswagen
2.0T S
Color: Deep Black Pearl
Price

$30,995

Mileage

8,513 mi

Map location icon

Volkswagen of Hartford (94 mi)

Phone: (860) 969-0139
Volkswagen
Sport Hatchback Sedan 4D
Color: BLACK
Price

$15,495

Mileage

118,890 mi

Map location icon

Auto Connection LLC (79 mi)

Volkswagen
2.0T Autobahn
Price

$34,659

Mileage

19,351 mi

Map location icon

Mitchell Selig Ford (90 mi)

See All Used Car Listings

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