2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Original MSRP Range

$39,785--$40,885

Available Style(s)

Hatchback

MPG

21--22 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy

Find 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Vehicles for Sale

1 vehicles starting at $37,999

What We Like

Engaging turbocharged engine; handling, grip and traction enhanced by standard all-wheel drive; premium interior; highway champ

What We Don't

Pricey; not significantly faster than the GTI

Ratings

Expert Rating

4.1/ 5

Consumer Rating

5.0/ 5

Overview

Which Golf R is the Best?

The normal recommendation is to get the automatic transmission. In this car, it's actually good and allows some opportunity for involvement with its steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. So don't fret if you really want this option. But drivers who like to shift their own gears will find the manual transmission a perfect ingredient in the Golf R recipe.

Find a Volkswagen Golf R for sale

How Much Does a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Cost?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R ($40,635) comes as one well-stocked model.

Standard equipment includes 19-in alloy wheels, aerodynamic body additions, quad exhaust pipes with chromed tips, keyless entry/push-button ignition, automatic/adaptive headlights with LED running lights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, leather-wrapped steering wheel/brake lever/shift knob, leather seating surfaces, dual-zone climate control, 12.3-in digital instrument display, self-dimming rearview mirror, ambient cabin lighting with LED reading lights, leather seating surfaces, heated front sport seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, drive mode selection, adaptive suspension (DCC), rearview camera, Bluetooth, infotainment system with 8-in touchscreen, navigation, three USB ports, SD card slot, satellite/HD radio and a Fender-branded audio system.

The DSG transmission costs another $1,100.

Like other Golf hatchbacks, the R enjoys some of the most generous cargo space in its class: 22.8 cu ft. behind the rear seats and 52.7 cu ft. when those seats are folded down.

Golf R Trims

Hatchback	Original MSRP / Price	Engine	Horsepower	City MPG / Hwy MPG	Transmission	Drive
Golf R 2.0T DSG w/DCC/Nav	$40,885 / $39,250	4 Cylinder Turbo	292	22 / 29	6-Speed Manual	AWD4WD
Golf R 2.0T Manual w/DCC/Nav	$39,785 / $38,193	4 Cylinder Turbo	292	N/A	6-Speed Manual	AWD4WD

Safety

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R a Safe Car?

The Golf R comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, hill hold assist, and six airbags (front, front side, side curtain airbags). Post-collision braking is also standard and something of a Volkswagen specialty. In the event of a collision, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the chance of a secondary impact. The adaptive cruise control doesn't work below 19 mph when paired with the manual transmission; it will bring the car to a complete stop if necessary when paired with the DSG transmission.

Other standard safety features include forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors with Maneuver Braking and automatic high beams.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Golf R a maximum overall score of five stars; four for front impact protection and five for side impact protection.

The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 4-door regular Golf its highest rating of Good in every category and made it a Top Safety Pick Plus.

Frontal Crash Rating

Overall Rating

Rollover Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Crash Rating

5 Year Cost to Own

$46,008 ($0.61 per mile)

5-Year Cost to Own includes out of pocket expenses like fuel and insurance, plus the cars loss in value over time (depreciation)See Detailed Cost to Own

Warranty

Original Warranty

Basic	6 Years/72,000 Miles
Drivetrain	6 Years/72,000 Miles
Corrosion	7 Years/100,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance	3 Years/36,000 Miles

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction

4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Brake Assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Traction Control

Passenger Restraint

Child Safety Locks
Driver Air Bag
Passenger Air Bag
Rear Side Curtain Airbags
Side Air Bag
Side Head Air Bag

Road Visibility

Daytime Running Lights

Accident Prevention

Bluetooth, Hands-Free
Parking assist
Rearview Camera

Security

Alarm System
Telematics
Vehicle Anti-Theft System

Packages

Payload

Competition

2018 Volkswagen Golf R vs the competition

2018 BMW M240i xDrive -- Smaller and not quite as practical (though its trunk is pretty accommodating at 13.8 cu ft.), the 335-hp M240i xDrive also has all-wheel drive.

2018 Ford Focus RS -- The Focus is another compact hatchback with another world-class chassis. The full-on RS version beats the Golf R with 350 hp going to all four wheels. Anyone thinking about an R really has to check out the RS. But don't procrastinate, Ford is pulling the plug on it.

2018 Honda Civic Type-R -- Front-drive/manual transmission only. But 306 hp, limited-slip differential and 20-in alloy wheels are all part of a recipe for sharp handling and sharp looks.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 -- Runs with 375 hp going to all four wheels. Slightly more of a crossover than a regular hatch and firmly in the $50,000 region.

2018 Mini Hardtop John Cooper Works -- Less expensive than a Golf R, smaller, less powerful (228 hp) and only front-wheel-driven. But one of the most entertaining rides around.

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI -- Take a GTI for a spin to see if it works well enough. It has 220 hp and sprints from standstill to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. For many drivers, this is all perfectly fine.

Used BMW M3 -- For power, poise and prestige, there's nothing better.