If admitting you’re getting older means confessing to a few white lies, then count me in. Like many, the past gets a rosy filter with time. Did I see iconic bands in dive bars back in the day? Maybe in my dreams. Similarly, my memory of early hot hatches is likely touched by nostalgia. So, when the keys to a 2022 Volkswagen Golf R landed in my hands, it was time for another honest reckoning. I have to admit, my first real experience with the Golf R lineage wasn’t until later in life.
The original Golf GTI was a revelation, but the Golf R took that formula and injected it with even more performance and all-wheel drive. Stepping into the new Golf R, there’s a familiar sense of sporty Volkswagen DNA, evolved and refined. It’s the latest chapter in a hot hatch story I’ve followed, perhaps with a bit of embellished recollection along the way. The short-throw, six-speed manual transmission felt satisfyingly crisp, just as I vaguely remember those early hot hatches feeling. The blend of practicality and sheer driving fun instantly brought back memories of youthful driving adventures.
Front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked on a paved surface, showcasing its sharp lines and sporty stance.
2022 Volkswagen Golf R Review: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification (Manual) | Specification (Automatic) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (As Tested) | $45,185 ($45,185) | $45,985 ($45,985) |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter turbo-four | six-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5,900 rpm | 315 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Curb Weight | 3,417 lbs | 3,481 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 19.9 cubic feet | 19.9 cubic feet |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined | 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined |
| Verdict | Unlikely halo car, impressive but pricey | Unlikely halo car, impressive but pricey |
| Score | 7/10 | 7/10 |
The Volkswagen Golf R: A Hot Hatch Icon Evolved
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R sits at the pinnacle of VW’s hot hatch lineup, arguably the last of its kind to be purely gasoline-powered. While the GTI remains a fantastic option, the Golf R takes the crown as the most potent, most luxurious, and quickest Volkswagen hatch currently available.
From an aesthetic perspective, the Golf R presents a muscular yet understated presence. Compared to the standard Golf, it boasts subtly flared fenders, more aggressive exhaust outlets, and an overall athletic stance. It’s a mature and sophisticated hot hatch, embodying German design principles with its restrained elegance. Even the “Volkswagen” badge on the B-pillar is rendered in a clean, sans-serif font, highlighting functional design over flashy ornamentation.
Stepping inside the Golf R reveals a cabin that’s both impressive and slightly frustrating. The practicality of a four-door hatchback is undeniable, but the interior ergonomics lean heavily into touch-sensitive controls. While visually sleek, these touch interfaces can sometimes complicate simple tasks. For instance, dedicated physical buttons for frequently used climate controls might be more intuitive than the touch sliders, especially while driving.
However, the heart of the Golf R, and its most compelling feature, lies under the hood. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a robust 315 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft in the automatic version). You have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While the manual is engaging, the automatic transmission arguably suits the Golf R’s character better. It provides quicker shifts and a more responsive driving experience. The manual clutch, while functional, is light and lacks some of the tactile feedback that enthusiasts might crave. In previous generations, the manual in the GTI felt more naturally connected, a sentiment that holds true in this iteration as well.
Side profile of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R showcasing its sporty wheels, blue brake calipers, and subtle R badging.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R highlighting its quad exhaust tips and rear diffuser.
Front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R on a winding road, emphasizing its performance and handling capabilities.
Interior view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R cockpit, focusing on the digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls.
Close-up of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R's front grille with the R badge and integrated light bar.
Driving Dynamics: Golf R on the Road
Let’s be honest, our memories of the past often gloss over the discomforts. Those childhood road trips in the family wagon? Probably less idyllic and more cramped than we remember. Similarly, automotive technology has come a long way.
The 2022 Golf R offers a sophisticated driving experience, thanks to its multiple drive modes. These modes adjust various parameters, including suspension firmness, throttle response, exhaust sound, and steering feel. While the temptation to default to “Sport” or “Race” mode is strong, the Golf R’s true strength lies in its dual personality. It’s not just about outright performance; it’s about the impressive balance between exhilarating driving and everyday comfort.
Even when you’re not pushing its limits, the Golf R remains engaging. Volkswagen’s commitment to a responsive engine and well-engineered chassis shines through. For decades, this focus has made their hot hatches consistently fun and rewarding to drive, and the Golf R continues this tradition.
Driver's perspective inside the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, showing hands on the steering wheel and the road ahead on a scenic drive.
Interior view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R cockpit, focusing on the digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls.
Golf R: High Points and Minor Drawbacks
The 2022 Golf R excels as a practical and enjoyable hatchback. However, if you’re considering one, it’s worth test-driving the GTI as well. For most everyday driving scenarios, the GTI delivers comparable performance and driving pleasure at a significantly lower price point. The Golf R elevates the performance dial to eleven, adding all-wheel drive and a noticeable power bump. This extra performance is undeniably exciting, but in many situations, the GTI’s more accessible performance envelope might be more than sufficient.
However, if you crave the ultimate expression of the gasoline-powered Golf, the R delivers. Forget about dissecting its practicality for a moment and appreciate the technological sophistication and pure driving joy it offers. Snicking through the gears of the manual transmission, holding each gear just a bit longer than necessary as you carve through corners – these are the moments that highlight the Golf R’s appeal. Nostalgia for the golden age of hot hatches is a significant part of its charm.
Close-up shot of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R's shift knob and manual transmission gear selector.
The touch controls, a talking point for the Mk8 Golf R and GTI, are a compromise. While they might not be ideal for everyone, they are not a deal-breaker. After spending a week with the Golf R, the touch controls are far from its biggest issue. The real hurdle for many buyers will likely be its price tag.
Features, Options, and Market Rivals
The 2022 VW Golf R starts at $45,185. Beyond the transmission choice (automatic adds $800), options are limited. The as-tested price of $45,185 raises questions about value, particularly within the broader VW lineup. For less money, you could get a VW crossover with all-wheel drive, more ground clearance, and enhanced practicality. In isolation, a $45,000 hatchback demands justification beyond just its powertrain and technology. Some might yearn for a more analog driving experience at this price point.
Front three-quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked in an urban environment.
Rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with its taillights illuminated, parked at dusk.
The Golf R’s competitive set is becoming increasingly narrow. The Subaru WRX STI is discontinued, and the Ford Focus RS is no longer in production. While the Audi RS3 occupies a similar performance space, it’s a different class of vehicle. The Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Type R exist in slightly different segments, each with its own distinct appeal and target audience. The Elantra N is a rising star from a relatively new performance division, while the Civic Type R embraces a more overtly sporty and youthful aesthetic.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
The manual version of the Golf R achieves EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. While official figures for the Toyota GR Corolla and the new Honda Civic Type R are pending, the Golf R is slightly less fuel-efficient than the manual Hyundai Elantra N. Premium fuel is required. For context, the less powerful GTI achieves a more economical 28 mpg combined.
Screenshot of the EPA fuel economy label for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, displaying city, highway, and combined MPG ratings.
Verdict: Value and Final Thoughts on the Golf R
Considered on its own merits, the Golf R is a refined and evolved version of the hot hatch formula. It blends modern technology with the nostalgic appeal of high-performance gasoline cars. For those who remember and appreciate the raw excitement of early hot hatches but now prefer modern comforts, the Golf R offers a compelling package.
However, when viewed within the context of the broader market, the Golf R occupies a niche. It’s a step above the GTI in terms of performance and price, but the GTI already satisfies the needs of most hot hatch enthusiasts for significantly less money. The Golf R has become more specialized, potentially making it a less obvious choice in VW’s evolving lineup, especially as electrification looms.
This generation of the Golf R may well be the last purely gasoline-powered iteration, marking the end of an era. Nostalgia might be the strongest justification for choosing the R over the GTI. If owning a piece of hot hatch history appeals to you, and you’re willing to embrace the touch-sensitive controls, the Golf R has a unique allure. As my high school friend Spicoli might say, it’s a fitting “Aloha” to the gas-powered Golf R era.
