2018
Volkswagen Golf R

Starts at:
$40,885
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New 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.0T Manual w/DCC/Nav
    Starts at
    $39,785
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2.0T DSG w/DCC/Nav
    Starts at
    $40,885
    22 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Notable features

Four-door hatchback body style
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Manual or automatic transmission
All-wheel drive standard
Adaptive suspension available
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity available

The good & the bad

The good

Punchy, smooth-revving engine
Front sport seats
Adult-size backseat
Versatile cargo space
Fender audio system's clarity

The bad

Drivetrain lag (automatic transmission)
Clutch feel (manual transmission)
Lack of steering feedback
Noisy motorized backup camera
Hefty price premium over Golf GTI
See all specifications

Expert 2018 Volkswagen Golf R review

img 1443690600 1534542931379 jpg
Our expert's take
By Matt Schmitz
Full article
img 1443690600 1534542931379 jpg

In his critique of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley says that, although Mercedes-Benz vehicles are on the spendy side even at their starting price, this luxury performance car makes a case for its as-tested $87,000. Boasting an impressive combo of advanced tech features, a plush interior, satisfying performance and that intangible cachet, the E400 coupe isn’t one note but instead plays the whole song.

Related: More Expert Car Reviews

“Swift, comfortable and elegant, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe is rewarding to drive and offers a long list of advanced safety features,” Hanley writes.

To match our favorable review, this week the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 lands in the No. 1 spot on our Top 5 most popular expert reviews of the week.

Meanwhile, topping this week’s roster of most-watched videos is one featuring yours truly as I debunk commonly held car myths, first airing on our weekly “Driving Smart” TV segment that airs coast-to-coast on local network news affiliates of the TEGNA group.

Top 5 Reviews

1. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe Review: It’s Time for Some Me-Time

2. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Review: Lighter, Stronger, User-Friendlier and More Comfortable, But Not Cheaper

3. 2018 Ford Mustang Review: Anything You Want, for a Price

4. 2018 Lexus LX 570 2-Row Review: Pay Less, Get More Space

5. 2019 Subaru Ascent: Ready to Conquer a Family’s Everyday Adventures

Top 5 Videos

1. Clever Car Hacks

2. 2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

3. 2018 Hyundai Kona: First Drive

4. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante

5. What’s The Best Luxury Compact SUV for 2018?

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Assistant Managing Editor-News
Matt Schmitz

Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.

2018 Volkswagen Golf R review: Our expert's take
By Matt Schmitz

In his critique of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley says that, although Mercedes-Benz vehicles are on the spendy side even at their starting price, this luxury performance car makes a case for its as-tested $87,000. Boasting an impressive combo of advanced tech features, a plush interior, satisfying performance and that intangible cachet, the E400 coupe isn’t one note but instead plays the whole song.

Related: More Expert Car Reviews

“Swift, comfortable and elegant, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe is rewarding to drive and offers a long list of advanced safety features,” Hanley writes.

To match our favorable review, this week the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 lands in the No. 1 spot on our Top 5 most popular expert reviews of the week.

Meanwhile, topping this week’s roster of most-watched videos is one featuring yours truly as I debunk commonly held car myths, first airing on our weekly “Driving Smart” TV segment that airs coast-to-coast on local network news affiliates of the TEGNA group.

Top 5 Reviews

1. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe Review: It’s Time for Some Me-Time

2. 2018 Jeep Wrangler Review: Lighter, Stronger, User-Friendlier and More Comfortable, But Not Cheaper

3. 2018 Ford Mustang Review: Anything You Want, for a Price

4. 2018 Lexus LX 570 2-Row Review: Pay Less, Get More Space

5. 2019 Subaru Ascent: Ready to Conquer a Family’s Everyday Adventures

Top 5 Videos

1. Clever Car Hacks

2. 2018 Honda Civic Type R Vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf R

3. 2018 Hyundai Kona: First Drive

4. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante

5. What’s The Best Luxury Compact SUV for 2018?

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Safety review

Based on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
6 years / 72,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
6 years / 72,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2016
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    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.9 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.9
Performance 5.0
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

By BH Wisconsin from Neenah, Wisconsin
Owns this car
October 19, 2023

Best vehicle I've ever owned

I've owned this vehicle 2019-2023 (and counting). I'm 70yrs old and can say this is the best car I've ever owned. Performance, comfort and styling are 5.0. Most in my age group don't understand the Golf R until they get to drive it.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
By Bryan from Cleveland, Oh
Owns this car
October 15, 2022

No compromise, all year commuter race car. Yes!

The only "compromise" with this vehicle is it is smaller than most other vehicles on the road here in the US. The Golf R will have you quicker than 99% while getting 30 mpg. Fold the rear seats down put just about anything in the car with you. When you get done hauling stuff around, take it to the race track. When you get done lapping all the cars that were carried to the track, in a trailer, park it in your driveway. If you think this vehicle is an all climate, all season commuter vehicle, you are right. No need to rush the purchase. Drive a dozen, at least. This car, in my opinion, has no real compromises. My advice is , to not compromise color, wheel style, low/high milage, a scratch/dent or anything you may see yourself considering as important to you.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all reviews

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Volkswagen dealers near you

See all Volkswagen dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Volkswagen Golf R owners.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.9
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.7

Volkswagen Golf R history

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