2019 Volkswagen GTI | CarGurus Test Drive Review 

Possibly the perfect all around daily driver . GTI owners already know this.

I have a 17’ S, I love it. A lot of people don’t like how “plain” it is on the inside (minus the plaid), and how plain it is on the outside, but that is actually a huge positive for me. I love the no nonsense tech, no unnecessary touchscreen sliders, a simple straight forward infotainment that is fast WITH android auto and apple car play, actual volume knobs and REAL buttons, it’s the perfect amount of tech. For MPG, I legit get 40+ mpg on the highway if I’m not hammering it, not a word of a lie. It drives very good, it’s quicker than most cars on the road, fun to drive, and feels good to drive. You always feel connected, DSG or manual. I regret nothing. 10/10 car. It does everything.

GTI boys, where you at?

I absolutly love my GTI! It is a fantasticly easy manual to use and as soon as you put it into sport mode it changes the car completely.

I have 80k+ miles on a pure white MK7 GTI Autobahn that was purchased brand new in 2015. Will be 4years old this April. Live in WI and commute to work in MN. Drive it all year through nearly every weather condition imaginable. It’s been a fantastic car. Zero problems. Zero complaints. My only wish is for the now standard led brake lights, larger hd infotainment screen and two less door dings on the drivers side of the car (not cool children’s museum parking ramp in St. Paul). Highly recommended. Would I purchase the car again...? yes. For enthusiasts of the GTI - all eyes will be on the upcoming MK8. Which should be revealed at the Geneva Auto Show later in 2019. Great video offering an authentic review. Thanks for posting.

Picking up a white 2020 6sp GTI base with drivers assist package in 5 days!! 11 years ago i bought a 2010 golf 2.5L and ever since that day i wanted the GTI! FINALLY!!!

It was love at first drive for the GTI, I bought the SE. Amazing little pocket rocket!

I got the Rabbit DSG this week and love it. Chris nails the mindset you get when you hop in one. The power comes so easy and the car is so nimble that it's difficult to keep yourself in check. When you feel like you can do anything on the road it's hard not to push it. The car looks great and performs better but it has that unassuming look and I love that combination. Unless you are particularly large or have a big family the car will be plenty spacious for you and I find the seats quite comfortable. Can't say enough good things about this car, if you are on the fence, get it! Wanted to add that I didn't get a rabbit badge with mine, I don't know if VW will mail me one or why it wasn't on the car, but I want one.

Absolutely love my 19 GTI autobahn!! Best driving car ive ever owned! Better than my Lexus IS350! Thank you VW!

I own this car in Urano Grey. A couple of things for those of you who are on the fence---the seats are better than they appear--really well bolstered, and firm. The overall build quality is excellent. Pair it with Android Auto, and you're good to go-- Spotify and Waze are great. Spotify, in particular, will substantially boost what is a pretty ordinary head unit. Overall, I take several unnecessary daily drives because I enjoy the car so much.

I own a 2018 Autobahn GTI. It's the most versatile "do it (nearly) all" vehicle I've ever owned. Mine is the DSG (automated manual, not automatic) transmission. After many, many years of having at least one MT vehicle in my garage I chose the DSG in part so my soon-to-be-driving daughter could share it. (And it's not because she can't learn to drive an MT. Nuff said.) But even if that weren't a consideration, I've come to LOVE the dual clutch transmission. It gives me every bit as much control and "engagement" (in "manual" mode) as an MT with better performance and the option of turning over shifting duties to the transmission when I'm stuck in stop-n-go 5-25 mph freeway traffic. No apologies or excuses for the choice. Until one has owned or driven a GTI for an extended period, it may be difficult to understand its strong appeal to its fans. When I was shopping last year I looked seriously at the EcoSport Mustang and at the 2.0L Accord and the Mazda6 . Each had its strong points. But when I sat in the GTI, I felt at home. Controls exactly where they should be. Easily accessible and usable power. A perfect size. Near small SUV cargo capacity when I need it. Room for me, my wife, daughter, and big dog in comfort. Here in Washington it qualifies for a ferry discount for vehicles 14 ft and less in length. :) Driven sanely I average around 27 mpg and up to 34 on long freeway slogs. The challenge is remaining "sane" on mountain roads in the Cascades. For those who feel the American version of the GTI is underpowered, drive it before you reach that conclusion. But if more power is required, thirty minutes and about $800 will give you another 60+ HP, and substantial torque improvement via an ECU tune. Believe me, you'll feel it. And with a DSG you don't have to budget for periodic clutch replacement. By the way, contrary to rumor, it won't cancel your warranty. My "tuner friendly" VW dealer even recommends a local tuning shop. Other VW dealers even offer tuning services, themselves. And if that's not enough reassurance APR offers a third party warranty that matches the excellent six year, 72K VW warranty. Americans sometimes complain about the GTI features and individual options available to European buyers (e.g. digital cockpit, numerous color choices) that aren't available here. That can be a bit disappointing but it's balanced by the price we pay for a GTI. I purchased a fully loaded DSG Autobahn model last spring for $32,043 plus TTL. The MSRP for a (largely) comparably equipped model in Europe amounted to about $54,000 in then current exchange rates. VW apparently (and correctly) believes Americans wouldn't pay what Europeans pay for a GTI so they limit the features and package individual options into a few trim levels to contain costs. When one considers purchasing a GTI, it's tempting to think about the "R" for "only a few thousand dollars more." But MSRP's don't necessarily equate to real world prices. When I purchased a GTI I found the actual price difference here in the Pacific Northwest was at least $10,000. (The best price I found for an R was MSRP; several other examples had "market adjustment" stickers of several thousand dollars. The R is a magnificent vehicle imo. But it's a lot to pay for AWD, especially considering there's no sunroof available for the R. Around Seattle we need all the light we can get in a dark cabin. Furthermore, the R is about 300 lbs.heavier than a GTI; it's like having an NFL lineman in the back seat. The R's a great car but it simply wasn't worth the price premium for me.

best review of this car yet. hands down!

Owned a 2012 GTI and loved every bit of it. Looking to get a new one ASAP

Have a 2015 Autobahn with over 70k miles that I bought new back then. I could not agree more...you point it..,punch it and it goes there. Love it just as much today as I did day one.

Excellent, detailed review, subscribed. 😊

Excellent review. Thank you! 🙏🏻

Great review, thanks!

Great review mate

I like your writing. And i want this car. I agree the plaid seats need to be an option at the SE and Higher trims.

Another excellent review by Chris Wardlaw; his reviews are spot-on, and reflect his years of automotive expertise.

Great Review! Thank you.

I just purchased my first GTI at 50 S trim 2020 :) in December and so far not disappointed with the car and the Clark seats do bring a certain cool heritage style to it but have to disagree with long term comfort I’m just trying to work on that by buying some nice memory foam pads.

What the difference in the autobahn version compared to the SE version?

That’s outstanding looking

I love my 18 GTI s manual. It has a personality that no other car has. I like the golf R but don't need all wheel drive where I live and for 23k what I paid for it it's a steal

Good video 👍

I love my GTI SE

Been driving my 2019 GTI S for a week now and it’s comfortable to drive, good in corners and definitely quicker than most other cars on the street which is always a plus smoking someone that thinks they’ll win lol.

This car is insane!

Anyone: Can the Autobahn driver's power seat be adjusted further back than the non-power seat of the S?

I love my nogaros, but I have to admit that the pretorias look pretty sick.

It is how you drive it but I have achieved 31 mpg for the life of my GTI so far. Only 13k on a 2018. I have also gotten about 36 mpg at my highest for a whole tank. Note these are the calculated numbers and not from the cars computer.

Aside from the standard LSD now, is there really anything mechanically different between this and the 2015? Just a few extra HP tuned up?

Yeah, have to agree, a stunning bargain of a car. I had a 2015 with the DSG and a tune, that made the car just a joy to drive, and drive under the radar! Sad to say, I was so impressed by the platform, that I now have a pretty Ara Blue Audi S3. Sure, a much prettier car and with my tune, it is producing near 400 hp! Guess what, it doesn;t drive near as nice as my GTI did. Also having a 2018 SQ5 for the wife, and a 2007 335i that I soon want to trade, I am seriously weighing the GTI vs. a Miata! As this car will be just a spare vehicle, it needs to be the most fun car in that price range I can buy. What's the deal with the skanky blue suitcase? Did you find it along the street somewhere?

I love my APR Stage 1 MK7 GTi

Ugh, I want this car so bad. I have a 2007 GTI MKV and it only has ~47,000 mi on it but I'd still love to own Rabbit Edition GTI. Those wheels look so good. I'm debating on whether or not to invest money in repairing some dents, dings, and other deteriorating parts of my MKV or just save the money and put it towards a new GTI. Such a fun car to drive.

What colour is that ?

What color is that?

VW must have jacked up the MSRP price significantly. I bought my 2017 SE-trim GTI with DSG and a number of other options besides the base SE package in the spring of the same year for $28k and change. The same dealer also showed me S-trimmed versions they were more than willing to part with for $24k. Again, this was less than two years ago.

Those levers for seat adjustments have to go. If VW can provide AC vents for rear passengers they can add cooled seats for front occupants.

Perfomance wise what wheels are better 17" or 18"? Thanks!

LOL I completely agree about trying to behave with this car...I bought a 2021 GTI SE Manual two months ago as my second, funtimes car. I am a complete a**hole when people are in my way on the freeway; I'm swerving and moving and speeding, etc LOL. My other car is a Stinger and I find myself driving the GTI more often than not.

This car is the one

My family has a 2015 vw golf tsi

228hp in usa in europe it is got 245hp

Rumor has it that you can get the Clark Plaid on the SE and the Autobahn as a no cost option to replace the leather chairs.

Love my 2015 AutoBahn GTI

So fine.

FYI TO CROSSOVER/SUV FREAKS: Listen to the comment about cargo space at around 5:00. So Yes, you can have interior space for all your useless crap, and also get a FAR SUPERIOR driving experience with a car like this GTI. You all dont have to drive suv/crossovers. Furthermore, if you care about thinking logically, you all shouldnt be driving suv's and crossovers. Better handling and driving dynamics, better mpg's, lower msrp's, and the same room inside.

Apart from power It seems to have less features than my GTD 7.5 which can be mapped to 250BHP.

Next Gen coming soon!

usb is up front

I own this car. They send you the rabbit badge. It's not installed at the dealership.

I have owned a few Volkswagen's and that is one sharp vehicle there, I like that a lot, not that crazy over the those seats.

Is that the Urano Gray?

Only bad thing about the 2019 GTI is they removed the DSG farts. Good side, you get a 7 Speed DSG instead of the 6 Speed DSG.

I have 350 whp in my GTI 2017 and I get 30+ mpg :D

Add a Tune a Downpipe and an after market air filter and it turns into a rocket ship!!

I want one 😭

Good review and very informative, however it seemed more robotic and scripted. Would love to see more emotion, tell us how you really feel 👍🏼

37 grand for a fully loaded gti that's pricey for a gti I bought my used 2018 Golf r wth 10 thousand miles for 27 grand I love every bit of it

Whenever u get a chance to drive one do so traded my brz in for one just a all around better car in every category

is this TCR ?

Civic sport hatch..tuned.

I have car-net, but only for the emergency features. The app blows.

I'm 6'2 and I drove this car. I don't see how ever one says this car is so spacious. I thought it was tight

They were idiots to discontinue the two door.

Where’s all my APR Stage 2 boys at?

I traded my 2017 GTI Autobahn for a 2018 Golf R, and if I was to give any advice when buying a GTI today, buy the S base model with the $450 safety tech, and DSG if you can afford it, the gearing is very tall in the manual, and lugs in urban situations. For the money though GTI S ....

If I have to deal with a "choppy" ride, I'll take another Fiesta ST. Quite a bit less money, and what a car with personality that isn't muted like the GTI. You can get one for under $19k and with a bunch of options for $22k.

So much time spent talking about the plaid seats. We get it, you like plaid

Car net is a waste of Money. The tech in our phones make it so obsolete. The speakers in a non Fender premium model aren’t garbage if you know anything about sound quality. You really only compromise sound quality when using Bluetooth streaming, if you use the USB cable through media or car play, it will deliver better quality vs BT streaming though I wish a premium sound system was available for something like my rabbit model.

I'm sorry but I could never get down with the plaid ... lmao

I laugh every time I watch a Golf review and fuel economy is poo pooed.

Buyer Beware! Nearly 100 buyers including myself have had stalling issues with this car with no solid fix in site. You can see it happening in videos starting to pop up on RU-vid. Also a reddit thread has popped up that has new posts every day. Be careful everyone!

245 Cv, veri sono 252

I hate the seats besides the leather makes it feel cheap

The gti is the tom Brady of affordable fun to drive sporty cars

Why does this gti has white leds for central display and buttons and on passats its all red. I hate red back lit leds . They are difficult to see. White are sooo much better. Also y does golf has parking light switch yet on passat there is no parking light switch. Its just off, auto and manual. Some Very poor design on passat

The only downside to driving a GTI is, you'll find your trips too short?

2019 GTI Stallgate. Before you buy a manual check out the stalling problems with these.

0:30 - That's what she said

Why would anyone want cloth over leather...ugh...love the car but I need leather!

Great review, Christian! I’m considering buying this exact car (same colour and spec) used, and your terrific drive-by footage makes it look SO hard to resist. 🥷

Great car no doubt,but engineered for expensive maintenance.

Street rocket

Simple small practical bucket for $30000??? Do I get a mop too!...

Why VW don't make a modern version of the MK3

At 6'3" and 235 lbs, the new 3 is tight, especially with the sunroof.... no panoramic roof available. I'd prefer a new Soul GT turbo for way more cargo space, headroom, and back seat legroom.

Did he really have to do it to us on the thumbnail? 😔

Mine is the three door mk7 with manual transmission. Bring back the three door.

$29,000 a bargain? I disagree.

$30k car no paddle shift?

Why does the US get this ugly ass infotainment, while in Canada we get the 8 inch glass screen on our rabbit? The glass Infotainment is absolutely amazing, it should be standard on the rabbit in the US too.

When this guy at the beginning said “Direct Shift Gearbox” instead of “DSG” like literally everyone else I knew he was a try hard. 😂

The Veloster has nothing on this cars' day to day livability.

I wish they could make the GTI last over 200,000 miles without costing a fortune in repairs.

You just watched commercials ... VW paid and approved,

Looks can be deceiving.

I owned a 2016 GTI....couldn't sell it fast enough. I got rid of it at 26k miles. Great car to drive, not a great car to own. At only 26k...I was starting to have real problems. All 4 rotors rusted REAL BAD. They rusted over night! I've never had a car do that to me. And all 4 rotors got huge grooves cut into them. I can understand if it happens to one...but all 4? And the rotors finally reached a point where the rust wouldn't go away from a few brakes the next morning. They remained permanently rusted. It's not is if I live in some humid place....I live in southern Ohio. The car burned through a set of tires in 20k. I'm a grandfather and don't drive the car hard. The tires cupped pretty bad. I even had the car aligned at 4k miles...and still, bad cupping at 20k. While driving down the highway, the onboard computer shut off one of my cylinders. I limped off to the side and had the car towed to the dealership. (2 months left on warranty...thank god) Dealership calls, says they see where the computer turned off a cylinder, they don't know why it did it, and they can't recreate it. Sorry about your luck, come get your car. Then the final thing: I started getting dew on the INSIDE of the windows. I couldn't figure out why. My grand daughter says the back seat is wet. I KNOW I didn't leave a back window open in the rain. This goes on for a while and I finally open the hatch and look in where the spare tire is held. And there's TWO inches of standing water! It's a bathtub. That's the final straw. I sold that thing as fast as I could. I will never buy a VW again as long as I live.