Verified vehicle record
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
A source-linked guide to the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim range, powertrain choices, drivetrain, seating and capability. Every 2025 GTI uses the same 241-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine paired exclusively with a 7-speed DSG: the manual transmission ended after the 2024 model year. Key figures on record: Powertrain 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, Output 241 hp, Drivetrain FWD, Seating 5. There is no 6-speed manual for 2025: the DSG dual-clutch is now the only transmission across all three trims.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.0L turbo four-cylinder
Output241 hp
DrivetrainFWD
Seating5
Decision answers14Trim, ownership and verification
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Every 2025 GTI uses the same 241-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine paired exclusively with a 7-speed DSG: the manual transmission ended after the 2024 model year.
Model-year note
There is no 6-speed manual for 2025: the DSG dual-clutch is now the only transmission across all three trims.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| S | Entry trim | 2.0L turbo engine standard, 241 hp, 12.9-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster standard, Sport suspension with limited front slip differential lock standard |
| SE | Trim 2 of 3 | Clubsport ArtVelours seating surfaces standard, Harman Kardon premium audio standard, Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof standard |
| Autobahn | Top trim | 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires standard, Premium leather seating and head-up display standard, 12-way adjustable driver seat standard |
01
Entry trim
S
- 2.0L turbo engine standard, 241 hp
- 12.9-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster standard
- Sport suspension with limited front slip differential lock standard
02
Trim 2 of 3
SE
- Clubsport ArtVelours seating surfaces standard
- Harman Kardon premium audio standard
- Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof standard
03
Top trim
Autobahn
- 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires standard
- Premium leather seating and head-up display standard
- 12-way adjustable driver seat standard
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | FWD | 241 | 273 | 24 / 33 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | FWD | 241 | 273 | 24 / 33 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Autobahn | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | FWD | 241 | 273 | 24 / 33 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3,188 lb | 168.8 in | 57.6 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | P225/40R18 |
| SE | 3,188 lb | 168.8 in | 57.6 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | P225/40R18 |
| Autobahn | 3,188 lb | 168.8 in | 57.6 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | P235/35R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | SE | Autobahn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | – | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | Opt | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | – | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std |
| Limited-slip differential | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48850Golf R | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 22 | 31 | 25 | N/A |
| 48851GTI | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Regular | 24 | 32 | 27 | N/A |
Direct answers
14 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Golf GTI come in?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI (hot hatchback) comes in 3 trims: S, SE, Autobahn.
Source: Volkswagen
Q02What are the 2025 Golf GTI trims?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI trims are S, SE, Autobahn, listed from the entry S up to the top Autobahn.
Source: Volkswagen
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Golf GTI use?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 241 horsepower across its hot hatchback body style.
Source: Volkswagen specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Golf GTI?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is offered with FWD.
Source: Volkswagen specifications
Q05What changed for the 2025 Golf GTI?
There is no 6-speed manual for 2025: the DSG dual-clutch is now the only transmission across all three trims.
Source: Volkswagen model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 1 recall campaign for the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI, covering seat belts.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is documented with Premium leather seating and head-up display standard.
Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q08What are the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim levels?
Three trims: S, SE, and Autobahn.
Source: Edmunds and VW media 2025 Golf GTI research
Q09How much does the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI cost?
S starts at $32,445, SE at $37,420, and Autobahn at $40,880.
Source: Edmunds and VW media 2025 Golf GTI research
Q10Does the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI still offer a manual transmission?
No — the manual transmission option was dropped for 2025, leaving the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as the sole choice.
Source: Edmunds and VW media 2025 Golf GTI research
Q11What changed on the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
A reshaped front bumper, simpler-shaped headlights, and a new 12.9-inch touchscreen replacing the previous 10-inch unit.
Source: Edmunds and VW media 2025 Golf GTI research
Q12What is the warranty on the Volkswagen Golf GTI?
4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper coverage, 6 years/72,000 miles powertrain coverage, and a 12-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty.
Source: Volkswagen manufacturer warranty documentation
Q13What size wheels does the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI have?
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the S and SE and 19 inches on the Autobahn. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q14How do the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI trims differ from one another?
All 3 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 241 hp. The SE has built-in internet access, a navigation system, a premium audio system and 2 more as standard equipment over the S. The Autobahn has heated rear seats, leather seats and rear parking sensors as standard equipment over the SE.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Volkswagen Golf GTI across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Volkswagen Golf GTI official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.