Verified vehicle record
2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
A source-linked guide to the 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI trim range, powertrain choices, drivetrain, seating and capability. The 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact hatchback that Kelley Blue Book lists in 3 trims, from the S to the Autobahn. Its engine is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo). Power is 241 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists front-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 3,183 lb and its combined fuel economy 27 mpg. Key figures on record: Powertrain 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo), Output 241 hp, Drivetrain FWD, Seating 5. Kelley Blue Book's 2026 rows show the same trims, top output, tow rating and best fuel economy as the 2025 model year.
Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)
Output241 hp
DrivetrainFWD
Seating5
Decision answers12Trim, 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
The 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact hatchback that Kelley Blue Book lists in 3 trims, from the S to the Autobahn. Its engine is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo). Power is 241 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists front-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 3,183 lb and its combined fuel economy 27 mpg.
Model-year note
Kelley Blue Book's 2026 rows show the same trims, top output, tow rating and best fuel economy as the 2025 model year.
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 | See full equipment map |
| SE | Trim 2 of 3 | See full equipment map |
| Autobahn | Top trim | See full equipment map |
01
Entry trim
S
02
Trim 2 of 3
SE
03
Top trim
Autobahn
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 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 / 32 / 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 / 32 / 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 / 32 / 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 | 3,183 lb | 168.9 in | 57.7 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | 18" |
| SE | 3,183 lb | 168.9 in | 57.7 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | 18" |
| Autobahn | 3,183 lb | 168.9 in | 57.7 in | 103.6 in | 4.7 in | 38.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 38.5 in | 41.2 in | 19" |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 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 | |||
| Adaptive headlights | Std | Std | Std |
| 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 | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | 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 |
| 12-volt power outlet | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49302Golf R | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 22 | 31 | 25 | N/A |
| 49303GTI | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Regular | 24 | 32 | 27 | N/A |
Direct answers
12 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Golf/GTI come in?
Kelley Blue Book lists 3 trims for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (compact hatchback): S, SE, Autobahn.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 Golf/GTI trims?
Kelley Blue Book lists these 3 trims for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI, in this order: S, SE, Autobahn.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Golf/GTI use?
The 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is built around 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo), rated at 241 horsepower across its compact hatchback body style.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Golf/GTI?
The 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is offered with FWD.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Golf/GTI?
Kelley Blue Book's 2026 rows show the same trims, top output, tow rating and best fuel economy as the 2025 model year.
Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How much cargo space does the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG have?
CarBuzz lists 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q07What is the GVWR of the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG?
CarBuzz lists a curb weight of 6,376 pounds and a maximum payload of 926 pounds for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG; because payload is the gross vehicle weight rating minus curb weight, that puts the GVWR at 7,302 pounds.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q08What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG?
CarBuzz lists a maximum payload of 926 pounds for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q09What warranty does the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG come with?
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T S DSG with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 84 months or 100,000 miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q10What size tires does the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback come with?
CarDealerships.com lists P225/40R18 tires on the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI S 4dr Hatchback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q11How do the 2026 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 a premium audio system, proximity keyless entry and remote keyless entry 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
Q12What does the 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI run from $35,865 for the S to $43,755 for the Autobahn, across 3 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 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
Kelley Blue Book 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI specificationsPer-trim specifications and standard and optional equipment
↗ (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.