2022 Volkswagen Golf R Review

Mike Schlee
by Mike Schlee
2022 volkswagen golf r review

FAST FACTS

Engine: 2.0L Turbo I4
Output: 315 hp, 280 lb-ft
Transmission: 6MT, AWD
Fuel Economy (MPG): 20/28 (city/hwy)
Fuel Economy (L/100 KM): 11.8/8.3 (city/hwy)
As Tested Price (USD): $45,835 (inc. dest.)
As Tested Price (CAD): $50,995 (inc. dest.)

About 25 years ago, a certain adult beverage company ran an ad campaign. It welcomed folks to the years of their lives where they were now mature enough to appreciate the brand’s pilsner.

The campaign was a bit of a rallying cry for those that had gotten older, wiser, and had more discerning tastes. The targeted audience was a mature set that no longer wanted the same watered-down slop favored by frat kids. If I apply that same logic to performance cars, then the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is my sophisticated, mature enthusiasts’ choice.

For years I have always appreciated and respected the Golf R. But as a youngster, I believed I needed something that felt rawer to drive. Cars like the Subaru WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. All the pops, bangs, squeaks, rattles, and general lack of refinement gave drivers a more visceral experience. Right? Right?

SEE ALSO: 2022 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R First Drive Review

Well, after a week in the new Golf R, I realized I might have been wrong. Here’s a car that can be a terror on one’s favorite twisty back road, but still retains a sophisticated look, elegant interior, and ride quality that doesn’t require a chiropractor on speed dial.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R: New, Yet Familiar Look

2022 volkswagen golf r review

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is all new, ushering in the next generation of the compact hatchback in North America. Not all versions of the Golf have made it to our shores though as the regular car is discontinued, just leaving the sporty Golf GTI and Golf R.

I really like the exterior treatment of the new Golf R. There’s a full width led lightbar on the front that mostly drew praise from friends and colleagues, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Out back there is a single R badge, enhanced spoiler, and quad exhaust.

2022 volkswagen golf r review

The rest of the car is much more subtle, wearing familiar styling that’s instantly recognizable. At first glance, the car can still slip under the radar, but a second look will show there is some menacing presence to it.

Potent Powerhouse

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Power for the all-wheel drive 2022 Volkswagen Golf R continues to come from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It now produces a stout 315 hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque when equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. If opting for the six-speed manual transmission like found in my test vehicle, torque drops by 15 lb-ft.

The engine has good initial punch, but it takes a moment for the little 2.0-liter to build-up boost and really unleash its full potential. Keep it in the high rpms, slide through the gears, and the Golf R is breaking speed laws in no time at all.

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Like most modern performance vehicles, there are adjustable drive modes on the Golf R. There’re pre-sets like Sport and Race, as well as a Custom mode that allows drivers to individually alter vehicle settings. One of these is the exhaust that can be set through three levels of sound and performance. Even in the loudest setting, called Race, it is never obtrusive and provides just enough growl and cracks to keep the driver engaged.

Manually Engaged

2022 volkswagen golf r review

I was surprised at just how little effort is needed to depress the clutch, especially for an all-wheel drive vehicle. It still offers good feedback to the driver, but first gear takes a bit of practice to find the optimal uptake point. That stated, I never stalled the vehicle, something I can’t say about the last manual Subaru WRX STI I drove.

There is no rev matching on the Golf R. The driver’s two legs are fully responsible for nailing rev-matched downshifts.

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Fuel economy does take a bit of hit with the manual transmission, officially rated at 20 mpg city (11.8 L/100 km) and 28 mpg on the highway (8.3 L/100 km). That’s 3 mpg (1.5 L/100 km) less in the city than DCT equipped Golf R models and 2 mpg worse on the highway (0.5 L/100 km)

2022 Volkswagen Golf R – Unflappable

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Fitted on the R is a set of 235/35R19 tires. They’re not the largest wheels or the widest tires in the segment, but enough to get the job done. This suits the Golf R’s no-nonsense personality. As has been the case for a while now, the Golf R handles better than any vehicle with economy hatchback roots should. It’s the same trait I found with the GTI I drove last summer, but different.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Produces 315 HP, Gets Drift Mode

The Golf R has so much mechanical grip from its drivetrain and chassis, but with winter tires installed, it easily overmatches the soft rubber’s limits. I can only imagine how much cornering prowess this car will have when we revisit it in a few months on sunny roads, and with the proper summer tires installed.

Cabin to Match the Price Tag

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Sometimes when a car of humble roots steps up a few classes in terms of performance and price, its interior feels woefully underwhelming and out of place. This is not the case with the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. The interior features a clean design with styling elements that wouldn’t be out of place in luxury cars. There’s a fully digital and customizable gauge cluster as well as a large touch screen.

That Infotainment system has drawn a lot of ire and for good reason. Owners will get accustomed to it and I’ve learned most of its ins and outs. But the slow reacting haptic controls on both the steering wheel and center console, combined with no physical buttons or knobs, left me frustrated at times.

The actual software on the infotainment system is high quality though. The map is quick and clear, the audio information layout is logical, and I’m a fan of the drive mode graphics.

Mid-Pack Space, Top Level Comfort

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Equally pleasing are the front seats which I find to be comfortable and supportive. Even on long drives, I didn’t feel fatigued, and no extremities fell asleep. The rear seats are a bit tighter than I remember, but fully on par with the segment. With 35.0 inches (889 mm) of legroom, that’s much more than on offer in the back of the Toyota GR Corolla, but a bit less than found in the Honda Civic Type R.

SEE ALSO: Honda Civic Si vs Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Hyundai Elantra N: Sport Compact Shootout

It’s a similar story when it comes to cargo capacity. The Golf R features 19.9 cu ft (564 L) of space. Once again, that splits the less accommodating GR Corolla, and the more cavernous Civic Type R.

The Elephant in the Showroom

2022 volkswagen golf r review

This brings us to the biggest issue for the Golf R, and it’s in Volkswagen’s very own showroom;. It’s the existence of the Golf GTI. With its equally new and powerful engine, the GTI is just that much closer to the Golf R in terms of performance. The engine builds power quicker at the low end and the GTI feels more responsive, even though it is not. Once up to full power, the Golf R pulls hard, and grins follow, but around the city, its advantage is less apparent.

When it comes to handling, it’s a similar story. The Golf R’s all-wheel drive system compensates for its extra weight and will out gun a GTI through a twisting country road. But the GTI feels livelier in day-to-day driving. It’s a playful puppy compared to the Golf R’s more purposeful German Sheppard demeanour. Part of this can be attributed to the weight difference. At a curb weight of 3,404 lbs. (1,550 kg), the Golf R is nearly 300 lbs. (136 kg) heavier than a similarly equipped Golf GTI.

2022 volkswagen golf r review

Of course, we also need to bring up pricing. For the 2023 model year, a base Golf R starts at $45,835 USD ($50,995 CAD) including destination charges. Although competitive with the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla, that’s a significant premium over the Golf GTI.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R: The Verdict

2022 volkswagen golf r review

As can be summarized from this review, I whole heartedly recommend a sporty Golf to someone looking for a sensible, practical, sophisticated hatchback that can turn into a track terror at a moment’s notice. The question is, which one? The answer comes down to two factors: personal preference and location.

Those that live in warmer, drier climates, will probably appreciate the advantages of the Golf GTI. But those that want the ultimate Golf, or experience excessive rain and/or four season a year, then the Golf R is your car.


FAQs

How much will the 2023 VW Golf R cost??

An entry level 2023 Volkswagen Golf R starts at $45,835 USD ($50,995 CAD) after destination charges.


Is a Golf R or GTI faster?

The Golf R is faster in basically every measurable performance test. But the GTI does feel quicker than the numbers suggest.


Can I buy a Golf R in Canada?

Yes you can, at a starting price of $50,995 after destination charges. 

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LOVE IT

  • Powerful Engine
  • Sophisticated Inside and Out
  • Great Handling

LEAVE IT

  • Infotainment
  • GTI is Almost as Good
  • Manual Transmission Fuel Penalty
Mike Schlee
Mike Schlee

A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.

More by Mike Schlee

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