---
title: "2022 VW GTI Starts Just Over $30K, Golf R at $44,640"
description: "With the regular Golf models gone, the least expensive VW hatch you can buy stateside costs $30,540."
date: "2021-07-14"
modified: "2021-07-14"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/41536/2022-vw-gti-starts-just-over-30k-golf-r-at-44640"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Volkswagen News"
tags:
  - "compact"
  - "Golf GTi"
  - "Hatchback"
  - "sports car"
  - "Volkswagen"
---

# 2022 VW GTI Starts Just Over $30K, Golf R at $44,640

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/07/21VW04-GolfR-ROAD-Major_0324.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The regular Volkswagen Golf may have been discontinued here in the U.S. but, thankfully, we'll still get to enjoy the sportier GTI and R variants. We've already seen the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and [Golf R](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/37409/2022-vw-golf-r-the-315-hp-hot-hatch-keeps-the-manual-adds-drift-mode>) as they'll be sold overseas but VW of America has now released official pricing and stats for the American-spec versions at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show.

Starting at $44,640 after destination, the Mk8 Golf R uses an updated rendition of the company's EA888 2.0-liter boosted to 315 horsepower (27 more than the previous generation) and 295 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the seven-speed DSG automatic. A six-speed manual can also be had but comes with slightly less torque—280 pound-feet to be exact. The all-wheel-drive Golf R comes standard with rear-axle torque-vectoring that can distribute all of the rear-axle torque to either the left or right wheel as needed.

![message-editor%2F1626279300955-21vw04-gti-track-major\_0127.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279300955-21vw04-gti-track-major_0127.jpg>)
**Volkswagen**

The less powerful and naturally less expensive [GTI](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/32380/the-2021-volkswagen-golf-gti-still-rocking-a-six-speed-and-plaid-seats>), meanwhile, uses the same engine albeit calmed down to 241 hp (up 13 hp from the Mk7 GTI) and 273 pound-feet on premium fuel. Strictly front-wheel-drive, the GTI features a torque-sensing limited-slip differential as standard to optimize fast-corner grip and combat understeer.

Both models are available with either a six-speed stick or seven-speed auto and top out at an electronically limited 155 mph. Adaptive damping (standard on the R and the top Autobahn trim GTI) can adjust 200 times per second for better agility and accuracy behind the wheel. That 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the board, too, as is the 30-color ambient lighting.

![message-editor%2F1626279518824-21vw04-golfr-track-action\_0336.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279518824-21vw04-golfr-track-action_0336.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279467602-21vw04-golfr-track-major\_0225.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279467602-21vw04-golfr-track-major_0225.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279494482-21vw04-golfr-track-action\_0813.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279494482-21vw04-golfr-track-action_0813.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279544999-21vw04-golfr-track-action\_0141.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279544999-21vw04-golfr-track-action_0141.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279563952-21vw04-golfr-road-dtl\_0031.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279563952-21vw04-golfr-road-dtl_0031.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279576521-21vw04-golfr-track-dtl\_0020.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279576521-21vw04-golfr-track-dtl_0020.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279591866-21vw04-golfr-interior\_0002.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279591866-21vw04-golfr-interior_0002.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

While the Golf R is only available as one "fully-loaded" trim, the GTI's pricing structure is a bit more complicated. For its $30,540 starting price, one can get into an entry-level GTI S, which includes standard equipment such as 18-inch wheels, automatic LED head- and taillights, keyless entry, automatic wipers, a heated steering wheel, heated plaid front seats, an 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless charging.

Step up to the $35,290 SE and Volkswagen will throw in a sunroof, adaptive front lighting, a front grille that lights up, the bigger 10-inch infotainment, voice controls, a nine-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, road sign recognition, and the option of pulling the trigger on the $1,225 leather package.

![message-editor%2F1626279634388-21vw04-gti-track-action\_0165.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279634388-21vw04-gti-track-action_0165.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279713548-21vw04-gti-road-action\_1465.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279713548-21vw04-gti-road-action_1465.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279689842-21vw04-gti-track-dtl\_0093.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279689842-21vw04-gti-track-dtl_0093.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279672435-21vw04-gti-interior\_0052.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279672435-21vw04-gti-interior_0052.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

![message-editor%2F1626279701871-21vw04-gti-interior\_1007.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279701871-21vw04-gti-interior_1007.jpg>)
*Volkswagen*

$38,990, however, buys you the top GTI Autobahn, which boasts 19-inch wheels with summer tires, the same adaptive damping system out of the Golf R, Vienna leather, 12-way adjustable ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, leatherette on the doors, three-zone climate control, a HUD, and a parking assist function.

Whichever one you choose, the 2022 [Volkswagen](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/39507/2021-volkswagen-id-4-review-a-promising-but-flawed-start-to-vws-ev-revolution>) Golf GTI and Golf R will hit U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2021.

![message-editor%2F1626279788354-21vw04-golfr-track-major\_0040.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1626279788354-21vw04-golfr-track-major_0040.jpg>)
**Volkswagen**

*Got a tip or question for the author about the new Golf? You can reach them here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com*

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)