2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI trim levels explained
Base to top
$7,890
- 3 trims. $34,590 to $42,480.
- Base: S FWD. Top: Autobahn FWD.
- 1 more trim without a price.
All 4 trims
| Trim | MSRP | Destination | Engine | hp | Drivetrain | Transmission | MPG | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD | $34,590 | $1,275 | 2.0L 4cyl | 241 hp | FWD | 7-speed DCT | 27 mpg | 5 |
| SE FWD | $39,080 | $1,275 | 2.0L 4cyl | 241 hp | FWD | 7-speed DCT | 27 mpg | 5 |
| Autobahn FWD | $42,480 | $1,275 | 2.0L 4cyl | 241 hp | FWD | 7-speed DCT | 27 mpg | 5 |
| Golf R Base Style AWD | Price N/A | $1,275 | 2.0L 4cyl | 328 hp | AWD | 7-speed DCT | 25 mpg | 5 |
What changes at each step
S to SE: +$4,490
S FWD $34,590 to SE FWD $39,080.
Same specs. Equipment only.
Adds as standard: Premium audio, Remote keyless entry, Smart key entry.
SE to Autobahn: +$3,400
SE FWD $39,080 to Autobahn FWD $42,480.
Same specs. Equipment only.
Adds as standard: Leather seats, Heated rear seats, Rear parking sensors.
Which trim has each feature
- Cheapest trim with leather seats: Autobahn FWD, $42,480. Optional from SE FWD, $39,080.
- Cheapest trim with heated front seats: S FWD, $34,590.
- Cheapest trim with a heated steering wheel: S FWD, $34,590.
- Cheapest trim with blind spot warning: S FWD, $34,590.
- Cheapest trim with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: S FWD, $34,590.
- Cheapest trim with navigation: S FWD, $34,590.
- Cheapest trim with premium audio: SE FWD, $39,080.
- Cheapest trim with heated rear seats: Autobahn FWD, $42,480.
- Not on any trim: a 360 camera, a power liftgate or trunk, a third row, remote start, a panoramic roof.
S standard. O optional. N not available. Blank: no data.
| Feature | S FWD | SE FWD | Autobahn FWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather seats | N | O | S |
| Heated front seats | S | S | S |
| Heated steering wheel | S | S | S |
| 360 camera | N | N | N |
| Blind spot warning | S | S | S |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | S | S | S |
| Power liftgate or trunk | N | N | N |
| Third row | N | N | N |
| Navigation | S | S | S |
| Premium audio | N | S | S |
| Remote start | N | N | N |
| Heated rear seats | N | N | S |
| Panoramic roof | N | N | N |
No equipment data: Golf R Base Style AWD.
Cheapest trim with
- The most hp: every trim, 241 hp.
- The best mpg: every trim, 27 mpg.
New for 2026
Compared with 2025. Trims matched by name.
- Added: none.
- Dropped: Golf R Black Edition AWD.
- Carried over with a price: 3 trims. Median change: +$1,660.
| Trim | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD | $32,445 | $34,590 | +$2,145 |
| SE FWD | $37,420 | $39,080 | +$1,660 |
| Autobahn FWD | $40,880 | $42,480 | +$1,600 |
Compare two trims
What this cannot tell you
Prices exclude options, packages and destination.
Equipment comes from one source and can lag.
- 2 or more sources
- 1 source
- Model-level, rule or estimate
- Sources disagree