2027 Volkswagen GTIMotorTrendPeppy turbocharged engineExciting handlingUseful hatchback body styleSmall second rowToo few physical controlsAI voice assistant useful?This year, the 2027 Volkswagen GTI celebrates 50 years as the platonic ideal of hot hatchbacks. The eighth-generation GTI arrived for 2022 and most recently received its "Mk8.5" face-lift for 2025.Volkswagen's efforts to breathe fresh life into the sporty Golf lineup have paid off. The GTI and the higher-performance Golf R won our 2026 Car of the Year award. Sporty compact rivals include the Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX, and Hyundai Elantra N.What's NewFollowing a major refresh for the 2025 model year that included cosmetic tweaks and new technology, the 2027 Volkswagen GTI returns with the slightest of changes. Light Assist, Volkswagen's automatic high-beam adjustment feature, is now standard on the base GTI S trim, along with keyless entry.What We ThinkVolkswagen enthusiasts know this refreshed eighth-generation iteration of the automaker's hot hatchback as the Mk8.5 GTI. So successful were VW's efforts in sprucing up its sporty compact that we granted our coveted Car of the Year award to the Golf lineup, which includes both the GTI and Golf R.AdvertisementAdvertisementOur affection for the 2027 Volkswagen GTI starts with our appreciation for its powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine and quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. The punchy four-banger is backed up by lively handling and a balanced chassis, and a practical hatchback cargo area completes the VW GTI's magic formula.Of course, every car has its flaws, and the GTI is no exception. Although Volkswagen has taken steps to add physical buttons back to the steering wheel's spokes, the cabin still has far too many touch-reliant controls.The AI assisted voice commands also leave something to be desired as far as their helpfulness is concerned. Finally, we would love to see a manual transmission return to the GTI, though it's unlikely that the automaker will walk back its move to go automatic-only across the whole lineup as the Jetta GLI loses its manual for 2027.Even though you can't row your own gears in the GTI, it remains a hoot to drive on a curvy road and a satisfying car to operate on the daily. As the hot hatchback celebrates its 50th anniversary, we salute Volkswagen for staying true to the GTI's fun-loving roots.Top-Ranked Competitors:Honda Civic SiSubaru WRXHyundai Elantra NToyota GR CorollaMotorTrend TestedVolkswagen equips every 2027 GTI with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, a seven-speed "DSG" dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat drivetrain setup allows the 2027 Volkswagen GTI to launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It's quicker than the manual-only Honda Civic Si, which needs 7.4 seconds to get off the line.MPG and RangeFor a sporty car, the 2027 Volkswagen GTI returns decent fuel economy. We expect the current model year's efficiency to be the same as last year. The EPA rates the 2026 Volkswagen GTI at 24/32 mpg and 356 miles of range.The Honda Civic Si may not be as quick as the Volkswagen GTI, but it's far more efficient at an EPA-rated 27/37 mpg. Range is better; the sporty Civic can drive 384 miles between fills.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIIHS hasn't issued complete ratings on the 2026 Volkswagen GTI but does award the hot hatchback its top score of Good in the small overlap front crash test and the LATCH ease of use evaluation. All GTI models receive Volkswagen's IQ Drive suite with hands-on highway driving assistance features.Standard FeaturesThe 2027 Volkswagen GTI comes standard with front automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, standard front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane centering with capacitive steering wheel sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.AdvertisementAdvertisementNew for this model year, Light Assist, Volkswagen's automatic high-beam adjustment feature, is standard on all GTI variants.Cargo Space and Interior RoomRival hot hatchbacks have more front legroom than the 2027 Volkswagen GTI. Second-row legroom and cargo volume slot between the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla and the 2026 Honda Civic Type R.TechnologyInfotainmentVolkswagen outfits every 2027 GTI hatchback with its 10.3-inch instrument cluster display, which it calls the Digital Cockpit Pro. There's also a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that's standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The GTI is equipped with Volkswagen's Plus Speech voice commands backed up by ChatGPT's AI. Volkswagen makes a wireless charger and four total USB-C ports standard.Sound SystemThe basic 2027 Volkswagen GTI S comes with a seven-speaker sound system. Stepping up to SE and Autobahn trims unlocks a Harman Kardon setup with nine speakers.Other HighlightsVolkswagen equips every 2027 GTI with configurable 30-color ambient lighting and keyless entry. Three-zone climate control and a head-up display are reserved for the top-level Autobahn trim.ValueStandard FeaturesThe entry-level 2027 Volkswagen GTI S trim comes equipped with the same engine and transmission as the rest of the lineup: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto are at the core of the hot hatchback's offerings.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe S trim is equipped with sport-tuned independent suspension and rolls on 18-inch wheels. Volkswagen equips even the most basic GTI with adaptive front headlights with cornering assistance, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, LED foglights with low-speed cornering functionality, power-folding heated side mirrors, puddle lights, and rain-sensing wipers.Performance gear includes a limited-slip differential and bright red brake calipers with 13.4-inch discs up front and 12.2-inch discs in the rear.Volkswagen outfits the GTI's cabin with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, single-zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, 30-color ambient lighting, and stainless-steel pedal caps. In keeping with GTI tradition, Volkswagen equips its hot hatch with its signature plaid cloth seats.Should the 2027 Volkswagen GTI's pricing remain close to what the automaker asked for the 2026 model, expect the base GTI S to start over $36,000.Recommended TrimWe expect that the Autobahn trim will continue to be the best buy in the GTI lineup. The top dog in the range gets adaptive dampers, 19-inch wheels, and summer tires standard. You lose the GTI's standard plaid seats but gain a head-up display, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats.AdvertisementAdvertisementExpect the GTI Autobahn to begin over $40,000.The High-Performance Golf RSitting above the 2027 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn is the Golf R, a more powerful model with standard all-wheel drive. Output rises to 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All Golf R models get 19-inch wheels and bigger brakes with blue calipers.The Golf R launches harder than the GTI by a good margin, completing the 0–60-mph run in just 4.1 seconds. A trick all-wheel-drive system allows all of the Golf R's rear torque to be shuffled to just one wheel.