DecodedCars2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 241 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 3% better than the 2022 midsize car average of 27.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2022
- Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- Best combined MPG down from 33 to 28
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Golf/GTI →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Wolfsburg, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +3% | $2,400 | 319 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +3% | $2,400 | 312 |
| Golf-R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -4% | $3,150 | 343 |
| Golf-R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 382 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
Similar 2022 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 Golf/GTI | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 63 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2017 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 117 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 9 | 85 |
| 2015 Golf/GTI | 35 | – | ★★★★★ | 12 | 131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →