Car and Driver Names 2026 GTI and Golf R To Annual 10Best List

To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Volkswagen GTI, it and the Golf R have been named to Car and Driver’s annual 10Best list. This marks the 20^th time the GTI has been on the list since its introduction in 1976.  

The Car and Driver 10Best List 

The Car and Driver 10Best list is the magazine’s annual selection of the best vehicles driven on the same roads at the same time by the magazine’s journalists. Each car has to be on sale by January of the new year and go up against the previous year’s winners. For 2026, Car and Driver welcomed over 100 vehicles to go head-to-head, including the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R… and only 10 cars and 10 trucks/SUVs can be called the best.  

Introducing the 2026 GTI 

Volkswagen offers the 2026 GTI to customers at a starting price of $36,320, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smart, quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the hands of Car and Driver’s hot shoes, the GTI gets to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. 

Performance and Practicality Go Hand in Hand 

While speed is fun, it’s not the only thing the GTI is known for. As a hatchback that can be used every day, owners will have 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats down gives you 34.5 cu.ft. of space, which is comparable to a crossover. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 24 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway, and an average of 27 mpg between both driving cycles.  

A Word from Car and Driver 

“We’ve always loved the current Volkswagen GTI’s mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality, but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga.  “And, the Golf R’s design looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.” 

Meet the 2026 Golf R 

For those who want more, the Golf R offers the same usability as the GTI, with more power and all-wheel drive. Starting at $50,730, the Golf R also features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Car and Driver achieved 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.  

Faster Without Compromises 

Fear not, though, because all of that power does not mean that you will pay more at the pump, since the EPA says the Golf R will get you 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, while averaging 25 mpg between the two. 

Adaptive Suspension Damping 

One similarity between the two vehicles is the addition of adaptive dampers. They are standard on the Golf R and optional on the GTI, and with them, drivers can custom-tune the ride of their car with 15 different settings.  

A Word from Volkswagen 

“Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go. It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts.” 

Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right Vehicle for You 

When you’re ready for a new or used Volkswagen, there is no place like Sisbarro Volkswagen. With excellent customer service, their knowledgeable sales staff will find you the right vehicle to fit your needs and budget.  

Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen 

Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to offer the prices and services on new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable.  

We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.  

Tags: 10Best List, 50th Anniversary, Car and Driver, Golf, Hot Hatch
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