MotorTrend crowns the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R 2026 Car of the Year.

For the third time in its eight generations, the Golf has earned MotorTrend’s Car of the Year title—this time for its performance-driven GTI and R variants. The Volkswagen GTI first claimed MotorTrend’s Car of the Year in 1985, earning early acclaim for the Golf nameplate. Thirty years later, the seventh-generation lineup, which included the Golf, GTI, TDI, and e-Golf, repeated the feat.

Today, Volkswagen offers only the GTI and R versions in the U.S. market, yet both continue to embody the same spirit that has defined the Golf since its inception. A recent mid-cycle refresh further enhanced this eighth generation, sharpening its performance while preserving the engaging character that makes it such a joy to drive.

"For 50 years, the Golf lineup has been the enthusiast heartbeat of Volkswagen in America—a family of vehicles that showed that practicality and driving excitement could be mutually compatible,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “This recognition from MotorTrend celebrates not just the Golf’s success, but also the community of drivers who have defined the performance Golf as the hot hatch."

Related: 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI

An informative read: Volkswagen Service Center

2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year

MotorTrend judges each Car of the Year contender not only against its rivals but also across six defining criteria: design advancement, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, value, safety, and efficiency. Eligibility is limited to vehicles that are new or significantly updated. Thus, “Of the Year” awards stand among the industry’s most respected accolades.

According to MotorTrend, the Volkswagen Golf stands out for its craftsmanship, responsive handling, sleek design, innovative technology, and outstanding value. “Authentic and spirited, the Golf continues to inspire the same enthusiasm it has since its debut,” editors remarked.

MotorTrend further praised the refreshed Golf, stating: “A recent update refined this eighth generation, sharpening its capabilities while preserving the engaging character that makes it a joy to drive. The GTI and R pursue different goals, yet each fulfills its mission with precision and confidence." Discover the 2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Golf, at VW Marin today.