2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review: Still an Everyday Performance Hero

If there’s a single vehicle category that consistently hits the sweet spot between punchy performance, everyday livability, and a reasonable price tag, it’s the hot hatch. And after a week with the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE, that statement continues to hold true. VW has managed to keep the GTI’s personality intact — sharp, fun, and versatile — while nudging its tech and comfort up a notch in SE trim.

All GTI models come standard with the German automaker’s familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Here, it’s good for 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. It’s a known quantity by now, but one that still delivers an eager surge off the line and a satisfying growl when you push the pedal to the metal. And while purists might grumble, 2025 sees the manual gearbox finally retired from the lineup. The only option now is VW’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, which does its job well.

Outwardly, the GTI’s look hasn’t gone wild, and that’s a good thing. Painted in Kings Red metallic, the compact, squat shape remains, punctuated by red accent lines, a honeycomb lower grille, gloss black trim, and a subtle roof spoiler out back. The 18-inch alloys, designed in a twisted pinwheel pattern, help fill the wheel wells nicely, and you’ll spot the red brake calipers right away. That grille also houses a light-up VW badge, which glows at night in a distinctly Euro-cool fashion. Out back, dual exhaust outlets sit under a diffuser-style bumper, and there’s just enough crackle and pop under the throttle to keep your inner child entertained.

On paper, this little hatch hits 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That feels accurate from the driver’s seat. There’s practically no turbo lag, and the torque arrives low and sticks around. The steering is light but quick and communicates more than you’d expect from an electric setup. The suspension is tuned firmly but not to the point where it’s jarring. The Golf GTI rides like a car that wants to play. Our tester didn’t have the optional adaptive damping system (DCC), but even without it, the ride felt well-controlled. The front diff lock and electronic inside-wheel braking do their best to quell understeer.

Step inside, and VW’s latest cabin layout continues its trend toward minimalism. The dash spans wide and low, helping create a sense of space, while the materials used, especially in SE trim, feel a cut above your typical economy car. VW goes with a woven metal look across the dash, adding a bit of texture to an otherwise dark interior. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and fully customizable, while the SE’s large 12.9-inch touchscreen is bright, colorful, and houses just about every function, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Volume and temperature settings are controlled by touch sliders, which remain frustratingly imprecise. The stubby shift-by-wire gear selector looks futuristic, but its design is underwhelming for a sporty car. I’d rather have a more traditional shift lever (and while you’re at it, a handbrake.) Paddle shifters are included for those who prefer to take control.

Volkswagen didn’t skimp on the GTI SE’s tech and safety gear. One highlight is the IQ.DRIVE suite, which includes adaptive cruise control that smoothly maintains distance on the highway, along with lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking add an extra layer of protection in busy traffic or distracted moments. Travel Assist bundles several of these systems to provide semi-automated driving support in stop-and-go and highway scenarios.

The GTI SE trim swaps out traditional cloth for ArtVelour microsuede that looks sharp and feels upscale with a hexagonal pattern that mirrors the one on the car’s grille. The front buckets are bolstered nicely without feeling confining and provide both heating and power recline functions. There’s no power adjustment for forward and backward movement, but that seems to be one of the few cost-saving choices in an otherwise premium-feeling interior. Bonus points go to the ambient lighting system, which lets you set the mood with adjustable colors along the doors and dashboard.

Rear seat space is typical for a compact hatch, usable but not generous. Adults can fit back there in a pinch, though the kneeroom is tight and the sloping roofline does trim headroom for taller passengers. Materials and stitching match the front seats, and VW was thoughtful enough to include rear vents and USB-C ports on the back of the center console.

Flip up the hatch and you’ll find 19.9 cubic feet of storage behind the second row. That’s not SUV-level space, but it’s a nice jump up from most small sedans. Drop the 60/40 split rear seats and you’ve got a respectable 34.5 cubic feet. A pass-through door between the seats means you don’t have to leave your long gear at home just because you’ve got people sitting in the back.

As for the numbers, the 2025 GTI SE starts at $37,420. That gets you upgraded upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a few other nice-to-haves. The base S model comes in at $32,445, while the fully loaded Autobahn trim tops out at $40,800 and includes adaptive suspension, ventilated leather seats, and 19-inch wheels with summer rubber. Considering the performance and refinement on offer here, the SE might just hit the value sweet spot. In a world drifting steadily toward crossovers and soulless commuter appliances, the Golf GTI remains one of those just-right vehicles that delivers driving joy without sacrificing practicality. It’s still a standout, even if there’s no more three-pedal version.