Volkswagen GTI

Name: 2012 Volkswagen GTI
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The GTI treatment transforms the practical Golf hatchback into an exhilarating, yet sensible sports car. Agile handling, gutsy acceleration and a satisfying sound come with comfort and refinement. The GTI retains most of the civilized demeanor of other Golfs, making it suitable for everyday driving, while still bringing a smile to the face of a driving enthusiast. Good fuel economy is another bonus, though it's tempered by the need for premium fuel.

2012 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen GTI

vs. Similar Cars

Audi A5

BMW 1 Series

BMW 3 Series

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2012 Volkswagen GTI

$6,400 - $6,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A5

$5,750 - $9,850

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,825 - $9,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi TT

$8,875 - $18,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 1 Series

$6,600 - $9,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 3 Series

$6,575 - $13,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,025 - $10,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,350 - $22,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro

$7,775 - $24,900

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2012 Dodge Challenger

$8,200 - $17,325

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2012 Fiat 500

$3,025 - $4,875

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Ford Focus

$2,825 - $5,050

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Mustang

$7,425 - $34,100

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Honda Civic

$3,875 - $8,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Si

$ NA

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

$4,800 - $6,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Veloster

$4,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Jaguar XK

$10,900 - $24,050

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL

$12,450 - $18,200

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Mini Cooper

$3,675 - $7,400

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$4,550 - $8,150

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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2012 Nissan GT-R

$54,325 - $54,625

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Porsche 911

$41,350 - $85,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Eos

$5,500 - $5,550

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,975 - $5,375

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo C30

$6,825 - $7,750

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo C70

$6,675

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (200 hp)

6-speed sequential
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2022-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2022 Volkswagen GTI builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The GTI's improvements aim to sharpen the handling, up the power and upgrade connectivity and infotainment. The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power has increased to 241 horsepower. The 2022-2024 GTI models came standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which was optional for 2022-2024 models, became the only transmission option for 2025. Older models come with a large 10-inch infotainment screen, while 2025 models get a new 12.9-inch display. The interior can be dressed with plaid upholstery-a nice historic nod to the original GTI. FCW, AEB, BSW, and RCTW are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

The GTI is one of the most practical choices among sporty cars. It's quiet, civilized and doesn't wear you out on long drives. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortably supportive seats and a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use infotainment system. The basic S model gives you a lot of bang for the buck. It's well equipped and doesn't lack for essential features. The only practical reason we'd opt for a more expensive version is to get the HID headlights, as they perform much better than the standard halogens. You can get the better lights on an S model, but only with an automatic. Updates for 2016 included optional forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning, all of which became standard in 2020.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

This redesign of the GTI brought modest changes. The four-cylinder Golf R adds more power and all-wheel-drive. The GTI excels at combining everyday practicality with being fun-to-drive. Agile handling, gutsy acceleration and a satisfying sound come with comfort and refinement. Remarkably, the GTI retains most of the civilized demeanor of other Golf models, making it suitable for everyday driving, while still bringing a smile to the face of a driving enthusiast. The hatchback adds versatility. Fit and finish are very good. The seats are supportive and sporty, yet comfortable. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard equipment.

2006-2009

2006 Redesign Year

The GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. Since 1999, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has powered most GTI models. The sporty VW hatchback is a credible alternative to a sports sedan, with capable handling, a relatively comfortable ride, a well-crafted interior and a surprisingly roomy back seat. Special limited-production R32 versions have a V6 and all-wheel-drive. These one-year-specials appeared in 2004 and again in 2008. A four-door version of the GTI became available in 2007.

1987-2005

1987 Redesign Year

The Golf exudes a feeling of precision and solidity unusual for a small car. It is available in 3- and 5-door hatchback body styles and GTI trim line marketed as a sporty alternative to standard Golfs. A responsive four cylinder provided base power, but a stronger V6 was available in top GTI models. The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.