Volkswagen Golf GTI & Golf R Make The Car And Driver “10Best” List

Every year, the automotive experts at Car and Driver select 10 exceptional models for their exclusive “10Best” list. Over 100 contenders vied for the top spots in 2026, with each eligible model undergoing rigorous testing. After two weeks of intensive evaluations, the judges named the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R among the top 10. Learn more about the “10Best” list and how the VW Golf GTI and Golf R earned their spots with Herman Cook Volkswagen before visiting our dealership in Encinitas to experience these award-winning hot-hatches from behind the wheel.

The Car And Driver “10Best” List

To be eligible for the 2026 “10Best” list, a vehicle must be on sale by January 31, 2026, and cost less than $115,000. Qualifying models are then separated into two groups: cars and SUVs/trucks. Evaluators are tasked with testing each vehicle with three core tenets in mind:

• How well does the vehicle perform its intended mission?
• How much value does the vehicle provide for its cost?
• How much joy do drivers experience behind the wheel?

The Volkswagen Golf R and Golf GTI are no strangers to the “10Best” list. With this year’s win, the VW Golf GTI has been awarded a place on the list 20 times, while the Golf R now marks its fifth time on the list. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts.”

The 2026 Golf GTI & Golf R: Highlights

Encinitas drivers have appreciated the blend of sport-inspired performance and everyday practicality offered by the Volkswagen Golf for decades. Following a 2025 refresh, both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R took this balance to the next level, offering bolder exterior design, advanced technologies, and enhanced performance for Golf R models. Some highlights of the latest generation include:

• Sport suspension
• 7-speed DSG automatic transmission
• Heated, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with shifting paddles
• Sport seats
• Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with Performance Monitor
• 12.9-inch touchscreen display

Test-Drive The Award-Winning VW Golf GTI & Golf R At Herman Cook Volkswagen

Discover all the exciting performance and premium amenities available in the latest Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R when you visit Herman Cook Volkswagen. Contact us online or by phone at (760) 753-6256 to schedule an appointment at our Encinitas dealership, and our team will put you in the driver’s seat of your favorite VW Golf.