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

December 22nd, 2025 by

2025 Golf R Black Edition – Mythos Black Metallic and 2025 Golf GTI Autobahn – Kings Red Metallic

Each year, the automotive experts at Car and Driver select 10 exceptional models for their exclusive “10Best” list. With more than 100 contenders evaluated for 2026, each eligible vehicle goes through rigorous testing focused on performance, value, and driving enjoyment. After two weeks of intensive evaluations, the judges named the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Volkswagen Golf R among the top 10 – great news for performance-minded drivers shopping at an Encinitas Volkswagen dealership. Learn more about the “10Best” list and how the Golf GTI and Golf R earned their spots, then explore these award-winning hot hatches in person at Herman Cook Volkswagen.

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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 Volkswagen Golf GTI has been awarded a place on the list 20 times, while the Golf R now marks its fifth time on the list. For more recent recognition highlights, you can also browse our Volkswagen awards and news, including this related coverage on MotorTrend naming the Golf GTI and Golf R 2026 Car of the Year. “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 with updated design, advanced tech, and even more confidence-inspiring capability. If you’re comparing trims and features, these deeper dives can help: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI performance and 2026 Volkswagen Golf R technology. 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 Volkswagen Golf GTI & Golf R At Herman Cook Volkswagen

If you’re ready to turn this award news into a real-world drive, we’re here to support the full ownership journey. Start by browsing our new Volkswagen inventory, explore payment options through our Finance Center, and get a quick estimate for your current vehicle with Value Your Trade. After you bring home your Golf, you can keep it performing at its best by using our online service scheduler and shopping genuine Volkswagen parts when needed.

Discover 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 call (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 Volkswagen Golf. If you’d like to plan ahead, you can also request a drive time directly on our test drive scheduling page.
Posted in Awards, Golf GTI, Golf R