A smooth, quiet ride is a hallmark of the 2024 VW Golf R, one of Volkswagen’s MVPs this year. Compared with the Honda Civic Type R, it offers the same horsepower and torque, but less rumble as you speed across the open road. Plus, the Volkswagen doesn’t skimp on leg and cargo room, and the touchscreen infotainment system offers a modern, sleek feel.
Read on for our in-depth comparison of the 2024 VW Golf R with its strongest competitor, the Honda Civic Type R, so you can figure out the best vehicle for your needs.
2024 VW Golf R: Specs & features
There aren’t many changes for the 2024 VW Golf R, but big things are expected in the future. 2024 is the last year the Golf R will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission. In terms of price, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just under $47,000 and can go up to $48,000. Be sure to check our inventory to see if you can get a better price.
Powertrain & performance
Beneath the hood, the 2024 VW Golf R features a turbocharged 2.0-L inline four-cylinder that produces 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, the manual transmission only offers 280 lb-ft. You have the option of either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Golf R also comes standard with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a rear differential that distributes torque between left and right rear wheels. This can improve the vehicle’s overall handling. There are also selectable driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift, and Individual) that can be activated with a single button click.
What’s more, the Golf R comes standard with a sport exhaust system, large front disc brakes, and variable-ratio steering. The Golf R can hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds with the auto transmission. Impressively, the manual comes just behind with 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Fuel economy
According to the EPA, the 2024 VW Golf R offers 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. The manual drops this to 20 mg city and 28 highway.
Interior features
Inside the Golf R provides a sporty aesthetic with a thick-rimmed steering wheel, touch-sensitive controls, and a 10.2-inch customizable digital gauge cluster. Additionally, the front seats are bolstered & wrapped in nappa leather. The Golf also features 30-color ambient lighting, stainless-steel pedals, and more carbon-look trim on the dashboard.
Infotainment and connectivity
Additionally, the Golf R includes a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system right in the middle of the dashboard. The Golf also comes with a standard nine-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety features
Standard safety features on the Golf R include:
- Forward-collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty & maintenance coverage
VW offers a solid standard warranty package, with a limited warranty covering four years or 50,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covering four years or 50,000 miles. Plus, VW offers help keep your VW in prime condition, VW offers complimentary maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles to keep your vehicle in prime condition.
2024 Honda Civic Type R: Specs & features
Perhaps the strongest competitor to the VW Golf R is the 2024 Honda Civic Type R. This sporty model offers equal horsepower and torque to the Golf R, but has far more road noise than its VW counterpart. The interior is comfortable, and it hits at a reasonable price point. Let’s take a closer look at the Honda Civic Type R to see how it stacks up.
Powertrain & performance
The Civic Type R comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-L four-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. In terms of acceleration, the Type R hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Fuel economy
The Honda Civic gets an estimated 22 mpg city and 28 highway. This is slightly less than the VW Golf R while on its eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Interior features
The Civic Type R sports a minimalist interior design that includes red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and a pair of supportive front seats. Interior space is similar to the standard Civic hatchback, allowing a range of uses for drivers of all sorts.
Infotainment & connectivity
The Civic Type R includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the Civic Type R features a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety features
The Honda Civic Type R comes standard with forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Warranty & maintenance coverage
Honda offers a solid warranty program with a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles. Like with Volkswagen, you get complimentary maintenance covering two years or the first 24,000 miles.
Final verdict: Go with a Volkswagen
Although it probably comes as no surprise, our verdict is the Volkswagen. For starters, the low cabin noise offers a more pleasant driving experience. Plus, when you partner with Lou Bachrodt VW, our technicians can help keep it in prime condition through routine maintenance.
To learn about your customization, financing, and service options, reach out to Lou Bachrodt VW and schedule an appointment with our team today.
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