Three Volkswagen models named Car and Driver Editors’ Choice picks for 2026

Volkswagen of America, Inc., is proud to announce that Car and Driver has named the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan to the 2026 Editors’ Choice list.

“We are delighted to see three of our vehicles named to the Editors’ Choice list,” said Petar Danilovic, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “These vehicles offer a combination of smart packaging, great driving dynamics, and a suite of IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance features, all at a great value. We’re proud of these vehicles and are honored to see them recognized by the editors at Car and Driver.” 

The Car and Driver 2026 Editors’ Choice list consists of 131 vehicles—cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans—out of more than 450 models that Car and Driver editors test, rate, and rank across 47 unique vehicle segments annually.

The criteria used to select the winners includes the results of Car and Driver’s rigorous instrumented testing; the editors’ expert assessment of how successfully each vehicle fulfills its intended mission and delivers value and driving enjoyment; and the rating each vehicle earns compared to others in its market segment.

To win, a vehicle must have earned a rating of at least 9 out of 10 stars from Car and Driver’s expert vehicle reviewers. Only vehicles from the 2026 model year, and those with which the editors have hands-on driving experience, are eligible for Editors’ Choice.  Read more about the awards and winners here.

Volkswagen Golf GTI
“With ample cargo space, a spacious cabin, and performance aplenty, the Volkswagen Golf GTI upholds its reputation as the archetypal hot hatch.” – Car and Driver

The Golf GTI has defined the term “hot hatch” since its debut in 1976 in Europe and in 1983 in the U.S. The eighth generation of the iconic GTI sticks to the same formula of refinement, style, usability, and playful performance.

For the 2026 model year, the Golf GTI is available in three main trims—S, SE, and Autobahn. The vehicle recently benefitted from a facelift that included: updated exterior and interior design elements; upgraded technology; interface improvements that include push-button steering wheel controls; and an expanded range of driver assistance features.

The Golf GTI continues to be powered by Volkswagen’s refined and powerful EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine, making 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed  DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, driving the front wheels via the VAQ electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential. For 2026, pricing starts at $34,590 MSRP for S trims.

Volkswagen Golf R
“Stealthy looks, tons of power, [and] an advanced all-wheel-drive system to put it to the ground.” – Car and Driver

The Mark 8 Golf R continues to evolve the legacy of understated high-performance first pioneered by the Golf R32 for the 2004 model year. More than two decades later, Volkswagen’s performance halo ups the ante with styling, performance, and technology upgrades.

Key among the changes for the facelifted model is an increase in horsepower for the EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine, from 315 to 328 horsepower. The power is taken to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system. A new headlight design, an illuminated grille and logo, and a resculpted front bumper offer an even more performance-focused look.

The 2026 Golf R is available as the standard model only and pricing starts at $49,455 MSRP. The available Euro Style Package brings desirable features to America that were previously reserved for the European-market car, including an Akrapovic™ titanium exhaust system, lighter sport seats, and sunroof delete for a weight saving of nearly 80 pounds.  

Volkswagen Tiguan
“More fun to drive than most of its rivals, [and] plenty of space for passengers and cargo…The recently redesigned Tiguan compact SUV improves upon its predecessor in many regards and now offers a more powerful engine option.” – Car and Driver

The third-generation Tiguan elevates the brand’s best-selling nameplate, inside and out. Totally redesigned for the 2026 model year, with an eye-catching exterior and an elegant interior that boasts premium materials and creature comforts, the Tiguan looks and feels better than ever. Add in high-end technology, more driver assistance features, no fewer than 10 airbags, and a revised powertrain with two options, and the Tiguan raises the game in the compact SUV segment.

The new EA888 evo5 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine makes 201 horsepower in S, SE, and SE R-Line Black trims, while it produces 268-hp in the SEL R-Line Turbo. The engine sends its power to either the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All Tiguan models come with a long list of comfort and convenience features, including a standard 12.9-inch central infotainment display; the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro configurable digital gauge cluster; and the Driving Experience Dial, which controls radio volume, Drive Mode Selection and, in higher trims, Atmospheres mood lighting and audio settings. Available upscale features include a 15-inch infotainment screen, real wood trim, perforated leather seating surfaces with a quilted diamond pattern, and 3-zone Climatronic Touch automatic climate control. Pricing for the 2026 Tiguan S starts at $30,805 MSRP for FWD and $32,305 for 4Motion AWD.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow us on Microsoft Start.