Volkswagen Earns Multiple Spots on Car and Driver’s 2026 Editors’ Choice List

Volkswagen has secured three placements on Car and Driver’s 2026 Editors’ Choice roster, with the latest iterations of the Golf GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan earning top marks from the publication’s editorial team. The recognition places the German automaker’s performance hatchbacks and compact SUVs among a select group of vehicles that stood out after extensive testing and comparative evaluation.

Car and Driver’s annual Editors’ Choice program evaluates hundreds of vehicles across dozens of segments. Only those that meet strict performance benchmarks and achieve a high overall rating are included, making the distinction particularly meaningful in a competitive marketplace.

At a Glance: Key Highlights

• Recognized Models: 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan
• Award Program: Car and Driver 2026 Editors’ Choice
• Selection Pool: 131 vehicles chosen from more than 450 models tested
• Eligibility: 2026 model-year vehicles driven and evaluated by editors
• Minimum Rating Required: At least 9 out of 10 stars
• Golf GTI Output: 241 horsepower / 273 lb-ft of torque
• Golf R Output: 328 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive
• Tiguan Power Options: 201 hp (standard trims) or 268 hp (SEL R-Line Turbo)
• Tiguan Infotainment: Standard 12.9-inch display; available 15-inch screen

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice list?

It is an annual roundup of vehicles that the publication’s editors consider the best in their respective segments after instrumented testing and real-world evaluation.

What criteria must a vehicle meet to be selected?

Eligible vehicles must be current model-year products that editors have driven. Each must achieve a minimum 9/10 rating and excel within its competitive category.

What distinguishes the 2026 Golf GTI from rivals?

The GTI blends everyday practicality with responsive performance, offering 241 horsepower and a refined dual-clutch transmission in a front-wheel-drive layout with a torque-sensing differential.

How does the 2026 Golf R differ from the GTI?

The Golf R builds on the GTI formula with more power, standard all-wheel drive, and additional performance-focused upgrades, including available lightweight components and a performance exhaust system.

What’s new about the 2026 Tiguan?

The Tiguan enters a new generation with updated styling, upgraded interior materials, expanded safety equipment, larger infotainment screens, and a more powerful available engine option.

Are advanced driver assistance systems included?

Yes. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® suite of safety and driver assistance features is widely available across the lineup.

Full Report

A Triple Recognition for Volkswagen

The 2026 model year marks a notable achievement for Volkswagen, as three core models were singled out by Car and Driver’s editorial staff. The publication’s Editors’ Choice list is built on a foundation of quantitative testing—including acceleration, braking, handling, and objective performance metrics—combined with subjective assessments of design, usability, and value.

Vehicles must not only perform well but also deliver on their intended purpose within their respective segments. That means a hot hatch must excite, a performance flagship must inspire confidence, and a compact SUV must balance practicality with refinement. Volkswagen managed to check those boxes in three distinct categories.

2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI: The Benchmark Hot Hatch

Few nameplates carry the heritage of the Golf GTI. Since its debut in the 1970s, the GTI has become synonymous with accessible performance. The 2026 model continues that tradition with a refreshed look and upgraded technology.

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and managed by an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that enhances cornering traction.

For 2026, the GTI benefits from styling revisions inside and out, interface refinements—including the return of physical steering-wheel controls—and expanded driver assistance features. Offered in S, SE, and Autobahn trims, the GTI remains positioned as a performance car that doesn’t sacrifice cargo capacity or daily comfort.

2026 Volkswagen Golf R: Elevated Performance

While the GTI balances performance and practicality, the Golf R pushes the envelope further. The latest version raises output to 328 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Exterior updates include redesigned lighting elements, a more aggressive front fascia, and illuminated branding. The performance upgrades are not merely cosmetic; the all-wheel-drive system enhances grip in varied conditions, making the Golf R a capable year-round performer.

An optional Euro Style Package adds enthusiast-oriented equipment, including a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system and weight-saving features such as lighter seats and the deletion of the sunroof. These enhancements underscore the Golf R’s position as Volkswagen’s performance halo model.

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan: A Reinvented Compact SUV

The Tiguan, Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in North America, enters its third generation with a comprehensive redesign. The 2026 model features sharper exterior styling and a more upscale cabin environment, including improved materials and expanded digital displays.

Two versions of the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine are offered. Most trims produce 201 horsepower, while the SEL R-Line Turbo increases output to 268 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission channels power to either the front wheels or Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Technology is a focal point. A 12.9-inch infotainment display comes standard, complemented by a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster. Higher trims can be equipped with a 15-inch touchscreen, quilted leather seating surfaces, real wood interior accents, and three-zone automatic climate control.

Safety is equally emphasized, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems and up to ten airbags. The result is a compact SUV that blends practicality with a more refined and engaging driving experience.

Why It Matters

Earning a place on Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice list signals more than marketing momentum. It reflects consistent performance across testing disciplines and competitive comparisons. For Volkswagen, the inclusion of both enthusiast-focused hatchbacks and a high-volume SUV demonstrates breadth within the lineup.

From the playful precision of the GTI to the confident thrust of the Golf R and the renewed versatility of the Tiguan, the 2026 portfolio underscores the brand’s dual focus on driving enjoyment and everyday usability.