Standard here, not on the base trim: 18" two-tone diamond-turned alloy (CB0) wheels w/ all-season tires, ArtVelours seating surfaces w/ GTI Clubsport hexagonal pattern & red trim, Harman Kardon premium audio system w/subwoofer & amplifier, Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights)
Specifications
Source: manufacturer press kit
Brakes
Front brake diameter
340.4 mm
Front brake type
vented disc
Rear brake diameter
309.9 mm
Rear brake type
vented disc
Parking brake type
electro-mechanical
Cargo
Cargo volume behind 1st row
34.5 cu-ft
Cargo volume behind 2nd row
19.9 cu-ft
Total interior volume
91.9 cu-ft
Connected Services
Connected services brand
Volkswagen Car-Net
Dimensions Exterior
Ground clearance
4.7 in
Overall height
57.7 in
Overall length
168.9 in
Overall width
70.4 in
Wheelbase
103.6 in
Engine Basics
Aspiration
twin turbo
Cylinder count
4
Engine displacement
1984 cc
Fuel injection system
gdi mpi
Engine type (full description)
2.0L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI (EA888evo4)
Valve configuration
DOHC
Engine Output
Horsepower
241 hp
Torque
273 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
MPG (city)
24 mpg
MPG (combined)
27 mpg
MPG (highway)
32 mpg
Fuel System
Minimum recommended octane
87
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 gal
Headroom
Front headroom
38.5 in
Second-row headroom
38.1 in
Legroom
Front legroom
41.2 in
Second-row legroom
35 in
Pricing
Base MSRP (excludes destination)
$39,080
Seating
Passenger seating capacity
5
Shoulder Room
Front shoulder room
55.9 in
Second-row shoulder room
53.9 in
Steering
Steering type
rack and pinion, electric power assist
Turning radius (curb-to-curb)
38.1 ft
Suspension
Front suspension type
strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension type
multilink with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
2.0L TSI®, 241 HP / 273 ft-lbs. torque, DOHC 16-valve, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine w/ direct fuel injection
7-speed DSG automatic transmission w/ Tiptronic
Driving Mode Selection
Engine start-stop system
VAQ limited-slip front differential lock
XDS cross differential system
Chassis2 std · 0 opt
Four-wheel independent sport suspension
Variable-ratio electro-mechanical power steering
Cargo1 std · 0 opt
Illuminated & carpeted cargo area w/ adjustable floor & 12V power port
Ranked by what shoppers ask about first; standard equipment before options.
Transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit for the 2026 Golf / GTI. Confirm with the window sticker for a specific unit.
The cheapest ownership win
Insurers price the 2026 Golf / GTI very differently, and the gap between the best and worst quote on the same car and driver is usually larger than any option you are weighing on this page.
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Common questions about the SE
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits
How much is the 2026 Volkswagen Golf / GTI SE?
The manufacturer lists $39,080 for the 2026 Volkswagen Golf / GTI SE. That is $4,490 above the S, the cheapest trim of the same model year. MSRP excludes destination, options, taxes and dealer charges.
What does the 2026 Volkswagen Golf / GTI SE add over the S?
Against the S, 4 features become standard that the S does not and 1 published specification differs. Both lists are on this page, taken from the manufacturer's own press material.