If you’re looking for performance and practicality, you should consider a hot hatch like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. However, not all of these three and five-door fun factories are created equal. If you want the most fuel-efficient hot hatchbacks on the market, you’ll have to ditch all-wheel drive (AWD) like in the Golf R and head for the more traditional layout, like the GTI. Check out the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, 2022 Hyundai Veloster N, and other fuel-efficient hot hatchbacks on the American market. 

• Volkswagen Golf GTI 
• Hyundai Veloster N
• 2021 Honda Civic Type R
• Volkswagen Golf R

How fuel-efficient is the Volkswagen Golf GTI compared to other hot hatchbacks?

The most recent Volkswagen Golf GTI is pretty fuel efficient in comparison to other hot hatchbacks like its more powerful AWD sibling, the Golf R. Frankly, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI has the pedigree but also a noteworthy combination of economy and power to make it a top name in the hot hatch segment. Specifically, the Golf GTI packs a 241-horsepower 2.0L engine that manages an estimated 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. 

While that might not sound like much in the time of hybrids with over 50 mpg combined, it’s respectable for a hot hatchback with no shortage of smile-inducing driving experiences to offer. Furthermore, the GTI is the only car on this list with over 30 mpg of highway fuel economy. Finally, the 2022 Golf GTI also earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, meaning it’s safe and fun.  

Is the Hyundai Veloster N a fuel-efficient hot hatchback?

The 2022 Hyundai Veloster N packs much more power than a comparable Volkswagen Golf GTI. TrueCar says the Veloster N produces 275 horsepower from its 2.0L powerplant, a full 34 more than the GTI. However, the Hyundai hot hatchback is also thirstier than the GTI; the 2022 Veloster N has an estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg at highway speeds. Of course, the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N is also quicker to 60 mph than the GTI, requiring 4.8 seconds instead of the Volkswagen’s 5.1.

Is the 2021 Honda Civic Type R fuel efficient?

Unfortunately for fans who want their venerable Honda Civic Type R with GTI economy, the 2021 model doesn’t cut it. However, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R does offer comparable fuel economy to an AWD Volkswagen Golf R. Both hatchbacks return a combined fuel economy of around 26 mpg. Still, the Golf R manages to be nearly as fuel-efficient as Hyundai’s hot hatchback, even with its heavy AWD system. 

Is the Volkswagen Golf R a fuel-efficient hot hatchback?

With a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds and 315 horsepower on tap, the composed little Golf R had to compromise somewhere. Compared to other hot hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Golf R compromised on fuel efficiency, but just barely. Even with its 4Motion AWD and horsepower, the Golf R earned 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, says TrueCar. 

As a result, car shoppers would be well off with any of these fun and functional hatches. That is, assuming you care whether or not your whimsical weapon of performance and practicality is efficient at all. Scroll down to the following article to read more about hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R!