The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI is celebrating 40 years in the United States. This popular hatchback is fast yet comfortable. But what will you pay to put one in your garage? Here’s a look at the various trim levels and the price for a fully loaded 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI overview

This hot hatch packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasts an updated suspension, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and a well-tuned chassis. It zooms from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and stops quickly too.

Volkswagen redesigned the Golf GTI for the 2022 model year, and it still provides plenty of space in both rows and the cargo area. The 2023 GTI sports a three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. In addition, it has a 10.3-inch gauge cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the interior has some hard plastics and lower-quality finishes. Car and Driver testers enjoy the handling and speed but don’t like the interior materials and think the infotainment system is confusing.

Standard advanced safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is available, as is the IQ.Drive system. It includes additional features such as VW’s Emergency Assist, which automatically stops the vehicle and turns on the hazard lights when it senses no driver activity.

The 2023 Golf GTI comes in four trim levels — S, 40th Anniversary Edition, SE, and Autobahn. Except for the special 40th Anniversary Edition, the 2023 trims are the same as the 2022 models.

Starting prices are $30,530 for the S, $35,330 for the SE, and $39,070 for the Autobahn.

Volkswagen says buyers can purchase the 40th Anniversary Edition beginning mid-model year. Starting prices are $33,055 for models with manual transmission and $33,855 for models with automatic.

Fully loaded 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI price and features

The Autobahn is the top-of-the-line 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It includes a head-up display, heated leather seats in both rows, and ventilated seats up front. Additionally, it sports performance summer tires on 19-inch wheels instead of the standard 18-inch. It also has adjustable adaptive dampers.

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn trim starts at $39,070, but options and upgrades increase that price. For instance, choosing the automatic transmission adds $800. And three paint colors — Kings Red Metallic, Opal White Pearl, and Moonstone Gray — cost an extra $395.

Then you can choose from 23 available accessories. They range from a VW logo valve stem cap ($21) to a roof cargo box attachment ($735). Selecting all extras totals $4,943. Once the dealer adds the $1,095 destination charge, a fully loaded Golf GTI Autobahn costs about $46,303.

The starting price for the 2023 Autobahn trim has increased by $1,075 over the 2022 Golf GTI, but the cost to add the automatic transmission remains the same.

The best trim to buy

Car and Driver reviewers recommend the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE trim because it provides the best value. The SE features an illuminated grille, a Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone integration, keyless access with a push-button start/stop, and a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof.

And though the GTI is known for its plaid-accent cloth seats, you can choose leather upholstery for the SE. Other available features include ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, and an automatic transmission.

VW’s hot hatch has been zipping around the States for decades. To get a fully loaded range-topping 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, prepare to shell out $46,303.