2023 VW Golf GTI: A Canine Perspective

author: FutureCar Staff    

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a range of features that driving enthusiasts will appreciate. These include a manual transmission, ample torque, and unique design elements that help it stand out from other cars on the road. But it also has features that make it appealing to dog owners, such as a high roofline, easy access, and a user-friendly center console.

Every month, our team tests a new car with our group of Australian Shepherds. You can find the complete catalog of our 2023 Will It Dog? reviews here.

During our test drive, Bramble the dog and her fellow canines enjoyed their time in the Golf GTI. However, I personally didn't feel as emotionally connected to the car as I had expected. While it delivers on its promise of practicality and performance, it didn't quite capture my heart the way I thought it would. We'll discuss this further in our review.

Welcome to Will It Dog, The Drive's car review series for dog owners. In this series, we explore what it's like to live with different cars, specifically focusing on their suitability as dog taxis. While we will touch on driving dynamics, our main focus is on the car's physical attributes for carrying animals.

Let's dive into the details of the 2023 VW Golf GTI for dog owners:

- Base Price (as tested): $31,765 ($34,030)
- Seating Capacity (people): 5
- Seating Capacity (dogs): 4 (one in the cargo bay) (with human driver only)
- EPA Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city | 32 highway | 27 combined
- Cargo Volume: 19.9 cubic feet behind second row | 34.5 cubic feet behind first row
- Quick Take: A practical performance car with room for dogs, but not specifically optimized for them
- Will It Dog Score: 7/10

The interior of the Golf GTI offers a comfortable and practical layout. The driving position feels high and provides excellent visibility. The rear hatch is steep, allowing for a generous amount of cargo space. While the cargo bay behind the rear seats may not be particularly deep, it is tall and can accommodate larger items like a dog kennel.

All the seats are wrapped in a durable cloth material. The front seats strike a good balance between sporty and comfortable, although the backs feel slightly less refined. The signature plaid inserts add a touch of personality to an otherwise plain interior.

The display and driver interface are primarily digital, with a screen gauge cluster and center controls. The few remaining buttons feel more like touchscreens than traditional switches. The gauge cluster layouts are visually appealing and add to the overall design of the car.

Unfortunately, the plastics used on the doors and dashboard are disappointing. The interior lacks interesting shapes or surfaces, with a monotonous black color scheme. While we didn't notice any scratches or claw marks during our doggie test drive, it's advisable to cover surfaces within a dog's reach to protect them.

Getting in and out of the Golf GTI is easy for both humans and animals. The car's shape and height make it accessible for dogs of all sizes. The tailgate is slightly higher, but overall, the car is user-friendly for a wide range of body types and dog breeds.

When driving with a dog, the Golf GTI provides a comfortable experience at normal speeds. There is ample space for dogs to enjoy the ride and even stick their snouts out of the open rear windows. The low center console allows dogs to easily access the front seats, so it's important to ensure they are properly restrained.

While the Golf GTI offers a thrilling performance on paper, I personally didn't feel as connected to the car as I have with other sporty models. The steering felt slightly numb, and the gear shifter had long, rubbery throws. However, the car is still enjoyable to drive and offers a good balance between sportiness and comfort.

When it comes to packing and hauling, the Golf GTI's flat rear bench can be beneficial for carrying multiple dogs or one large canine. However, it's important to secure the dogs and pay attention to the low center console, as they may try to climb onto it. The rear windows can be rolled down to allow dogs to enjoy fresh air.

The Golf GTI is a practical car for dog owners, but it requires some strategic use of space to accommodate both people and pets comfortably. With two people in the car, it's best to drop both back seats and create a dog nest on top of the dropped seat backs. With three or more people, you may be limited to one dog unless it's a smaller breed.

In conclusion, the VW Golf GTI is a solid choice for dog owners who enjoy driving. While it may not have elicited the same emotional connection as other sport compact cars, it offers practicality and a user-friendly design. Just keep in mind the limitations of its cargo space when considering it as a dog taxi.

For more dog car gear and travel accessories, and to explore other cars tested by dogs, visit our website.

FutureCar Staff