2023 VW Golf GTI: Is It Worth the Hype?

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a range of features that appeal to driving enthusiasts, such as a manual transmission, ample torque, and unique design elements that help it stand out among other cars. Additionally, it includes features that are appreciated by 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 Australian Shepherds as part of our "Will It Dog?" series. You can explore the full catalog of cars tested in 2023 here.

Bramble the dog and her fellow canine companions had a great time in the Golf GTI, although I personally didn't feel as connected to the driving experience as I had anticipated. While the car delivers on its promise of practicality and performance, I didn't feel the emotional connection I was expecting. We will discuss this further in our review.

Welcome to "Will It Dog," The Drive's car review series for dog owners. In this series, we evaluate how well a car like the VW GTI accommodates dogs and highlight specific aspects that can either help or hinder its suitability as a dog-friendly vehicle. While we primarily focus on the car's physical attributes for carrying animals, we also provide insights into its driving dynamics.

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Our main test dogs, Bramble, Indi, and Silas, are littermates, with Bramble being the smallest at around 40 pounds, while her brothers weigh about 60 pounds each. They are energetic animals who are comfortable with car rides, harnesses, and travel.

Here are the specifications 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 the human driver only)
• EPA Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city | 32 highway | 27 combined
• Cargo Volume: 19.9 cubic feet behind the second row | 34.5 cubic feet behind the first row
• Quick Take: A practical performance car that offers enough room for dogs, but doesn't feel fully optimized for them
• Will It Dog Score: 7/10

The interior of the Golf GTI features high-quality materials and a well-designed layout. The front seats strike a good balance between sportiness and comfort, although the back seats feel less thoughtfully designed. The standout feature in the cockpit is the VW's signature plaid inserts, which add personality to an otherwise plain interior dominated by black plastic.

The display and driver interface are predominantly digital, with touchscreen-like controls. Unlike many modern cars, VW has taken advantage of this platform to create visually appealing and unique gauge cluster layouts. However, the plastics used in the door and dashboard are disappointing, lacking interesting shapes or surfaces. If you have a dog, it's important to be cautious about covering surfaces within their reach to prevent scratches or claw marks.

Getting in and out of the Golf GTI is exceptionally easy for both people and animals. The car's shape and design make it effortless to access the seats, regardless of the size of your paws. The tailgate is slightly higher than the rear door, but overall, the car is user-friendly for a wide range of body types and dog breeds, especially among sporty cars.

During our test drives at normal speeds, Bramble enjoyed riding in the back and had plenty of space to stick her snout out of the open rear windows. The front seats are positioned in a way that allows dogs to easily reach their noses to the driver's shoulder, which is quite adorable. However, the low center console makes it easy for dogs to access the front area if they are not properly restrained.

One drawback of the rear seat design is its flatness. When driving at higher speeds and taking corners, dogs can easily slide around in the back, unlike other small sporty cars that provide deeper bucket seats for dogs to nestle in and brace themselves. On the positive side, the rear windows roll down deep enough to allow dogs to enjoy fresh-air sniffs at low speeds.

On paper, the GTI offers impressive performance statistics, including a six-speed manual transmission, 273 lb-ft of torque, and a curb weight below 3,500 pounds. However, I personally struggled to emotionally connect with the car, unlike my experiences with other sporty cars. The steering feels slightly numb, and the gear shifter has long and somewhat rubbery throws, which prevented the car from truly exciting me. Nonetheless, the GTI remains a comfortable and enjoyable car to drive, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting or long-distance trips.

The Golf GTI provides a flat rear bench, which can be advantageous when carrying multiple dogs or a large canine. It is possible to fit several dogs in the car with ease, and even the smaller breeds can comfortably fit behind the rear seats. However, if you have three or more people in the car, you will likely be limited to accommodating just one dog, assuming it is approximately the size of a Golden Retriever.

When it comes to carrying kennels, the Golf's cargo space may not be as accommodating as expected. While the area behind the rear seats is tall enough for a medium-sized collapsible kennel in its assembled/inflated mode, it lacks sufficient depth. Alternatively, you can leave the rear seats in place and place a kennel on top of them, preserving some cargo space. However, this option only works if there are two people in the car, as it reduces the passenger capacity to three, including the driver.

In conclusion, the VW Golf GTI, along with its higher-performance variant, the Golf R, is a reliable car for dog owners who prioritize both driving enjoyment and practicality. While it may not have evoked the emotional response I was expecting, it remains an objectively appealing car. However, it is important to consider how you utilize the Golf's space to ensure the comfort of both passengers and dogs. With strategic planning, you can create a comfortable space for your furry friends, but keep in mind that the Golf is still relatively small despite its increased size over the years.

If you're interested in dog car gear and travel accessories, we have a featured selection for you to explore. And if you want to see more cars tested by dogs, specifically for dogs, be sure to check out our other reviews.