Car and Driver picks six Volkswagen models for 2022 Editors’ Choice list including new Mk8 Golf GTI, Golf R, new ID.4 EV SUV, Taos crossover, refreshed Jetta GLI and Tiguan; models rated for performance, how well vehicle fulfills its intended mission

Sample article from our Automobile Industry

HERNDON, Virginia , February 4, 2022 (press release) –

  • All-new Mk8 Golf GTI and Golf R make the list along with the new ID.4 electric SUV and Taos small crossover, and refreshed Jetta GLI and Tiguan
  • Golf GTI also named to Car and Driver’s 10Best list for 2022 – its 16th consecutive win

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce that Car and Driver magazine has named the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R, ID.4, Jetta GLI, Taos, and Tiguan to the magazine’s Editors’ Choice list for 2022.

“We’re honored to see so many of our models named to the Editors’ Choice list,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “These vehicles represent the best of what Volkswagen offers and what Americans love to drive. Their combination of smart packaging, safety features, and great driving dynamics, all at a great value, is something we’re proud of, and we’re happy to see them recognized.”

The Car and Driver 2022 Editors’ Choice list consists of 116 vehicles—cars, trucks, crossovers, and SUVs—out of nearly 400 models that Car and Driver editors tested, rated and ranked this year. Each year, Car and Driver conducts rigorous instrumented testing on hundreds of vehicles. Those results and the following criteria are used to choose the vehicles for the Editors’ Choice list: the rankings each vehicle earns within its market segment versus competitors, how well it fulfills its intended mission, and editors' subjective evaluations of each vehicle's performance. Only vehicles that are on sale in 2022, and those that the staff has hands-on driving experience with, are eligible for Editors’ Choice.

Volkswagen Golf GTI
“Faithfully fun to drive, lighter and quicker than its predecessor, still as practical as ever.”
– Car and Driver

The Golf GTI has defined the term “hot hatch” since its debut in 1976 in Europe and 1983 in the U.S. More than 40 years later, the eighth-generation icon embodies the very same formula—refinement, style, power, and playful performance. The all-new Mk8 GTI features an entirely new electronic architecture, along with a new vehicle dynamics system and more power than ever before. The 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EA888 evo4 TSI® engine puts out 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE technology comes standard, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist (latter available on DSG® models only).

MSRP for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI with a standard manual six-speed transmission starts at $29,545. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with Tiptronic® starts at $30,345. The destination charge for all Golf GTI models is an additional $995.

Volkswagen Golf R
“Refined turbocharged engine, joyful handling, practical hatchback body.” – Car and Driver

The all-new Golf R continues to evolve a legacy of understated performance first pioneered for the 2004 model year, with the introduction of the rally-inspired Golf R32. Almost two decades later, the fifth iteration of Volkswagen’s performance halo ups the ante with new race-inspired content and premium features, including a 27-horsepower advantage over its predecessor with its 315-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EA888 evo4 TSI engine. Rear-axle torque vectoring brings an entirely different level of handling to the Golf R for 2022.

MSRP for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with a standard manual six-speed transmission starts at $43,645. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with Tiptronic starts at $44,445. The destination charge for all Golf R models is an additional $995.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI
“An affordable car that’s great fun to drive, unexpectedly practical for a compact sedan, desirable and upscale standard features.” – Car and Driver

Since it first debuted in 1984, the Volkswagen GLI has had one mission: to deliver an accessible German performance sedan. In 2022, the “GTI with a trunk” is refreshed, with new technology and styling, and offered in one fully-loaded trim. Style updates include new front and rear bumpers, new colors and new wheels. Inside, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster now comes standard, as does Volkswagen Car-Net® with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan, wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices. IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology is standard.

MSRP for the Jetta GLI with 6-speed manual transmission starts at $30,995. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission starts at $31,795. Destination charges for all Jetta GLI models is $995.

Volkswagen ID.4
“Spacious interior, adequate range per charge, quiet and serene ride.” – Car and Driver

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and the brand’s first global EV. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle architecture—the modular electric drive matrix—it marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value, features that have marked the brand for decades. The compact SUV is equipped with an 82 kWh battery and is offered in 201-horsepower rear-wheel drive and 295-hp all-wheel-drive configurations. Modern design pairs with high-tech features, like standard IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology and a smart infotainment system, using voice and touch. For 2022, Volkswagen expects an EPA-estimated range improvement over MY21, and will be adding Auto Hold, 135 kW DC fast charging, and Plug & Charge throughout the model year. Three years of 30-minute fast charging sessions with Electrify America is included at no additional cost.

MSRP for the ID.4 Pro with rear-wheel drive starts at $40,760, before a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The all-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro starts at $44,440. Destination charges for all ID.4 models is $1,195.

Volkswagen Taos
“Huge back seat for its subcompact designation, generous cargo storage, really good fuel-economy figures.” – Car and Driver

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos compact SUV debuts with a bold exterior design, practical but refined interior, advanced technology, and available 4Motion® all-wheel drive. Slotting below the Tiguan, Taos offers Volkswagen’s signature driving dynamics, high quality, and smart packaging in a smaller package with a lower price tag. Taos boasts a tech-forward package, including standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and Car-Net® telematics, offering in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Available technology includes Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system, as well as IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, Light Assist, and Dynamic Road Sign Display. All versions of the Taos are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 TSI engine making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

MSRP for the Taos S with front-wheel drive starts at $22,995. The Taos S 4Motion starts at $25,040. Destination charges for all ID.4 models is $1,195.

Volkswagen Tiguan
“Sporty handling, spacious cabin, available third row of seats.” – Car and Driver

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan features a sharpened exterior as well as a refined interior. The brand’s best-selling vehicle comes equipped with new standard and available tech features, while retaining Volkswagen’s signature fun-to-drive character, spacious interior and impressive feature set. All 2022 Tiguan models come equipped with the 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, while a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro is available on the top trim. Other standard features include LED headlights and taillights, KESSY® keyless entry with push-button start, Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability, heated front seats, Driving Mode Selection, Front Assist, and Side Assist.

Pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $25,995 for front-wheel drive models and $27,495 for all-wheel drive models. The destination charge for all Tiguan models is an additional $1,195.

For more information on Car and Driver’s 2022 Editors’ Choice list visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a38873223/2022-editors-choice/.  

About Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen Group of America’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf GTI, Golf R, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, Taos, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

“Car-Net”, “DSG”, “IQ.DRIVE”, “KESSY”, “TSI”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Tiptronic” is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices provided are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, accessories installation, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

When using keyless push-button start or remote start, do not leave vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly in enclosed spaces. See owner’s literature for important information.

Certain Car-Net services require trial or paid subscriptions, which may have their own terms and conditions. Car-Net requires cellular connectivity, availability of vehicle GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all services and features are available on all vehicles.  Certain Car-Net services may connect out to 3rd party providers that may require additional payment.  Standard text and data rates may apply for app and web features.  Certain services may collect location and vehicle information. See Terms of Service, Privacy Statement, and other important information at www.vw.com/carnet.  

Not all App-Connect features are available on all operating systems. Standard text and data usage rates apply. App-Connect features require compatible device, operating system, and mobile apps. See mobile device and app providers for terms and privacy.

The Car-Net Hotspot feature is intended for passenger use only. 4G LTE coverage is not available in all areas. See materials provided for terms, privacy, data security details. Requires trial or paid Wi-Fi plan from third-party wireless provider.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See owner’s literature for important information.

The potential tax credit mentioned with respect to the ID.4 is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. Any available credits apply only on the original purchase of a qualifying vehicle and are not available in a lease transaction. All persons considering use of available tax credits should consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility based on their specific tax situation. Tax credits are subject to various limitations not within Volkswagen's control and are subject to change without notice.

Maximum AWD HP for ID.4 calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power pursuant to SAE J2908.  Max HP only available under certain limited conditions, including, but not limited to, battery temperature of between 23 and 50 °C (73.4 and 122°F) and a charge level greater than 88%.  Your results will vary.  See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations. 

3 years of included 30 minute charging sessions on the MY22 ID.4 vehicles begins upon vehicle purchase. Non-transferable.  Not available for commercial use, such as ridesharing.  Requires Electrify America mobile app, account, enrollment in 2022 ID.4 Charging Plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, and $10 deposit to pre-fund Idle Fees and charging after 30 minutes. User is responsible for Idle Fees, which apply beginning 10 minutes after charge session stops or vehicle reaches full charge.  After the initial 30 minutes of each applicable session, charging continues uninterrupted at then-current Electrify America Pass pricing. There is a 60-minute wait-period between charging sessions in which you receive the 30 minutes of charging under this promotion. In the event of suspected fraud or abuse or other unforeseen events, Volkswagen of America may discontinue or modify the offer in its sole discretion.  Frequent and consecutive charging can permanently decrease battery capacity, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.

28 city/36 highway mpg (2022 Taos 1.5L, front-wheel drive). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

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