​​Golf GTI and Golf R named to 2026 Car and Driver “10Best”​ 

Cars have a practical purpose and can also be a source of considerable enjoyment. When a model does both beautifully, well… it wins awards. Thus, Bud Brown Volkswagen is proud to announce that, fresh from being selected as Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year”, the 2026 Golf R and GTCar aI have been named among Car and Driver’s “10Best”. Neither vehicle is a stranger to this accolade: the GTI has been named to this list 20 times, and the Golf R has been named five times. 

The Car and Driver annual “10Best” list highlights 10 top new cars, which are selected based on a combination of value, enjoyment, and delivering on their stated mission. Nominees include all-new models, those with significant updates, 10Best winners from the previous year, and vehicles not available for the 2025 contest. The competition separates the top 10 cars from the best trucks and SUVs; all must have a base-MSRP of $115,000 or less and be available in the U.S. by January 31, 2026. This year, the editors reviewed over 90 new vehicles across two weeks to determine the winners. 

Both Golf models received updated exterior styling and enhanced cabin technology, and the Golf R model saw its power increase from an already impressive 315 horsepower to 328.  

“We’ve always loved the current… mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality [offered by the Volkswagen GTI], but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “And, the… design [of the Golf R] looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.” 

Editor Ezra Dyer describes the GTI as a vehicle that has always been an “If you know, you know” sports car, in that those who don’t know may see an attractive but practical-looking hatchback, while well-read automobile enthusiasts immediately recognize it for the joy it brings behind the wheel. The publication, known for its “save the manuals” campaign, mourned the loss of the 6-speed manual, even noting the astonishing statistic that automatic-transmission-loving North Americans had an impressive 40% take rate for the third pedal. The global market, however, preferred the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, making it the sole transmission available on both models in 2026. “But,” as Car and Driver points out, “there’s more to these hot-hatch granddaddies than just a shift lever.” 

They praised the 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the GTI and the quick shifts of the dual-clutch transmission. They noted that “the electronically controlled limited-slip differential keeps everything calm, even at full throttle exiting a corner.” They also appreciated the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel.  

They then mention that the Golf R takes everything to another level with 328 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and the ability to reach 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Compared to other hot hatches, the Golf R shows “more of a grown-up disposition” and can even coddle the driver with heated leather seats and three-zone climate control.

 “Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go. It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts.” 

If you are looking for practicality, fun, and refinement all in one set of four wheels, the GTI and Golf R should be at the top of your consideration list. At the same time, Bud Brown Volkswagen offers confidence of ownership with the Bud Brown Advantage Lifetime Limited Warranty. It is an unbeatable combination you will want to take advantage of by checking out either the GTI, Golf R, or both at Bud Brown Volkswagen.