MotorTrend has named the Volkswagen Golf — specifically its GTI and Golf R models — as its 2026 Car of the Year after rigorous testing.

Each year, MotorTrend’s editorial team evaluates new vehicles on six key criteria: value, safety, efficiency, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function.

Starting at $33,670 for the GTI and $48,325 for the Golf R, MotorTrend says the vehicles strike a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and price.

"You don't feel like you're being cheated out of any of the luxuries or the fun-to-drive factor in this vehicle," said Edward Loh, MotorTrend’s head of editorial.

That win comes as automakers face a shift in strategy. With the Trump administration rolling back some electric-vehicle mandates, Loh says compan

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