Six VW Models Named Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Picks

Volkswagen is once again proud to announce that Car and Driver has named six VW models to the publication’s Editors’ Choice list for 2024. Those models include VW Golf GTI, VW Golf R, VW ID.4, VW Jetta GLI, VW Taos, and the VW Tiguan.

“We’re honored to see so many of our models named to the Editors’ Choice list, said Petar Danilovic, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing & Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “These vehicles represent the best of what Volkswagen has to offer 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. “

According to Volkswagen, the Car and Driver 2024 Editors’ Choice List consists of 138 vehicles – cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans – out of more than 500 models that Car and Driver editors tested, rated and ranked this year. Each year, the Car and Driver conducts rigorous instrumented testing of 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 if fulfills its intended mission, and editors’ subjective evaluations of each vehicle’s performance. Only models from 2024 model year, and those that Car and Driver staff has hands-on driving experience with, are eligible for this award.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

“The original hot hatch continues to thread the needle between fun, practicality and its trademark Teutonic elan” – Car and Driver

Since its debut in the U.S.  in 1983, the Golf GTI has defined the term “hot hatch”. The eighth-generation icon embodies the very same formula – refinement, style, power, and playful performance.

Volkswagen Golf R

“Mighty turbo-four power, highly entertaining to drive, hatchback practicality.” – Car and Driver

The Golf R is available in one well-equipped trim for the 2024 model year. Minor changes include power-folding exterior mirrors and, as a mid-model-year update, a new 19-inch wheel design.

Volkswagen ID. 4

“Generous space and excellent comfort make the ID.4 easy to live with” – Car and Driver

The ID.4 is the Volkswagen’s first all-electric SUV and their first global EV. Built on VW’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, it marries the strengths of a purpose-built EV with performance, packaging and value, features that have marked the brand for decades.

In addition to being one of six Car and Driver Editors’ Choice picks, the VW ID.4 has also been named Top EV Pick for Value as well as Electric Vehicle of the Year in 2022.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

“The 228-hp Jetta is one of the last fun-to-drive sedan left in the U.S. for under $30k.” – Car and Driver

The Jetta has defined affordable German engineering for more than four decades, spending more than three of them as VW’s best-selling model. The Jetta GLI  was refreshed for 2022, with new technology and styling.

For 2024, the GLI is offered in two trims – a limited edition, value-oriented 40^th Anniversary Edition, and Autobahn. The Jetta GLI now offers standard IQ. DRIVE driver assistance technology on all models with automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Taos

“Despite its small stature, the Taos impresses with enough interior space to underscore its practical mission.” – Car and Driver

The VW Taos brings bold exterior design, a practical but refined interior, advanced technology, and available 4Motion all-wheel drive to the compact SUV space. Sitting right below the Tiguan, Taos offers Volkswagen’s signature driving dynamics, high-quality, and smart packaging in a smaller package with a lower starting price tag.

Related: Why You Should Get into VW Taos

Volkswagen Tiguan

“The Tiguan brings a decidedly European flavor to the crowded compact crossover segment with crisp handling and purposeful styling.” – Car and Driver

The Volkswagen Tiguan combines VW’s signature fun-to-drive character with spacious interior and flexible seating. Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle sits above the Taos in the compact SUV space and offers refinement and an advanced feature set at a value price point.

For the 2024 model year, the VW Tiguan is offered in four trims – S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line. All Tiguan models now offer standard IQ. DRIVE driver assistance technology. The 2024 Tiguan S trim adds auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wiper function, and a leatherette trimmed steering wheel.