The “hot hatch” category may not be the best-selling type of vehicle in this SUV world we live in, but it’s a segment where many drivers are truly invested and want to keep alive.

These sporty little cars are performance-oriented hatchbacks with fun-to-drive personalities, focused less on transporting the family and cargo space, and more on pure enjoyment of the drive itself.

One of the longtime greats in the hot hatch segment is the Golf GTI, and I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn model. The latest version of the Golf GTI loses its manual transmission option, but still delivers a performance that driving enthusiasts will love.

Technology gets updated with mixed results, but no one can deny the driving experience in the new Golf GTI, which should continue to have its share of fans.

Read on for a full breakdown of how the 2025 Golf GTI holds up vs. other hot hatch competitors — including the Toyota GR Corolla, Honda Civic Type R, and more.