2023 Volkswagen Golf R  RealSafeCars83Safety Rating

#28 of 2023 Sedan/Hatchback/Wagons

#85 of all 2023 vehicles


The Golf R, introduced by Volkswagen in , is a small hatchback/wagon with seating up to 5. The Volkswagen Golf R has exceptional horsepower for its class, packing substantial oomph. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD), it can easily bypass mud and snow. Volkswagen offers a 6-year, 72,000-mile basic/powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is average compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R has a score of 83, implying a 0.038% chance of driver death (3.4% chance of injury).

We estimate that the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0378% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 4.3223%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0378% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 4.3223% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is 19% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is 25% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

Active safety features can substantially reduce the risks of harm to vehicle occupants by preventing severe accidents. All trims and versions of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R include the following active safety systems: Front Assist, Lane Assist, and Blind Spot Monitor.

Some advanced safety features --- while not cutting edge --- can still improve vehicle safety. Standard Light Assist automatically switches high beam headlights off when oncoming traffic is approaching and turns them back on when there aren't any vehicles ahead. Standard side mirror turn signals alert others of your intention to turn or switch lanes allowing them to react accordingly, which can prevent accidents caused by not seeing a vehicle in the blind spot.


And it is about as safe as many comparable models.

9079BMW 2 SeriesINFINITI Q50Lincoln CorsairVolkswagen Golf RLexus ISNissan MaximaAlfa Romeo GiuliaAudi Q3Volvo XC40Genesis GV70A. A4 Allroad (Wagon)Hyundai Genesis G70Comparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 79 to 90. The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is less safe than the 2023 Audi A4 Allroad (Wagon), the 2023 Genesis GV70, the 2023 Volvo XC40, the 2023 Audi Q3, and the 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia. It is about as safe as the 2023 INFINITI Q50, the 2023 Lincoln Corsair, the 2023 Lexus IS, and the 2023 Nissan Maxima.

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