2023 Volkswagen GLI — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2023 Volkswagen GLI is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 36 mpg (UK) / 30 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Volkswagen GLI workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2022 Volkswagen GLI: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 36 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 36 combined / 31 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 30 combined / 26 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 185 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2023 Volkswagen GLI, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (26/36) | 185 | $2,250 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (26/37) | 186 | $2,250 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2023 Volkswagen GLI
Running Costs: 2023 Volkswagen GLI
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2023 Volkswagen GLI at 36 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,010 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2023 Volkswagen GLI Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2023 Volkswagen GLI's 36 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 185 g/km CO₂ figure is 28 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 5 Volkswagen GLI model years we cover, the 2023 is the most economical on its best configuration (36 mpg UK combined). See every Volkswagen GLI year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2023 Volkswagen GLI
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2023 Volkswagen GLI have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (am-s7) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Volkswagen GLI?
The most efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, or 30 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2023 Volkswagen GLI cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,250 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2023 Volkswagen GLI have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.