I have the Sportwagen with the 4motion and DSG. It is fantistic in the winter and 0-60 in sub 7 seconds. Back roads are a joy and sport mode in corners is a grand time ! (better than my last car, an Audi A4)
I have owned my Alltrack for just under a year and 13k miles. It is worth every penny and is every bit as good now as it was new. It continues to impress me.
Are you still liking your Alltrack? Do you have the manual or DSG? What trim level? Any problems with the panoramic sunroof? Just curious. I am looking at getting a 2019 S Trim.
Starting this model year (2019), The Alltrack has as STANDARD: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Very impressed with your videos. I love that you go in depth on the target vehicle but also offer a very detailed analysis of comparable makes and modeks in and around the target segment. You are providing exactly the kind of information in exactly the way which makes it easier for someone like me too make a purchasing decision. Thank you.
The other difference between the Sportwagen 4 motion and the AllTrack is the Mode Selection Switch for driving modes. There is no mode switch in the Sportwagen.
Great review, Alex! The Golf Sportwagen Alltrack is a great option in its sort of competition-less segment. I love the sleek and conventional styling of VW'S and this Sportwagen is no exception to that. Also, that interior, from certain angles can hold an Audi badge! You are such a great reviewer and inspire me every single day! Keep up the impeccable work! -DriveAndBeDriven "The Quest To Record The Best!"
I'm considering the Alltrack. I have a 2017 Forester and I've discovered that all Subaru models have pedals placed about 1.5 inches to the left of most other brands, making operation of the brake pedal very uncomfortable
+Jay Kae In recency, VAG's short-term reliability hasn't been too bad, but I think their long-term reliability is still pretty bad. In my experience, expensive stuff really goes to crap once the warranty is up.
Alex, could you please include the driver assistance features in the video? I would like to know which brands offers the best and most reliable assistance technology.
Would have cross-shopped one myself, but they went from being wagons with a mild, practical lift to being bloated, oversized SUV’s. If I magically found an early 00’s one with zero miles on it, I would have bought that instead.
How does this compare to the Audi Allroad since they seem to be the same car yet the Audi is based on the larger, Longitudinal Engine, MLB platform? I work for an Audi dealer and I think the handling benefits of the MLB platform as well as the larger space should set it apart enough from the VW. What do you think, Alex?
Great video man, very helpful with my current car buying venture. Deciding to upgrade from my TC which i love, but between a sportwagon, all trek, golf gti, wrx wagon/wrx, focus st, im thinking more and more about vw, more specifically the sport wagon and alltrek. Thanks!
Dewey's education Jordan's dunks just get the regular VW Sportwagen 4Motion with the 6 speed automatic. The DSG transmission that VW puts in the Alltrack is pure garbage that needs servicing every 40,000 miles. My wife had a Jetta GLI and the transmission shat itself at 74,000 miles. My 2008 VW Golf has 160,000 miles on it with the regular six speed auto and still goes like a tank.
I notice you, and others, compare this vehicle to the outback which , as you admitted, is a mid sized car. This vw is a compact so why not compare it to the Subaru Crosstrek which is also a compact? As for price i see the Crosstrek top end just under 32k which puts it in close to this vw. Thnx. Keep up the good reviews, i consider yours the best on you tube.
No mention of Subaru Forester? I would definitely cross shop it, don't care if one is called a wagon and the other an SUV. Marketing names don't matter, utility does.
I find putting a DSG in this rather curious since it does not do well in creeping operations like on forest roads. But with the lower ground clearance this really is a road oriented vehicle unlike Subies and Volvo.
Very nice review, thank you. I also watched your outback review and it got c- in cabin noise. This one got A, however you mentioned it is comparable to outback. How much difference did you notice between two in terms of cabin noise?
I am surprised to hear you say that. I had\have the adaptive headlight system on my Golf TDI and found it to be quiet good personally. I also just recently bought a used Audi A6 to replace my Golf with since it made financial sense for me to take part in VW's buyback process, and I overall have been fairly impressed with the range and quality of illumination of the multi-projector full LED assembly headlights that my car came equipped with. (Admittedly they are ludicrously expensive being a freaking $1400 standalone option new....) More to that point, I know anytime I have to drive halogen equipped vehicles like my Mom's 2013 Jetta Sportwagen or my friend's 2014 Subaru Forester at night: I instantly notice the drop-off in terms of visibility. That said, I have not driven that many newer vehicles at night, so perhaps I have just driven vehicles that have better examples of that particular headlight assembly type. I am curious are there any specific vehicles that you are referring to and that draw your ire? Oh and TheMiata, to get the upgraded headlights on the Alltrack you have to get the SEL version of the car equipped with the "Driving Assistance and Lighting Package". Additionally it is kind of a crazy expensive option at $1995 given that the "Driver Assistance Package" (which is available on all trim levels of the Alltrack) is $845: so you are basically paying $1100 for the bloody headlights. (I don't think that there are any differences in functionality between the "Driving Assistance and Lighting Package" and the much less expensive "Driver Assistance Package", but I could be wrong since I have not researched that very thoroughly up to this point.) Regardless you are right it is kind of stupid for such an option to only be available on top trim level vehicles and for it to be so bloody expensive. Especially given that VW is not really known for its distinctive front fascia lighting designs unlike their luxury Audi siblings.
I wouldn't take this off road I have a jeep for going off road but I would like this just as a car and with all wheel drive it will be nice for winter.
While I certainly can understand why you might say that, I think it would be kind of a waste on a car like this. I mean look nobody is off-roading these cars much to begin with, and the increased ground clearance negatively impacts fuel economy and handling. For what most people are going to use this car's 4motion system for (dirt\gravel roads, inclement weather) really the car is pretty well configured and it still retains the driving characteristics that its Golf namesake is famous for.
The design seems nice, but the fact it only has a 1.8T is kind of a bummer; the car looks a bit too big for an engine that small. The Outback 2.5 about makes the same power but most agree the 3.6 is the better pick there. The availability of the 2.0T should solve this problem, my guess is VW is afraid the Alltrack might eat the upcoming refreshed Tiguan in sales. The best option for a AWD wagon would obviously be the 2.0 TDI...but with Dieselgate and all, it is probably a mere fantasy.
Most folks won't go aftermarket with ECU tune as it voids warranty. While some dealers are cool with it, most VW/Audi dealers are the worse when dealing with such trivialities; ever heard of the dreaded TD1 code?
it can be flashed back to stock prior to taking it to the dealer, and with the 2017 not having the first three serviced free there is no need to go to the dealer besides warranty repairs. There is also the neuspeed powermodule its cheaper than apr and gets you 30hp and 55tq. food for thought
You need to read up on ecu flashing and td1 your information is wrong. But to each there own. Just putting information out there for those that are put off by the low power the engine makes stock.
HI Alex, Is ACC in this Alltrack full range? How does it work in stop-and-go traffic? Because I know Subaru Eyesight on Outback is full range ACC. Thanks.
I don’t know if it’s the thin desert and high altitude air, or the coasting down the slopes, or what... but I regularly get over 40mpg (I wanna say my last trip was 43mpg) on the drive from Vegas to Denver. Done it half a dozen times, but only on that stretch, nowhere else. Would love to know why for sure.
@Alex on Autos, if you would reply to me in the next 24 hours that would be amazing. I'm looking at this vehicle and a 2013 Audi allroad. I'm leaning towards the allroad due to the better performance, AWD system, and lower price while being a better looking vehicle. Would you consider the previous allroad a good contender to the alltrack? Should I get an older CPO allroad?
Incorrect information: Subaru AWD is not FWD predominate as described by Alex, Subaru uses a symmetrical AWD system that is and always on 60/40 (FWD/RWD). In comparison the VW 4motion is a Haldex AWD setup, this system is 100% FWD and can send a maximum 100% torque to RWD when it detects slip. Therefore, Subaru AWD is still a true Full AWD system that is not the same as VW On Demand AWD system. Additionally, I don't understand why Alex has considered the VW to have the more Luxury Interior compared to the Outback. I have compared the two vehicles and I personally find the Subaru to be more Luxurious and more comfortable than the VW. Finally, the Subaru has IIHS+ Safety Ratings, and the VW only has acceptable passenger small over lap and failed to conduct a headlight test, comparing VW's other models, it can be assumed that it will fail the headlight tests too. (Subaru Symmetrical AWD - Active Torque Split AWD = This system employs a multi-plate transfer clutch that maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split and uses a range of sensors to automatically adjust this split on-the-fly as conditions warrant, creating more predictable handling. The system that's linked to all Subaru models (excluding WRX) equipped with the Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Active Torque Split AWD places the focus on ease of operation, fuel efficiency and reliability.) VW 4Motion full-time all-wheel drive with an electronically-controlled Haldex coupling, 4Motion requires no driver input and is tied directly to ESC, ABC, and EDL for a seamless driving experience. Haldex 4Motion is intended for on-road and very light off-road duty, and as such its default torque split is 100% to the front wheels. The Haldex system is very powerful, however, and can transfer up to 100% of the available power to the rear axle when necessary. Available on CC VR6, Tiguan, Golf)
@@meissnerflux I had it for a little over a year and traded it right before Covid for a CT6 2.0E plug-in. It was a perfect cruiser and quite the looker. Never had a problem with it.
I traded my mk6 GTI hoping to get into an Alltrack a few months ago (when it came out) - had to do a 2500 mile cross-country move! At the time, all cars from the 5 VW dealers I contacted came in at 32K or more, the SE trim being at 32K and the SEL trims (fully loaded) at close to 35K+. The dealers also had little incentives to go down in price, given that it's a new car. I ended up with a 2.5i Limited Outback, which came in exactly at 30K after tax and all fees. The Outback is noticeably slower in acceleration, but it has A TON more room than the Alltrack, and for what I need the car for - it comes with more standard features: standard cross bars (a 300+ option on the Alltrack), standard dual zone climate control + 4 heated seats (only on SEL), and the 7inch screen and backup camera are among the best I've seen. Coming from a GTI - the interior is similar quality to me. The Alltrack has a nice space between the Crosstrek and the Outback, but it is not a competitor to the Outback in my book.
Why oh why couldn't they have given this thing the 2.0 GTI motor pushing 220hp? Would have made for an amazing vehicle! Ohh I know, VW also owns audi, and would hate to steal sales away from the new Allroad. *sigh*
You forgot one vehicle in your comparison: the Audi Allroad. Given that the more expensive Volvo V60 made the list, I am kind of surprised. That seems like a natural vehicle to compare it to.
It's garbage. It needs servicing every 40,000 in the amount of $300 US dollars. My wife had a GLI with the DSG and it shat itself at 74,000 miles. Never again. Just get the manual or regular automatic.
Marco Cordero Audi Allroad is about 6 inches longer, .2 liters larger engine displacement, 72 horsepower stronger, more technologically advanced, a bit more luxurious and refined, and around $20,000 more expensive. Both vehicles do seem to share a similar philosophy of use, however.
I am not sure about the Allroad being more technologically advanced. I mean I suppose it has a better infotainment system (depends on how much you like the MMI interface), but the safety features on the Allroad and Alltrack are very similar. Also the lines between the two are probably going to become further blurred in the 2018 model year; at which point I imagine the Alltrack will get the larger 9.2" infotainment (which I assume is Tegra 3 powered) and "Digital Cockpit" (read:Virtual Cockpit) options\features from the refreshed Golf. However, I suppose for now that is fair to say. Regardless, I was surprised that Alex did not include the Allroad as well. Perhaps he has not driven that one yet and so he left it out since he can't compare the cars based on his own instrumented testing or something.
Andrew Price the big reason we didn't include the allroad is that while the V60 is a stretch, the Audi is more of a leap starting at 44K and getting considerably more expensive than the V60
Andrew Price virtual cockpit isn't the only thing that makes Audi stand out. Alltrack is nowhere near the technology in Allroad, hence the large price gap. Quattro ultra with decoupling driveshafts vs haldex 4motion. Digital shifter vs mechanical. Traffic jam assist vs adaptive cruise. MMI touchpad vs touch screen. Capacitative touch climate control vs traditional knobs, etc. That being said, there's a large premium to be paid and not everyone finds the added features useful. I had hope that VW wouldn't take the digital cockpit from Audi just yet because it's trickling down too fast. Acura has severe issues with brand identity because Honda is either at pace if not overtaking Acura in infotainment and certain technology. Lots of people complaining how the Civic/Accord should get the 8spd DCT from Acura rather than a cvt. well, what's the point of the ILX or TLX then?
Have you reviewed the new Maserati Levante yet? Might be hard since it just came out and it's so expensive. At my dealer there isn't one under 90K. But then again it's a Maserati so of course it's expensive.
yeah, being in Europe it's so funny to hear someone say a 2.5 Outback has better fuel economy than a Golf! Even though it might be true in this case (no reason to doubt it), Alltrack is overwhelmingly sold with TDIs here, which is faster and WAY more frugal than the Outback. Yes the 1.8 TSI is even faster, but very uneconomical when fuel prices are as high as they are for us unlucky bastards
But the xv is frankly under motorise. It is stressful to overtake an other car. The vw is much powerful, and awesome with stage 1 flash. 220 hp and 230 lb of torque. xv is 156 hp. No comparison.
Let's face it, most people who would drive this car are moms. They drive on the paved roads and do little to no off road driving. Who cares about the ground clearance, get it for the comfortable ride.
Actually the Subaru Outback has had its reliability downrated by Consumer Reports on the newer redesigned models. Apparently suspension and audio system woes are the primary culprits. (Subaru's in car electronics have always been kind of dodgy, especially bluetooth connectivity.) Can't argue with you on the resale value though, and the Subaru Outback comes with some features that the Alltrack doesn't have for less money; driver seat memory and heated rear seats. That said, the Alltrack is not without its merits. The VW is much quicker than the 4 cylinder Outback, and to get similar performance in the Subbie you have to go to the more expensive and thirsty 3.6R; which still barely loses out to the Alltrack in terms of 0-60 by .1 seconds in some of the instrumented tests I have seen. More to that point, having driven both I would say that the Alltrack's transmission is much more responsive than what comes in the Outback (which while good for a CVT... is still a CVT) and that the VW is overall the better handling and more enjoyable vehicle to drive; thanks in part to its lower ground clearance and more road tuned suspension. Additionally I personally find VW's Bosch\Audi derived safety system to be much more intuitive, advanced, and capable than Subaru's Eyesight system (isn't it based on Mobileye's technology?) in that it actually has lane keep assist and self-parking features. Also some people prefer the smaller dimensions of the Alltrack\Sportwagen (I wish that Subaru would offer the LVORG in the US market), and the interior on the VW is overall I find better than in the Outback. (I am not sure if Subaru uses the same leather in the Outback as they do in the WRX\Forester, but assuming they do I would actually prefer the V-Tex that comes in Alltrack since it will probably be more durable long-term.) Look I am not saying that the Outback is not a good vehicle, because it is. However, I have looked at both the Alltrack and Outback as a vehicle for my Mom to replace her TDI Sportwagen with. We have pretty much ruled out the Alltrack because as you said the reliability is not great on VW's products, but we also ruled out the Outback because of the size and my Mom had issues seeing out of the thing. (She drives primarily around town, and just prefers something smaller.) Furthermore I was not really thrilled with how Subaru's Eyesight works, and really prefer how VW's safety systems function. Regardless, each vehicle has its merits and it just depends on what you are looking for and want in a car.
For people who somehow haven’t found time in the last THIRTY-PLUS YEARS to migrate their musical collection over to a digital format, so that it can be enjoyed via USB, or Bluetooth, or SDHC memory card (the Alltrack has a memory card reader for music)... just in case you’re one of these super-busy people, there IS a CD player in this car. It’s located in the glove box.
