2020 Subaru Outback vs VW Golf Alltrack - Off Road Wagon Battle 

Outback or Alltrack? Wagon's or SUV's? Subscribe for that Formula 1 car review that probably won't happen but maybe

I'd appreciate an extra 5 centimeters 😔

The alltrack is my upgrade for mom life from my mk6 GTI. I do obviously miss steering my GTI but at least the alltrack is still a little fun 😆 I also prefer a simple info center and air control so that's actually a plus to me on the VW. Visibility is the alltrack is great! Haven't driven an outback to compare but I'm very happy with my alltrack ❤

I will never understand why nobody ever mentions that the roof racks can fold across on the Subaru Outback. That should be a major selling point.

I have an 17 alltrack which I picked because of you guys first review so vw all the way

I never thought in my life “I think the outback is a sexy car.” I like it every time I see a new one on the road. Growing up is weird.

Is it even a comparison ? I always thought they are in a different class. Even the interior is now better in Subaru, which never happened before. I'm not even talking about the suspension and handling.

Saying a Golf has more styling than a Subaru is like saying a turd with glitters has the same appetizing look than a chocolate chip cupcake...

If you had driven long enough you would've discovered that the camera system also tells you to take a coffee break if it detects you are getting drowsy, which is ridiculous, but also kind of cool, but also very annoying. It"s like constantly driving with your mother in the car.

The 2018-19 mid cycle refresh Outback looks way better than the 2020, and the Infotainment is 100% better!!

Why didn’t you test the XX turbo model of the outback ??

Here is what I know. We live in Colorado at 8000 feet and got a 2017 Alltrack with manual. The average Subaru driver goes faster than us so lots pass us on our way home. That is until we get to decent size hills when the non-turbo CVT Subarus slow down to below the speed limit and drop away behind us. Clearly they are wimpy and made for flatter surfaces.

The Passat Alltrack would of been a better Foe. Nothing about the mounting warranty issues with the VW, Personally, I've had so many its horrible to deal with my local Dealer Ive traveled to 8 others. And to think I traded in my 2016 L.L. Bean edition for my 2018 VW.

Equivalent to the Outback is the Passat Alltrack. Why don't you take it?

Testing the ground clearance with a chunk of snow had my Canadian juices flowing 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

The Alltrack can bolt on an IS38 (R/S3 turbo), downpipe, and intercooler and be reliably tuned to 350+ HP. While both have a manual option, the DSG is also an incredible auto transmission and far superior to any CVT.

**K E E P E Y E S O N R O A D**

YESSSS! #SAVETHEWAGONS this made my day and weekend!

Boys, Our southern neighours might be interested to learn that wagons and manuals never really went out of style in Canada . We just can't get too many these days due to our common North American auto market. #SaveTheManualWagon

Dead to me if you guys don't say Alltrack haha. Only because I bought a used '18 because of your first review

Your ground clearance test is actually genius. 👏🏼

We need to get you guys in a Holden since they just fully died

The ground clearance test quantified the numbers perfectly. You guys are great at making things really understandable.

yaass....more wagons please.

The outside of the Subaru looks 10 years old, but the interior of the VW looks 10 years old🤔

Thanks for the video. We were crossing the same cars for my wife. She drove the outback like 100 feet and refused to give up manual transmission. And she hated the SUV like drive of the outback compared to the golf. We found the last green manual alltrack with all the options within 300 miles and are making the 8 hour round trip to pick it up in a couple days.

Colorado’s state vehicle, the Subaru Outback! 🤦🏻‍♂️

I love seeing the Outback's infotainment system being ripped by so many people. You guys made some great points on it, and Savagegeese also ripped into it. Unacceptable that an infotainment system with that many problems reached production. Big flip by Subaru. Which is a shame because I do prefer Subaru over VW, but not in this comparison.

I appreciated the cool camera moves during the box test. Good work boys!

Video as always is great, but the car classes are different. I can be wrong, however: the Outback vs Passat Alltrack, Golf Alltrack vs Impreza...

Will you be able to test XT Outback?

If I was in the market for either, with the intent being a competent all season wagon, as one should be in most of Canada or in snowy regions of the US, the only real choice is the Subaru. Its AWD system is the best, hands down. There is a reason why Subaru's outsell all other AWD vehicle in Washington state, Colorado, and the New England regions. Honda's AWD system is mostly a FWD system that can send some torque to the rear wheels, but its not 50/50, it doesnt have true torque split from left to right and it just doesnt work near as well as the Subaru system does.

I love Subaru, but they have taken away a lot of the things I loved outbacks for. No more 6 cylinders (which is fine, 4cyl turbos are also very good and get better gas mileage) but then they crossed the line when they put in a CVT, exactly the reason i'm keeping my 07 Outback and unfortunately won't be buying another one when the time comes.

Or get the Outback XT for 270hp.

I'd love to see the a4/a6 all road variants too!

I bought a 2019 Alltrack SEL w/ a Stick. Best car I ever owned.

Ugh, you guys need have done a turbo version of the outback.

The VW is better looking and probably more fun to drive, but the outback is more practical as a cool family wagon. My family has a 2014 VW Jetta sport wagon TDI that we are going to trade for a 2016 outback limited. The sport wagon is cool but small for a family of 4 and a just over 6 foot dad. I do think the 2016 outback limited looks better than the outback tested on this video. The 2016 looks more refined and more Volvo-ish.

All track, 6 speed manual, swap in a golf r turbo and a tune. Fun dad car

The Subaru interior is impressive. There’ve come a long way in a short amount of time

Fun fact: the Outback is only .7 inches (1.8 cm) longer than the Legacy. So not much stretching going on

Alltrack 100% they are actually a farily good platform for making power. Plus manual bro.

You guys should’ve reviewed the Onyx XT model of the Outback!

I've owned both. Subaru was so-so, nothing to write home about but I just loved my Alltrack, so much fun and refinement!

Thank you thank you thank you for doing this. Wagons are so damn underrated.

I know that the Outback may be based on the Legacy but it is no wagon in my book. It’s taller, wider, and heavier, than compact SUVs (e.g. RAV4) and bears no more exterior resemblance to the Legacy than any other Subaru does.

I have a 2017 VW Alltrack in red, and i simply love that car. Just as you guys mentioned in your original All-track video, it's like the perfect family hauler. Drive's like a car, and has plenty of room in the back. Brand new, the suspension's a little harsh, but after a few years, it softens just enough so it's stable and comfortable. Think of it as breaking in a new pair of sneakers, that don't turn to mush afterwards. I believe VW is only selling the stockpile of 2019 Alltrack/Sportswagens for 2020 in Canada only, as the Canadian Market just loves this car, as i believe it's already been discontinued in the States.

Subaru, I have a 2010 and since 2020 only one maintenance issue with crankshaft gasket after 180,000 miles. Other than that still same factory battery and everything else from spark plugs to water pumps. 10 years 1 issue, they got me for life.

2017 Alltrack SEL...best car I've ever owned

Love it *keep eyes on road* ranting

Pulled the trigger on a 2019 VW Alltrack back in Oct. based on your and Autogefühl's reviews. Love my Great Falls Green w/black interior 6 spd. manual! I would have liked to have gotten the Marrakesh brown interior but none were available anywhere near me. Just glad I got one before they are no longer available in the USA, which is a shame, because I absolutely love the car so far.

When you review vehicles like these you should mention cost to own, like mileage and what type of gas.

Best value in an AWD wagon is the Buick Regal Tour X. Discounts of $8,000 to $12,000 are the norm. Ground clearance is not good, though. Otherwise, it rocks! I have a 2018 and love it !

That’s my dad driving his work van, it’s a small world 15:49

Alltrack with a GTI turbo. Turns the car into a 300hp sleeper.

Great review guys. I got a 2018 Alltrack SEL with a JB1 tune. Changed the whole driving experience with the extra power. Although I “downgraded” from a BMW X6, I absolutely love this car. It’s too bad they’ll be discontinued.

Outback XT would blow the doors off of the Golf.

What about the 2020 Outback XT (with turbo). Should have used it instead of the normally aspirated engine.

Ok, I've owned my Krautback (Alltrack) for almost 2 years now and I'm seriously considering the Crosstrek (Touring) or Outback (Convienience), in fact I was actually at the Subaru dealership yesterday while my Alltrack was getting its service done at VW. As good as this video was, and it brought up some good comparisons, but it completely ignored the off-road capabilities between the two, which IMHO, is an important thing to consider if you're looking at these two vehicles. If you're looking for more of a daily driver for 2 people, with some very light off-highway on the weekend, then the Alltrack is a good car. But, if you want comfort for a family or really go into the back country, the Outback wins hands down. Subaru's AWD system is far superior to VW's front wheel biased 4Motion Haldex, even on a snowy highway. The extra ground clearance on the Subaru is night and day if you really want to get off the beaten path as is the angle on the front/rear bumpers. The Outback was designed for exactly what it was designed to do, go off the beaten path with lots of gear, and the little features like the roof rails or the step plate in the rear door show that. While the roof rails on the Outback look massive, they're completely functional with retractable cross bars (not sure why no car vlogs ever bring this up) and built in tie down points while the Alltracks are flimsy and unspectacular. The Alltrack on the other hand is nothing more than a slightly lifted Sportwagon and the only two things that make it stand apart (besides the little bit of extra ground clearance) is the plastic cladding and hill descent control, thats it. Honestly, I think VW missed the mark on this one and really should have put a bit more thought into the practicality of the vehicle. The biggest plus for the Alltrack is the available manual transmission, no question about that. The CVT and infotainment system on the Outback are the two downfalls on what would otherwise, be a superior vehicle. The Subaru actually has a resale value, the Alltrack does not. Dollar for dollar, the Outback simply provides you with more value. On a side note, the big hole in the rear valance is indeed for a trailer hitch, the European models actually have a retractable hitch from the manufacturer but here in North America, VW does not advise any towing. Also, if you get the base trims in both vehicles, they're literally within $30 of each other.

A nice entertaining video. I have bought 2021 Outback not because I love it that much, but because I did not find a better car for me within its class (compact crossovers - CR-V, Rav4, etc.) But VW? Never.

That infotainment on the Outback does indeed look like a nightmare to operate while driving. Glad my 2018 Kia Rio infotainment is so intuitive and easy to use that I don't even need to look at the screen to know what I'm doing.

SUGGESTION: when you guys list Torque and BHP, could you also show curb weight at the same time and show power-to-weight ratio (HP/curb weight). The higher the number the better performance. Thx

The alltrac is for sure the nicer to drive, and spec'd. But if expecting years of life w/o German car repairs I'd have to go subaru. Plus that awd system is one of the best examples. Outback also has the bigger trunk. Perfect for pups

I love wagons, I wish Americans would buy more wagons instead of SUV

Ride comfort mpg, reliability, towing capacity, versatility (ground clearance, roof rails, off road capability) maintenance cost, etc....make the Outback a better choice IMO.

1) Safety - Subaru 2) Retained value - Subaru 3) company that doesn't lie about it's pollurion - Subaru 4) Keep the car 10+ years - Subaru

I've worked for Subaru and VW. VW needs the warranty more. After warranty, the Subaru is a better choice as it is more reliable, and less plastic. The Outback has plastic trim, but Golf has plastic parts that break more often. The cost to own is less with the Subie. Very reliable, safe, capable, and Outback's awd system is way better.

I drove the alltrack while my gti tcr was at the service and I have to say, I was impressed, really comfortable and makes you feel like you could do 1000 km without any problems

Boy...did you guys ever blow this review. Subaru is a better car...in quality, longevity, and AWD. You can’t compare a symmetrical AWD to a slip and grip AWD system...it’s like comparing apples and oranges...doesn’t work.

The better and more appropriate comparison would be Golf Alltrack vs Subaru Crosstrek.

VW Alltrack all the way. The German engineering is so evident, smooth and, dare I say, sophisticated. Too bad, VW is stopping production.

the bashing of the Subaru Canada advertisement felt GOOD! Car manufacturers shouldn't get away with distracting infotainments

The Outback and Forester are staple where i live,north Sweden.. .the ski tourists drive more expensive like Tiguan r, Volvo suv , BMW etc. Subaru and Toyota are the hillbilly's dream car around here. Good vidja!!!

Yea! Golf wins!!! If they would just start mass producing and distributing the Golf R Estate Wagon to Canada and N America (in that gorgeous blue) then and only then would our fair continent have the ultimate vehicle of practicality and fun. Thank you very much.

I drive a Golf Alltrack and I don't regret it one bit. A very good car, esp during our winters here. The outback is 5000 - 10,000 more expensive too

The CVT in Outback kills it for me. (Wife currently has 2017 Alltrack)

Which car is roomier? Especially rear leg rooms where my wife & kids will sit. Rear headroom, quietness & 10hr long drive comfort test/seat comfort? I think they are 2 different size vehicles. Outback's interior especially the rear is larger than just about anything out there, right? I mean I can't find a single Medium and Large Size SUV with larger rear leg room and headroom.

Call me when a stock Alltrack climbs a level 4 jeep trail. I will be changing my CVT fluid untill then.

Would love to find an All-Track with a manual, but they are the proverbial unicorn of cars.

I have the Subaru, I also have a right glass Eye. All I need to do is make sure I twist my glass eye so it’s looking straight ahead. I NEVER Have to deal with that stupid warning !!!!!

If you are worried about power get a subaru GT Turbo 2.4 If you need a manual and want to save money get an Altrack. If you want something that can really handle rough slippery terrain better get the Subaru. I don't know what to think about the infotainment stuff. It sounds like software that can probably be upgraded at some point. It sounds like legitimate complaints, but for most of us, we aren't rewinding Sat feeds while we drive, or even when stopped. Just let me plug in my Bluetooth nicely or find a good station, and Im fine. Id be more concerned about SPEAKERS and AMPS than controls. And honestly a bigger screen does help keep your eyes on the road longer because you have bigger targets when you side glance. It is not a detractor for me that the system knows when you are doing that. It means the system works. Also, I believe you can turn it off. I think if you are a city guy you are gonna lean towards the VW and if you are a camper outdoorsy person you are gonna lean more towards the Subaru. I had the basic Sub engine in a previous version, and it is not a racecar, but it always did what I wanted it too. That being said, I think I will go with the GT version if I got another Outback. More tow capacity and sportier ride with still reasonable MPG. Which again, like Speakers and sound, was not mentioned unless I missed it. But overall, thanks for the review. Databyter

I love golfs..I just can't accept what they did in diesel gate. Never saw Volkswagens the same way ever since.

We went with the Outback in 2018 as it has a tow rating, 2700lbs, in 2020 its now 3500lbs. The Alltrack still has no tow rating in Canada for some reason... booo

I've heard that the 2020 Outback XT with the turbo is an entirely different driving experience with a 5.7 second zero to sixty time. That's almost three seconds faster than the model you were testing.

This seems like a strange comparison as the Outback is a much bigger car. Wouldn’t its more direct competitor from VW would be the Passat Alltrack?

The VW looks like it's wearing a freshly pressed suit, the Subaru looks like it's wearing a baggy set of sweats.

Subaru hands down!! Modern VWs are terrible terrible cars!! They turn to utter junk after 5 years/60k miles.

all track with a stage 1 tune is all u need

Honestly that Subaru is just snooore. It’s very much an old man’s car. The golf alltrack is definitely more fun and in my opinion simple is better as the Germans do best.

I love my 2013 Outback! I really want to get a new one!

The Alltrack is hideous in my opinion. The front end is so short and thin it looks like a duck beak. It also just looks very plain and boring. As soon as you see the Outback you just want to pack it up and go for a road trip adventure. I do agree about the Outback infotainment though, that thing is just a mess!

Outback xt or legacy xt

Subaru all the way. Don't like VW's at all but this is just my opinion. Also feel like vws are more likely to break down before a Subaru.

The Subaru content I've been craving!! ♥️

The VW buyers have the opportunity to spend hundreds on a new Clutch eventually and because its German....U pay top dollar

I've always considered the Outback to be a wagon-shaped SUV and the Alltrack to be a tall wagon so some parts of the test aren't quite comparable in my opinion. However, these two vehicles do get shopped together a lot so overall a good comparison.

I really don’t get why you guys are ragging on them for being slower and also the transmission on the Subaru. Stop trying to hold these cars to the standards you do for a sports car because of course it’s not going to live up. People buying these cars are not going to be thinking like that when trying to buy it. They are everyday people using the car to drive around town and go to work. And when you do a review and are ragging on it for not being as good as a sports car it almost makes the car sound bad when it’s really not for the people who are going to be buying it.

VW did good to make themselves the "jack of all trades" manufacturer. For most scenarios: just get a golf.

No mention of the fact the Outback has a 260HP XT model. Which is wayyyy faster than Alltrack.

Review the mercedes all-terrain and the audi allroad!