2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack S: Off-Road Capable Base Model Wagon For Less Than $30,000 [Review]

WHAT’S NEW

Volkswagen pitches the Golf Alltrack toward adventurous families with active lifestyles. On that front, it has most of the right attributes: all-wheel drive as standard, higher ground clearance, and protective composite black cladding around the car. All of that gives the Golf-based Alltrack a more capable off-road persona. This is the second year for the Golf Alltrack, so it’s not a completely new model. However, the S variant we tested received new LED running lights and automatic headlights, as well as a new infotainment display.

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack S starts at $27,055. In base model form, it costs $2,000 more than a similar Golf SportWagen. If the base model doesn’t bring enough features for you, there’s always the higher SE and SEL trim levels.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a visually appealing, especially considering its wagon profile. It displays a flowing contemporary form with soft character lines on the sloping hood to the A-pillars and just below the cabin’s shoulder. The roofline tapers smoothly to the rear, where the Alltrack projects a wide stance. Its styling is distinctive, yet inoffensive, as is the normal Golf.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack S offers up for its $30,000 price tag. The cabin showcases a simple, yet refined fit and finish. It has an intuitive layout and the cargo area is both versatile and spacious.

The S does serves up an impressive inventory of standard equipment, all things considered. You get a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support via USB, heated front seats, all-wheel drive and Leatherette upholstery.

The S trim has a 6-way partial power-adjustable front seats, as well as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Volkswagen also includes a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel on every Golf Alltrack, including the base S model.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The direct-injected unit makes 170 horsepower at 4,500 RPM and 199 lb-ft of torque as low as 1,600 RPM. In this trim, you either have the option of a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSG automatic transmission for an extra $1,100. Power is sent to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Acceleration from the normally aspirated 4-cylinder is more than adequate, and the handling characteristics are on the sporty side of the chart with an athletic and energetic response to driver input. Ride quality is comfortable without being either too mushy or too firm.

Fuel economy is okay, but the Golf Alltrack is much better in the cruise than driving around the city. City mileage is just 22 MPG, while highway figures rise to 30 MPG. The EPA rates the combined fuel economy at 25 MPG.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The new VW Golf Alltrack is a great small wagon with some off-road credentials. However, if you don’t need the extra ground clearance or the cladding but still want all-wheel drive, the Golf SportWagen S with 4MOTION is a less expensive option. All Volkswagens, Golf Alltrack and SportWagen included, are backed by the company’s six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The final price tag for our test vehicle came to $27,905 after adding the Destination charge. There were no extra cost options on the S model. If you want more creature comforts like push-button start, a panoramic sunroof, blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning, you’ll have to upgrade to the SE or SEL trims.

To find out more about the Golf Alltrack and find the right model for you, check out our TFL Expert Buyer’s Guide on the Golf Alltrack and SportWagen below:

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack S

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