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2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Road Test and Review

Miles Branman
by Miles Branman
October 1, 2016
5 min. Reading Time
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack by Miles Branman

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack by Miles Branman

As Volkswagen attempts to recover from its diesel engine blues, American consumers wonder what to expect from the German automaker. A big push for electric vehicles is clearly underway, but VW won’t survive selling EVs and hybrids exclusively—not yet anyway.

That’s what makes the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack so intriguing. With a stylish exterior and adventure-ready hardware, the Alltrack shifts the conversation from emissions toward design and portfolio expansion. VW says dealers are practically begging for this car—not because U.S. consumers traditionally swoon for wagons, but because it's just plain fun.

A lifted bright red wagon won’t make Americans forget VW’s slights, but it may highlight the brand’s stated dedication to building its next generation of cars with passion, prudence, and purpose. As Volkswagen’s CEO, Hinrich J. Woebcken said, “Americans tend to give second chances.”

Rugged Looks

Though the 2017 Volkswagen Alltrack is based on the Golf SportWagen, most buyers will be able to differentiate the two by more than their wheel gaps. At the front, VW’s Alltrack sports a redesigned bumper that infuses a painted silver crossbar along the lower grill with a black plastic chin splitter and aluminum center panel.

Silver accents distinguish the door mirrors, side sills, window moldings, badges, roof rails, and lower rear bumper. Black plastic wheel arches help accentuate the Alltrack’s 0.6 inches of additional ride height over the SportWagen and house either 17-inch alloy “Valley” wheels (S and SE trims), or 18-inch “Canyon” rims (SEL models). Rounding out the design tweaks, the Alltrack features dark red taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips.

More butched-up wagon than toned-down crossover in profile, the Alltrack is a pleasing visual package for consumers who are sick of the compact crossover fad and can’t quite fall in love with a stretched sedan.

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Turbocharged Motor

Powering every 2017 Alltrack is a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque on tap. Discerning shoppers will note that 170 hp isn’t a generous dose to move an all-wheel-drive wagon, and indeed the compact motor wheezed a bit along the hilly roads of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Off the line, enough torque is available to get this new VW up to cruising speeds with ease, but passing power is minimal. Drivers will need to carefully plan each move—a burden that could be avoided with the option of VW’s 2-liter turbo mill. However, the Alltrack doesn’t struggle once the road turns rough; scampering up steep dirt and gravel trails is no trouble.

What the 1.8-liter unit gives up in outright power it makes up for in fuel efficiency. Despite the less aerodynamic ride height, VW’s Alltrack returns an EPA-confirmed 30 MPG highway and 22 MPG city rating. In our mix of highway, suburb, and off-road driving, we saw 25–26 MPG.

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DSG Transmission

When the Alltrack goes on sale in October, it will be available exclusively with a 6-speed DSG (dual clutch) transmission, but a 6-speed manual will become available in early 2017 for S and SE models. Volkswagen has been refining its DSG gearbox for nearly a decade, and its application in the Alltrack is predictably well done.

Manual-equipped vehicles were not available for testing, but VW boasts one of the smoothest-shifting standard transmissions in the industry, so we shouldn’t expect a departure in the Alltrack.

Even in the Alltrack’s Normal drive mode, its DSG keeps the engine around 2000 rpm to mitigate turbo lag, but drivers can maximize fuel economy or performance by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles to change gears manually. Leave the computer in charge and the Alltrack casually moves through gears like a traditional automatic, but the dual-clutch is far more entertaining than a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

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4Motion All-Wheel Drive

Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is standard hardware on the 2017 Alltrack. This drivetrain delivers 90 percent of the power to the front wheels and 10 percent to the rear under normal conditions, but up to 50 percent of the available output can be shuttled to the rear rubber if needed.

As in Audi’s Quattro permanent AWD system, the rear wheels can be decoupled as the Alltrack cruises to improve fuel economy, but can be re-engaged in fractions of a second. The Alltrack’s center differential works with electronic differential locks to vector torque between wheels. Off-road or in slippery conditions, engaging the Alltrack’s Offroad mode primes the stability control system to use the brake-based system.

A standard hill descent function uses the computer to modulate brake application. During our test drive along a short off-road trail, the Alltrack gracefully made its way down a particularly steep descent, allowing us to focus on steering angle.

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Cargo Capacity

Consumers seem convinced that crossovers are the only way to haul five passengers and plenty of cargo, but wagon lovers have known otherwise for years. The Alltrack and its high-riding peers are an opportunity to introduce the merits of low-and-long layouts to more buyers.

Matching most compact crossovers, the Alltrack offers 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and a cavernous 66.5 cubic feet of space with rear seats stowed. For more hauling options, the rear seats are designed with a 60/40 split and a center pass-through. Not only can the Alltrack get you to your remote campground, but it also won't ask you to be picky about what gear to bring.

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Connectivity

The 2017 VW Alltrack may be designed for those who live off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean drivers want to disconnect from the outside world. Fortunately, the Alltrack comes standard with today’s essential convenience features.

Volkswagen’s MIB II infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display is standard across the Alltrack range and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Only the SEL model is equipped with Navigation, but frankly, your smartphone’s guidance is better than VW’s interface. A backup camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, Automatic Crash Notification USB, AUX, and SD Card are also part of the base model S trim.

Though the display resolution is underwhelming, Volkswagen packs an impressive list of goodies into its volume trims.

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Ride Comfort

Inside the Alltrack’s cabin is a familiar blend of soft-touch materials, textured plastics, tactile knobs, and brushed metal accents. Leatherette is included in every Alltrack, but the seat designs are decidedly uninspired—especially when you choose the monotone black interior color. There are ways around the dull cabin, however. The white exterior and “Marrakesh” brown interior combo favorably reminded us of the Audi allroad.

One of the Alltrack’s most impressive characteristics is its ride quality. On paved surfaces, the lifted wagon hunkers down through corners like a traditional sports sedan, but on gravel or deeply pocked dirt trails, the suspension absorbs jarring movements with ease. The Alltrack’s smoothness over rough terrain inspires driver confidence and points to solid build quality.

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Safety Technology

Volkswagen’s 2017 Alltrack has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ score by the IIHS. These standards are upheld by durable construction and a host of the latest safety technologies.

All 2017 Alltrack models come equipped with Automatic Post-Collision Braking that avoids additional accidents after the vehicle is struck. The Alltrack also automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and turns on the hazard lights following a crash.

S and SE models can add a Driver Assistance Package that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). SEL range-toppers can go a step further with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), and Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). It's hard to imagine S and SE buyers passing up such a comprehensive safety package for an additional $825.

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Pricing and Trims

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack comes in three flavors: S, SE, and SEL. As every vehicle comes standard with a DSG transmission at launch, prices start at $26,950. When the manual follows, the MSRP will drop to just $25,850.

Moving up the ladder, SE cars check in at $30,530. Choosing a standard gearbox will save you $900. The SE price premium adds a panoramic sunroof, push-button ignition, 115-volt outlet in the cargo area, rain-sensing wipers, and a few other niceties. Finally, the Alltrack SEL retails for $32,890 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and Navigation. An additional $820 destination fee is not included in these prices.

Loaded up, the Alltrack is still a bargain when it comes to styling, utility, and adventuring capability, but thanks to Volkswagen’s generous list of standard equipment, the entry-level Alltrack S is our pick for prudent shoppers.

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Competition

It may seem odd that Volkswagen is challenging Subaru to a multi-terrain showdown, but more curious is VW’s apparent competence. Though the Alltrack’s 6.9 inches of ground clearance doesn’t quite measure up to the Subaru Outback and Crosstrek’s 8.7 inches, its hybridized on/off-road handling prowess is on equal footing with its Japanese rival.

Subaru owners are incredibly loyal, but if they can do without the extra body cladding and ride height, the Alltrack’s list of standard features, available dual-clutch transmission, and styling edge may persuade Subi shoppers to jump ship.

The 2017 Volkswagen Alltrack may just be the most exciting VW model in years—and that’s just the momentum required to win in this segment.

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