2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI SE 4Motion for sale in Billings MT

Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio
Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

Pros

• It's a wagon with light-duty off-road capability
• Crossover-rivaling cargo bay
• User-friendly control layout
• Turbo four-cylinder engine is refined and reasonably capable

Cons

• Automatic transmission sometimes slow to shift in low-speed driving
• Touchscreen's simple graphics feel behind the times
• Relatively snug backseat

What’s new

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is an all-new model that's based on the pavement-oriented Golf SportWagen.

Vehicle overview

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack provides familiar Golf goodness along with all-wheel drive, rugged styling and a cavernous cargo area. It's a compelling alternative to similarly priced crossovers. If you like the idea of a Golf wagon but want more of an SUV vibe, this is your option.

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack TSI S 4dr Wagon AWD (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Montana.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Montana
$152/mo for Golf Alltrack TSI S
Golf Alltrack TSI S 
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Calculate my fuel costs

The formula is simple: Take the regular Golf wagon (aka the SportWagen), give it all-wheel drive, a slightly raised suspension for extra ground clearance, and a few traction-enhancing features, and wrap it all up in some tough-looking body cladding. The result is an all-terrain wagon with 66.5 cubic feet of space to carry stuff with the rear seats folded. That's the kind of space usually afforded by compact crossover SUVs. Factor in the Alltrack's smooth turbocharged four-cylinder engine and ergonomically sound interior, and you're looking at an excellent choice for the crossover-averse or anyone who just prefers the sleeker wagon look.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack provides familiar Golf goodness along with all-wheel drive, rugged styling and a cavernous cargo area. It's a compelling alternative to similarly priced crossovers. If you like the idea of a Golf wagon but want more of an SUV vibe, this is your option.

Driving

The Alltrack's about 300 pounds heavier than a Golf SportWagen with front-wheel drive, so the turbo engine doesn't feel quite as punchy. Handling also suffers a bit with the slightly higher ride height. It's still a confidence-inspiring road car, though, and it's also decent in light off-road use.

Comfort

Though the crossover-inspired styling may imply a cushy ride, that's not the case. German cars tend to be tautly sprung, and the Alltrack is no exception, so it can feel somewhat stiff and out of sorts on broken pavement. Seats are a strong point, however, and overall refinement is excellent.

Interior

A large greenhouse with ample glass and a simple, sensible control layout make the Alltrack's cabin a pleasant, user-friendly environment. We'd ask only for roomier rear quarters with a higher bench, which you'll find in many similarly priced crossovers.

Ease of use

Seemingly every control is where you expect it to be, and if it's not, you quickly see the logic in where it ended up. Gauges are straightforward and highly legible. Nothing fancy, just strong fundamentals.

Getting in/getting out

Front passengers will have no complaints, but those in back might have something to carp about. The rear doors have a relatively narrow opening, and if the front seat is pushed back for long legs, there's not much room for the rear passenger to squeeze behind.

Driving position

Everything falls readily to hand in the Alltrack, which is unsurprising because it's basically the same praiseworthy interior you'll find in an ordinary Golf. The wheel telescoping range is very generous for taller drivers, as is the seat-height range.

Roominess

Rear passenger space is at a premium relative not just to the crossovers the Alltrack competes against, but also to the Subaru Outback. With a tall driver settled in, the rear passenger's shins may rub against the driver seatback. The front compartment, on the other hand, is airy and spacious.

Visibility

Excellent in all directions, thanks to the Alltrack's tall greenhouse, plentiful glass and relatively slim pillars for a modern car. With the panoramic sunroof, you've got great skyward visibility, too.

Quality

The rear door panels use hard plastic right up to the windowsill, unlike the softly trimmed panels in front. Likewise, the lower dashboard wears a hard, shiny plastic covering that's not up to VW's usual quality standards. Everything seems nicely put together, though; no squeaks or rattles.

Utility

Impressive cargo space puts the Alltrack in a league with many small crossovers, and it's a cinch to fold the rear seatbacks flat while you're loading cargo. We also like the nifty two-position sliding cargo cover. There's just not much room for odds and ends when you're riding up front.

Small-item storage

To VW's credit, the flip-door ashtray area in front of the shift lever has been converted into a phone shelf with a USB port and aux jack — it's super-convenient for stashing and connecting your phone. Otherwise, though, the center console only offers two cupholders and a shallow armrest bin.

Cargo space

The Alltrack's 30.4 cubic feet of standard cargo space seats is SUV-grade stuff, as is the 66.5-cube maximum when you fold the rear seatbacks down. Those seatbacks conveniently flip forward via release handles on either side of the cargo area, so there's no need to walk around to the backseat.

Technology

If the Alltrack has a clear weak spot, tech is it. The central touchscreen's graphics are surprisingly rudimentary for this day and age, and the navigation voice is robotic. On the bright side, the voice-control system is well-executed.

Audio & navigation

Low-resolution touchscreen graphics set the Alltrack apart from most cars in its price range (and plenty of cheaper ones). It's as if VW dumbed things down to entice shoppers to buy an Audi. Also, plenty of navigation voices on the market don't sound like robots. VW has some catching up to do.

Smartphone integration

Sophisticated smartphone capability is anchored by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus compatibility with commonly used apps such as Pandora, Spotify and TuneIn internet radio We had no issues connecting an iPhone 6, whether by ordinary Bluetooth connection or Apple CarPlay.

Driver aids

The optional Driver Assist package for S and SE trims adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous braking and parking steering assistance. Common aids such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning are curiously absent, though.

Which Golf Alltrack does Edmunds recommend?

The base model comes well-equipped, but we'd get an SE with the Driver Assist package. That brings a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and even a self-parking system. In early 2017, you can also get an Alltrack SE with a manual transmission.

The manual is great news, of course, for those who enjoy shifting their own gears. The bad news? You can't get the manual on the loaded SEL trim. Still, we're glad VW took the time to throw its stick-shift loyalists a bone, and the SE is nicely outfitted in its own right.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack models

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack comes in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. The base S is actually pretty well-equipped and offers most all you need if you're just seeking good adventure-life wheels, including roof rails, heated seats and side mirrors, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and smartphone integration. Stepping up to the SE brings a big sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, and a better sound system. Meanwhile, the SEL dials it up with nicer wheels, power seats and a navigation system.

The base S starts with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 199 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, dubbed DSG in Volkswagen-speak. Purists can raise a cheer: A six-speed manual transmission will also be available starting in early 2017. Regardless of transmission, power reaches all four wheels through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED daytime running lights, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, silver roof rails, air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks, a leather-trimmed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with manual adjustment and power recline, 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through, and ambient cabin lighting.

Also standard are a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, VW's Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration and Car-Net Security and Service telematics, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base audio system includes eight speakers, a CD player, satellite and HD radio, and auxiliary audio, USB and SD card inputs. 

Options include the Driver Assist package, which bundles adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and steering guidance for parallel and perpendicular parking.

Moving up to the SE adds automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a 115-volt outlet in the cargo area, and a Fender Premium audio system (adds a subwoofer and upgraded sound). The Driver Assist package and a manual transmission are also optional.

The top-level SEL builds on SE features with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 12-way power driver seat, and upgraded infotainment with touchscreen navigation. A Driver Assistance and Lighting package is optional and includes that same features as the Driver Assist package as well as adaptive xenon headlights that bend in the direction of the car's turn and automatic high beams.