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Don’t be thrown off by the rugged styling cues and elevated ride height: The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is much more of a street machine than it is a tenacious off-roader. It carves up curvy sections of blacktop with the eagerness of a regular Golf, feeling taut and nimble thanks to ideally weighted steering and nicely controlled body roll.

There’s little question, though, that VW’s intention is for the Alltrack to take on Subaru’s Outback, but with a younger-at-heart, more fun-to-drive bent. After all, both share the same concept of a tough-looking, all-wheel-drive station wagon standing as an alternative to the herd of small SUVs stampeding the market. While the Alltrack brings a premium vibe to this niche, it’s definitely sized for smaller families, and it doesn’t offer the price-to-size ratio of some rivals. Nonetheless, the Alltrack is a compelling package for those who value driving with verve over cubic footage.

The metamorphosis from the Golf SportWagen into Golf Alltrack certainly wasn’t an extreme makeover. In order to look like a small SUV alternative and attract outdoorsy, adventurous customers, the Alltrack adds black body cladding on the bumpers and fender flares, as well as a very small increase in ground clearance. Of course, as the name implies, all-wheel drive is standard. Consider the Alltrack better suited to snowy and muddy roads rather than anything further off the beaten path.

That's okay with us, because the Alltrack shines on pavement. Spry, nimble handling makes the Alltrack a joy to pilot along twisty roads, or even when pressed hard around our test track. Monotonous highway miles are eased by the quiet cabin and composed ride, and the car feels planted, secure, and substantial.

The 1.8-liter, 170-hp turbocharged four-cylinder delivers ample thrust in a smooth, linear manner. The six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission works like a regular automatic, delivering quick, timely, and direct shifts. For the few diehard fans that still relish using a clutch pedal and shifting for themselves, a manual gearbox is available. We measured a 25 mpg overall with the automatic, putting it in small SUV territory.

While the commendably quiet interior is a bit more intimate than most small SUVs, there’s a reasonable amount of room up front, with firm and supportive seats that are good road-trip companions. Unfortunately, full 12-way power adjustments only come on the top SEL trim, pushing the car close to $35,000. Adults can fit in the rear seat, but space isn't exactly generous; same goes for the well-finished cargo hold. Big windows and slim roof pillars make for generous outward views, and a backup camera comes standard.

Controls are simple and well designed, and the intuitive infotainment system is up to date in terms of connectivity. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility come standard. Other notable premium features like auto-up windows all around and a power shade for the panoramic sunroof are appreciated.

Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are all standard for 2019.

No question, the VW feels more premium and fun to drive than any of the taller, small SUVs, or the Outback. Even though this European wagon will remain a relative novelty, it’s a viable, nonconformist choice.
Best Version to Get

The base Alltrack S is the best value -- and well equipped, including leatherette seats, heated front seats, backup camera, and a touch-screen radio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You can save more money by skipping the Alltrack and opting for a SportWagen S with optional all-wheel drive and standard cloth seats.
Notable changes:

Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are all standard for 2019. This will be the last year for the Alltrack and SportWagen.
Driving Experience

Handling
Taut and agile, the Alltrack imparts a feeling of control and precision. Turn-in is quick, and the body exhibits little lean through corners. The steering is ideally weighted and communicates good feedback. Sport mode increases steering effort and changes the transmission’s shift points for quicker responses. Even around our test track, this small wagon was in its element, capable of running away from some sports sedans. It showed strong cornering grip and a predictable, balanced behavior at its limits and beyond. It dove into corners with enthusiasm and upon lifting the throttle adjusted its line promptly, the all-wheel-drive system ensuring optimal traction when exiting corners. At 56 mph, it also posted a shockingly high speed in our avoidance maneuver while instilling a lot of confidence.

Powertrain
The 170-hp, 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder is smooth yet lively, free of any peaks or valleys in its power delivery. The dash to 60 mph takes 8.5 seconds, it feels more responsive than what that figure suggests in everyday driving. The AWD system directs power promptly to the rear wheels upon detecting front wheel slip. The six-speed dual-clutch automated manual behaves much like a conventional automatic, and that’s a good thing. Shifts are smooth, quick, and direct, with timely downshifts. Even when crawling along in stop-and-go traffic, the car is largely free of the shudder that’s endemic to this type of transmission. For those preferring to shift for themselves, a six-speed manual gearbox is available in the Alltrack, a five-speed in the SportWagen. We recorded an overall consumption of 25 mpg. Unlike most European cars, it only requires regular fuel, not the more expensive premium gasoline.

Off-road
Don’t be fooled by the ads depicting it parked on boulders, the Alltrack will tackle the occasional muddy trail or sandy beach, but it isn’t a true off-roader. An off-road driving mode engages the hill-descent function, allowing the car to go down steep inclines without the driver touching the brakes.

Ride comfort
There is an underlying firmness to the Alltrack’s ride, mostly felt at low speeds, but ultimately the suspension absorbs bumps effectively. Most road irregularities are well muted and body motions are gradual and measured, making the car feel calm and composed.

Noise
The Alltrack’s cabin stays reasonably quiet. Road and wind noise are kept to low levels in the background, while engine hum when accelerating is unobjectionable. Compared to typical small SUVs, the Alltrack is quieter than a Mazda CX-5, and it on par with a Ford Escape and direct competitor Subaru Outback.

Braking
The Alltrack performed superbly with very short stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces. Brake pedal modulation was also very good.

Headlights
Standard halogen headlights do a good job illuminating the road ahead and to the sides. Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps are available for SEL trim vehicles as part of a Driver Assistance & Lighting package. The HIDs alone may not be reason enough to opt for the nearly $2,000 price of that package, as the halogens work well, but the added safety features included in the package add to its appeal.
Inside The Cabin

Interior fit and finish
The Alltrack has a well-finished, substantial-feeling interior. Most components are well assembled, and the tops of the dashboard and front door panels are padded. There's abundant chrome trim and the leatherette seats look more upmarket than the cloth seats in some competitors, but real leather isn't available - even on the top-trim SEL model. Cloth seats come standard on the Golf SportWagen S.

Driving position
For the most part, drivers can find a comfortable position behind the tilt-and-telescope steering wheel. There's plenty of room for your left foot, including a well-designed foot rest. Headroom is abundant, as is seat travel. We like the adjustable center armrest; it slides back and forth and can be raised to a desired height. Our biggest complaint is that the wide center dashboard can butt into the space for your right leg.

Visibility
Thin roof pillars and generously sized windows all around make seeing out of the Alltrack a cinch, even more so than the standard Golf hatchback. One apt logbook comment mused that visibility was "just like the good old days." Add in the optional panoramic sunroof and the interior feels very open and airy. A backup camera is standard. Since the camera is hidden behind the hatch's VW logo, you can hear it extend every time you put the car in Reverse; this can be a bit startling at first.

Seat comfort
Most Alltracks come with "comfort front seats." These broad seats provide good long-term support. A manual adjustment handles lumbar; some testers wished for a bit more lower back support. The S and SE trims have power recline but manual height, fore/aft, and lumbar adjustments. Several drivers wanted to be able to lower the front edge of the seat because it presses into their thighs, but you need to step up to the SEL and its 12-way power seats (including power lumbar) for that. These seats are dubbed "comfort sport" seats and include a bit more backrest bolstering. Adults will feel a bit snug in the rear seat, but there is enough room for two, even on long trips. Knee and toe room are decent, but tall adults might find their hair grazing the ceiling. The seat cushions are well shaped and supportive. Like most compact cars, sitting three adults across means no one will be happy.

Access
Even with the slightly elevated ride height, the Alltrack still sits fairly low, so there's some ducking required when getting in. The door sills are a bit tall, and it’s easy to drag your pant leg across the body cladding. On the plus side, all of the doors are squared off and generously proportioned. Strong door checks hold the door open, even on steep hills.

Usability
The brightly backlit gauges are easy to read. A center screen between the speedometer and tachometer can digitally display your speed, travel distance, fuel economy, navigation, and audio or phone information. One minor frustration The center display between the gauges can only show one piece of information at a time. For example, you can't see fuel economy and range-to-empty at once. (A page on the radio screen does show these together.) Paging through those screens with the steering wheel controls is simple; you can also handily select from radio station lists or phone contacts with the wheel's buttons.

The controls are mostly simple and well designed. Knobs and buttons are large for both audio and climate functions. Most trim levels control climate manually with three simple knobs. We like that the optional automatic climate control system always displays temperature settings and airflow direction. Other more basic controls, such as the big door lock switches and easily visible panel illumination adjuster, are all well designed and lit at night. It is a bit hard to read the small climate control markings, though.

Infotainment
The standard touch-screen radio, common across all trim levels, works well. Good old-fashioned knobs control tuning and volume, while presets are selected onscreen. Swipe motions can move through lists or display more presets; they work well or can be skipped entirely.

High points

    Simple to use, with familiar knobs and buttons for basic functions
    Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
    Supports basically every audio format
    Works well at linking with two phones simultaneously

Low points

    Only has one USB port
    Standard voice command processing is a bit slow

Navigation

Smartphone-powered navigation is included by using the standard Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Only the top-of-the-line SEL versions come with factory navigation. This system works well, although it doesn't have the most refined graphics or voice commands. A handy feature is a pop-up message asking if you'd like directions to a gas station when the low-fuel light comes on.

Phone
It's easy to pair a phone, with onscreen directions to walk you through the process. Many of us liked that the system reminds you to take your phone when getting out of the car.

Voice commands
Overall, the voice-command system works well, but it is somewhat limited compared to many other manufacturers' offerings. Simple phone commands, such as "call home," worked without a hitch. iPhones owners can use Siri Eyes Free, controlled through the steering wheel voice button.

Connectivity
There is one USB port and one AUX input located in front of the shifter. An SD memory card reader and CD player are inside the glove box. SE and SEL models get a powerful Fender audio system; satellite radio is included on all trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net telematics system allows you to control some functions through a smartphone app, including locking and unlocking the doors remotely, calling for roadside- or stolen car location assistance, setting speed and boundary alerts for younger drivers, and scheduling dealer visits. The system also sends an alert to support services when an airbag deploys, prompting a representative to call for help.

Climate features
You have to step up to the top-shelf SEL trim to get an automatic dual-zone climate control system. Standard equipment on all trims includes a manually adjusted A/C unit, heated mirrors, and three-stage heated front seats. (The base S front-drive SportWagen does without the heated seats.) Kudos to VW for also including a cooled glove box and heated windshield washer nozzles -- premium touches that are rare in this segment.

Cabin storage
Front passengers get a convenient, covered bin in front of the shifter to store a phone or two. The driver has a small, foldout drawer to the left of the steering column. The base of the driver's seat includes an easy-to-miss small pullout drawer. There are also small slots to hold credit cards or parking slips in front of the cup holders. The front doors have big map pockets. The adjustable armrest between the front seats not only has a small storage space inside, it's a model of simple functionality that other carmakers would be well advised to have a look at.

Cup holders
The front center console has two cup holders. Rear-seat passengers get two holders in the fold-down center armrest. All four doors have built-in bottle holders.

Other
The Alltrack does without an overhead container for your sunglasses.

Cargo area
A low sill height makes it super-easy to load, but cargo space is modest compared to typical small SUVs. Easy-to-fold rear seatbacks expand the space, and there is a pass-through behind the center armrest that helps when carrying long items. A sturdy cargo cover hides valuables from snooping eyes; it can be cleverly stowed under the cargo floor when the rear seat is folded. The standard roof rack rails will be helpful for outdoor adventurers. Charging electronics is easy with the 115V and 12V power outlets in the cargo area.

Spare tire
A temporary spare tire is standard across all trim lines.
Safety & Driver Assist Systems

Crash-test results
The Golf Alltrack received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA based on frontal and side crash tests and resistance to rollover. It also has done well in the IIHS crash-tests.

Crash-avoidance systems
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are all standard for 2019. Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are available.

Forward collision warning -- There are three levels of warning, depending upon speed. A visual alert comes first, then an audible warning, and finally a brake pulse is applied to get the driver's attention.

Automatic emergency braking -- Also depending on speed, this system has different thresholds for applying the automatic emergency braking feature. Between 3-18 mph, it may not give a warning at all before going to action. Above 18 mph, it issues various warnings and automatically applies the brakes. When an impact is anticipated, the system will pre-charge the brakes for maximum braking force.

Lane keeping assist -- Lane keeping assist starts operating above 40 mph. We find it most helpful on long highway commutes, since some systems can overreact on winding country roads. If the car drifts out of its lane without the driver using the turn signal, the system will help steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. Turning the system off requires wading through an elaborate menu. We prefer a handier on/off switch.

Driving with kids
Installations in the center seat may be challenging because of the narrow buckle spacing, which can cause the child seat to overlap with the buckle, and because the belt anchor is above the seat bight (where the horizontal and vertical seat surfaces meet). Forward-facing convertibles and infant seats may be incredibly difficult to install in the outboard seats due to belts being forward of the seat bight and the angle of the seat cushion. Tether anchors are located on the seatback. While the tether strap can be routed between the seatback and cargo shield, you most likely will need to open the trunk and attach the tether from the cargo space. In the center seat, boosters may overlap the buckle, making the buckle inaccessible.
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