Volkswagen Alltrack: Is This Wagon the Ideal Road Trip Companion?

Wagons might evoke nostalgic memories of family road trips across America, offering a blend of passenger comfort and cargo space in a car-like package. While SUVs and crossovers have surged in popularity, some manufacturers, notably Volkswagen, have kept the wagon spirit alive.

Volkswagen has consistently produced wagons under various names, including Passat, Jetta, and Golf. In a nod to the growing wagon resurgence, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Alltrack in 2016, expanding on the Golf SportWagen (rebranded in 2015). The Alltrack distinguishes itself with a 1.4-inch increased ride height compared to the standard SportWagen, Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, and the option of a six-speed manual transmission. But how does the Volkswagen Alltrack perform as a dedicated road trip vehicle?

Image: The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack confidently tackles a hazy mountain road, showcasing its adventurous spirit.

To assess the Volkswagen Alltrack’s capabilities as a genuine Colorado road trip vehicle, a 600-mile round trip from Boulder to Powderhorn, Colorado, was undertaken. This journey encompassed diverse terrains, from plains to mountains, highways to dirt tracks, and long straights to winding curves, providing a comprehensive test for the Alltrack.

Image: The Volkswagen Alltrack begins its long-term review journey, driving through a highway shrouded in wildfire smoke, highlighting real-world driving conditions.

Boulder to Leadville: Conquering Altitude and Traffic

The initial leg of the journey commenced under hazy skies in Boulder, a consequence of recent wildfires. Navigating south from Boulder, the Volkswagen Alltrack encountered typical rush hour congestion and two-lane highway stretches en route to Interstate 70. Whenever possible, opportunities to overtake slower vehicles were seized. The 2018 Golf Alltrack’s 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, despite its modest 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, proved surprisingly responsive, especially at higher altitudes. During traffic stops, the standard leatherette seats provided adequate comfort and support.

The updated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system impressed with its intuitive interface, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility was particularly appreciated for seamless playlist access during the initial drive. The standard stereo system delivered sufficient audio quality, although the absence of the Fender premium audio system, available on higher SEL trim levels, was noted. However, SEL models are exclusively paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which might deter manual transmission enthusiasts.

Image: The interior of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Manual, showcasing features like heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto for a comfortable and connected driving experience.

Ascending the Eisenhower Tunnel

Upon reaching Interstate 70 and heading west from Denver, the highway immediately ascends into the Rocky Mountains. While the initial inclines posed no significant challenge for the Volkswagen Alltrack, the true ascent began approximately 40 miles west – the climb to the Eisenhower Tunnel. Elevated at 11,158 feet above sea level, the tunnel’s western entrance marks the highest vehicle tunnel globally. Despite the steep gradients and high altitude, downshifting beyond fourth gear was unnecessary to maintain the speed limit, demonstrating the Alltrack’s capable engine performance.

Beyond the familiar location of TFL’s Ike Gauntlet testing, the route diverged south from Interstate 70. A gas station appeared shortly after exiting the highway, prompting a fuel check. Beyond tourist destinations like Loveland Pass, Copper Mountain, and Vail, refueling opportunities become scarce before reaching the destination 175 miles away. However, regular gasoline prices were surprisingly high at $4.12 per gallon, a 30% premium compared to Boulder prices. Fortunately, the 2018 Volkswagen Alltrack exhibited impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 34 mpg, mitigating fuel cost concerns. Continuing the climb with minimal issues, the journey reached Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in the United States.

Image: The Volkswagen Alltrack road trip unfolds through the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, highlighting its suitability for adventurous journeys.

Leadville to Powderhorn: Navigating High Altitude and Wildlife

Leadville’s elevation, twice that of Boulder, presented a noticeable challenge, both for the driver and the car. While the turbocharger compensated for some power loss at altitude, the engine felt somewhat less responsive. However, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack’s relatively light weight of just over 3,300 pounds prevented it from feeling overly sluggish, despite the reduced power output.

Leaving Leadville, the sunset painted the Collegiate Peaks, among the Rockies’ highest summits, in stunning colors. As darkness enveloped central Colorado’s two-lane highways, wildlife activity increased, posing potential hazards. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack’s high beams, easily activated with a stalk flick, provided ample illumination, even without the upgraded HID units found on the SEL trim. A fuel stop just outside Salida, Colorado, revealed the Alltrack still maintaining an impressive 34 mpg. The journey then continued towards the final destination.

Image: The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack’s LED running lights illuminate the twilight, showcasing its modern lighting features for enhanced visibility.

Final Stretch: Manual Transmission Drawbacks and Ride Comfort

The concluding mountain passes and canyons exposed the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack’s primary shortcomings, particularly the manual transmission. Whether downshifting uphill, engine braking downhill, or navigating stop-and-go traffic, the clutch and transmission system proved to be a source of frustration.

While manual transmissions are often favored by driving enthusiasts, the shifter in this particular Alltrack exhibited excessive play, feeling imprecise and sloppy for a new vehicle. Consistent misshifts from sixth to third gear were experienced. The clutch lacked tactile feedback, with engagement occurring only near the top of its travel.

Another aspect that detracted from the Volkswagen Alltrack’s road trip experience was the ride quality. On smooth pavement, the sport-tuned suspension contributed to enjoyable handling. However, on rough dirt roads, the ride became jarring. While the seats absorbed some impact, the final 30 miles on dirt roads underscored the compromise between handling and comfort inherent in the Alltrack’s suspension setup.

Image: A Volkswagen Alltrack Road Trip Review image capturing the vehicle on a dirt road, demonstrating its all-terrain capability and highlighting ride comfort considerations.

Verdict: A Capable Road Trip Wagon with Caveats

Despite accumulating fly splatter during the journey, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack proved to be a commendable road trip vehicle, with the manual transmission being its main drawback. Fuel economy consistently exceeded EPA estimates, averaging 34-35 mpg compared to the combined rating of 25 mpg. The ride quality was solid, although prioritizing smoother roads is advisable for optimal comfort. While the Alltrack is designed for venturing off the beaten path to some extent, its ride might be considered too firm for some drivers on rougher terrain.

Priced at $30,615 as tested, the Volkswagen Alltrack offers practicality, fuel efficiency, and essential features for daily driving. Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including pavement, wet roads, and loose gravel. For families considering the Alltrack, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is recommended. While costing $1,100 more, the automatic offers a smoother driving experience and mitigates the manual transmission’s imprecision, making it a more user-friendly choice for most drivers.

Image: The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack road trip concludes, portraying it as a capable vehicle despite minor faults, and suitable for adventure and daily commutes.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Specifications (Update)

Dimensions:

Consider how the Volkswagen Alltrack stacks up against key competitors like the Subaru Outback for a comprehensive wagon comparison.