more about this model The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack isn't quite an SUV, and it's not quite an ordinary wagon; it sits somewhere in the middle — quite literally, if you use a tape measure. Based on the Golf SportWagen, the Alltrack features all-wheel drive, a raised suspension that gives it extra ground clearance, and extra-rugged styling, yet it maintains its long, low wagon shape. It's a compelling alternative to SUVs and crossovers in the same price range.
The Alltrack is based on the Volkswagen Golf, which, though not a huge seller in North America, is one of the most popular cars in Europe and other markets. We like the Golf for its high-quality, no-nonsense cabin as well as its space and utility. Both of those attributes make their way to the Alltrack. The cabin is roomy up front, offering excellent visibility all around, and the control layout is straightforward and easy to use.
There's a marked difference between the front seats on the base-model S and the power-adjustable chairs offered in the top-of-the-line SEL; the latter offer better bolstering and more support, though both have firm cushions in the Germanic style. Backseat space could better, but in terms of utility, the Volkswagen gives up nothing to rival crossovers: It offers 30.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the backseats folded down.
The Golf Alltrack is powered by the same 1.8-liter turbocharged engine found in other Volkswagen vehicles; it produces 170 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. For the Alltrack, Volkswagen offers either a six-speed manual or a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic, along with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system used in the high-performance Golf R. We've been satisfied with the amount of thrust this engine produces in other Golf variants, but the Alltrack is heavier and can feel a bit sluggish when accelerating from a stop. The EPA rates the Golf Alltrack at 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway).
The Alltrack's tall suspension gives it 6.7 inches of ground clearance, not as much as with some SUV-like wagons but adequate for traversing rocky trails without worrying about the underside of the car. The added height does mean that the Golf Alltrack handles somewhere between an SUV and a car on the road, but that shouldn't put off buyers interested in the Alltrack's off-road capabilities.
Volkswagen sells the Golf Alltrack in S, SE and SEL trim levels. Even the base-model S is surprisingly well equipped, and advanced driver aids such as forward collision avoidance with autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control are on the options list. The SE is a nice package for the money, and the SEL offers several tempting comfort and convenience features. Make sure to check out Edmunds' full review and shopping tools, which will help you find the right 2017 Volkswagen Golf to fit your needs.
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Golf Alltrack featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Golf Alltrack 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Golf Alltrack.
Vehicle
TSI S 4dr Wagon AWD (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
Great road handling. Outstanding in snow/ice. I love the iPhone display on the car's display (car play). Not great acceleration, but I didn't expect or need that. Shifting gears is a little sluggish and there's a barely audible transmission noise shifting in the lower gears. I'm getting a little better mileage than I expected (22-25 around town) and 33-34 highway. Still early, but I love the car so far.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf-alltrack earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2017 Submodel Types: Wagon
Available Trims: TSI S, TSI SE, TSI SEL
Exterior Colors: Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, Platinum Gray Metallic, Silk Blue Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Tornado Red
Interior Colors: Titan Black leatherette, Beige leatherette, Marrakesh Brown leatherette, Quartz Gray leatherette
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Keyless Entry/Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking sensors, Pre-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Headlights
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
