Overview
The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack entered the North American market for the 2017 model year as a ruggedized, adventure-oriented variant of the Golf SportWagen. Designed to compete with compact crossovers and Subaru’s Outback, the Alltrack utilized the versatile MQB platform to offer a blend of car-like handling and increased utility. It distinguished itself from the standard SportWagen through a raised suspension, plastic body cladding, and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, providing a more capable option for drivers navigating inclement weather or light trails.
Under the hood, the Alltrack featured a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle was primarily manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, for the North American market. While it maintained the refined interior ergonomics and build quality characteristic of the seventh-generation Golf, the Alltrack offered a unique proposition for buyers who preferred the lower center of gravity of a station wagon over the taller profile of a traditional SUV. Despite its positive reception among enthusiasts, the model was discontinued after the 2019 model year as Volkswagen shifted its focus toward a broader range of dedicated SUV offerings.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf Alltrack |
| Model Year | 2017-2019 |
| Generation | Mk7 |
| Trim | S, SE, SEL |
| Body Style | Station Wagon |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact |
| Vehicle Class | Small Station Wagons |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | MQB |
| Assembly Plant | Puebla, Mexico |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Production Start | 2016 |
| Production End | 2019 |
| VIN Identifier | 3VW |
| Base MSRP | $26,950 |
| Destination Charge | $895 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | ICE |
| Engine Family | EA888 Gen 3 |
| Engine Name | 1.8 TSI |
| Engine Code | CPRA/CPPA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1.8 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 84.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 6.0 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 502 00 / 5W-40 |
| Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 21 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 31 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 25 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 14.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | – |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 350 g/mi |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 15.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 124 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 179.4 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 70.8 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | 59.7 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 103.7 |
| Front Track (in) | 60.7 |
| Rear Track (in) | 59.7 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 6.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,400 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,500 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,100 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 94.3 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 30.4 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 66.5 |
| Turning Circle | 35.8 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.5 to 8.0 inch |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with MFD |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Android Auto | Yes |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | Fender Premium Audio |
| Speaker Count | 8 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 6 years / 72,000 miles (2018-2019) |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years / 72,000 miles (2018-2019) |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Silao, Mexico |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin / Volkswagen |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The Golf Alltrack is highly regarded in the used market for its combination of practicality, premium interior materials, and composed road manners. Reliability is generally solid, though owners should prioritize maintenance of the DSG transmission fluid if equipped, as well as the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, which requires periodic service to function correctly. Common issues include panoramic sunroof leaks, which can lead to water intrusion in the cabin, and potential wear on the water pump housing. Despite these concerns, the Alltrack remains a sought-after vehicle for those who value a low-slung, European-engineered alternative to the ubiquitous crossover, offering a unique blend of utility and driving engagement that is increasingly rare in the modern market.
