2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

Pros: Excellent passenger and cargo room; nicely finished cabin; simple control layout

Cons: Leather upholstery not available; no optional engines; notably pricier than comparable Golf SportWagen

CG Says: The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack adds standard collision warning and autonomous braking to SE and SEL models. The SEL also gets standard adaptive LED headlights. The base S gains LED daytime running lights and taillights, along with automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack debuted last year as an SUV-flavored version of VW’s compact Golf station wagon. To the basic Golf SportWagen, the Alltrack adds standard all-wheel drive, a ride height raised by 1.4 inches, and rugged lower-body cladding. Also included are rough-terrain features such as a front skid plate, hill-descent control, and an “Off-Road Mode” drive-control setting. Golf Alltrack comes with the same 170-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo as SportWagen and other Golfs. The sole transmission is VW’s DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual. The base Golf Alltrack S is equipped with standard rearview camera, heated front seats and mirrors, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/MirrorLink, and hill-descent control. Available features include forward-collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic climate control. The Alltrack is more expensive and rides a little more firmly than its Golf SportWagen sibling, but it’s still a tremendously compelling vehicle that offers a “best of both worlds” blend of car and SUV attributes. Like the rival Subaru Outback, Alltrack is an excellent alternative to a traditional crossover SUV.