Volkswagen Golf Alltrack: Your Ideal Road Trip Companion? A Comprehensive Review

The wagon, once a staple of the American family road trip, has seen a decline in popularity with the rise of SUVs and crossovers. However, manufacturers like Volkswagen have kept the wagon spirit alive, offering models like the Golf Alltrack. This rugged variant of the Golf SportWagen, launched in 2016, boasts a higher ride height, all-wheel drive, and the option of a manual transmission, making it an intriguing choice for adventure seekers. But how well does the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack truly perform as a road trip car?

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack on a scenic mountain road trip in the Rocky Mountains

To put the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack to a genuine test, we embarked on a 600-mile round trip from Boulder to Powderhorn, Colorado. This journey encompassed a diverse range of driving conditions, from bustling city highways to serene mountain roads and even challenging dirt tracks. The goal was to evaluate the Alltrack’s capabilities as a versatile Colorado car capable of handling varied terrains and long distances.

Boulder to Leadville: Conquering Altitude and Traffic

Our journey commenced in Boulder, Colorado, under a smoky haze from recent wildfires. The initial leg of the trip involved navigating through rush hour traffic and stretches of two-lane highways heading towards Interstate 70. Despite the slower pace, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack demonstrated its agility. The 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, producing 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, proved surprisingly responsive, especially at higher altitudes where naturally aspirated engines often struggle. Overtaking slower vehicles was effortless, highlighting the engine’s commendable performance.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack long-term review – starting the road trip from Boulder, Colorado

Inside the cabin, the standard leatherette seats provided ample comfort and support, even during prolonged periods in traffic. The updated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system proved user-friendly, with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allowing for easy access to music and navigation. While the standard stereo system delivered adequate sound quality, audiophiles might miss the premium Fender audio system available in higher trims. However, opting for the SEL trim means sacrificing the manual transmission, as it is exclusively paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Eisenhower Tunnel and Beyond: Ascending to New Heights

Finally escaping the traffic congestion, we merged onto Interstate 70, heading west towards the majestic Rocky Mountains. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack tackled the initial inclines with ease. The real test, however, was the ascent to the Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest vehicle tunnel in the world, situated at a breathtaking 11,158 feet above sea level. Despite the demanding steep grades and thin air, the Alltrack maintained a steady pace without needing to downshift excessively, showcasing the engine’s resilience even at extreme altitudes.

Interior view of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Manual, highlighting features like heated seats and Apple CarPlay

Leaving Interstate 70 and the familiar Ike Gauntlet testing grounds, we turned south, venturing deeper into Colorado’s heartland. A gas station stop revealed a significant price hike for regular gasoline, a 30% increase compared to Boulder prices. Despite this, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack impressed with its fuel efficiency, averaging an impressive 34 mpg. This efficiency allowed us to continue our journey without refueling concerns, eventually reaching Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the United States.

Leadville to Powderhorn: Navigating Twilight and Terrain

Leadville’s elevation, double that of Boulder, brought a noticeable change. The air thinned, affecting both driver and car. While the turbocharged engine mitigated some power loss, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack did feel slightly less sprightly at this altitude. However, its relatively light weight of just over 3,300 pounds prevented it from feeling cumbersome.

As dusk descended, the drive from Leadville to Powderhorn involved navigating winding two-lane highways known for their abundant wildlife. The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack‘s high beams proved invaluable, providing excellent illumination of the road ahead, even without the upgraded HID units found in the SEL trim. Another fuel stop just outside Salida, Colorado, confirmed the consistent 34 mpg fuel economy, reinforcing the Alltrack’s efficiency on long drives.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack road trip review – driving through scenic Colorado landscapes

Manual Transmission and Ride Comfort: Points to Consider

The final stretch of the journey, traversing mountain ranges and canyons, brought to light a couple of drawbacks. While personal preference plays a role, the manual transmission in the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack presented some frustrations. The shifter felt imprecise, with excessive play, leading to occasional missed shifts, particularly between sixth and third gear. The clutch, lacking in feel and engaging only at the very top, further contributed to a less-than-ideal manual driving experience.

Ride comfort was another area where compromises were apparent. On smooth roads, the sport-tuned suspension of the Alltrack delivered enjoyable handling. However, on rougher, unpaved roads, the ride became noticeably jarring. While the seats absorbed some of the bumps, extended periods on uneven terrain highlighted the trade-off between sporty handling and ride comfort.

Front view of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack showcasing LED daytime running lights

Final Verdict: A Capable and Efficient Wagon

Despite minor shortcomings, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack proved to be a commendable road trip vehicle. Fuel economy consistently exceeded EPA estimates, averaging 34-35 mpg throughout the trip. The ride quality, while firm, provided a solid and stable feel, especially on paved roads. The Alltrack’s purpose, to venture beyond typical roads, is where the ride might become too stiff for some.

Priced at $30,615 as tested, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack offers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and essential features for daily driving and road trips. Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system provides уверенность in various conditions, from dry pavement to wet roads and loose surfaces. For families considering the Alltrack, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, although a $1,100 upcharge, is recommended for a smoother and more user-friendly experience, especially as the manual transmission in this model might not satisfy even seasoned enthusiasts.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack performance on challenging road trip terrains

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a versatile wagon for road trips and daily driving

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Specifications:

Consider how the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack stacks up against competitors like the Subaru Outback when making your wagon decision.