2018 VW Golf Alltrack: The Road Trip Wagon for Adventure Seekers

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

There’s a unique charm to embarking on an epic road trip in a wagon. Wagons were once a common sight across America, synonymous with family vacations and summer getaways. They offered the perfect blend of practicality, capable of carrying families and their luggage, while still providing the familiar driving experience of a standard car. However, the rise of SUVs and crossovers pushed wagons to the fringes of the automotive market, with only a few manufacturers like Volvo and Volkswagen persevering with this body style.

Volkswagen, in particular, has maintained its commitment to wagons across various models like the Passat, Jetta, and notably, the Golf. Despite fluctuating popularity, VW continued to develop wagons, and in recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in this versatile vehicle type. Volkswagen rebranded the “SportWagen” under the Golf banner in 2015 and introduced the more rugged Alltrack variant in 2016. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a 1.4-inch increase in ride height compared to the standard SportWagen, and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, the 2018 Golf Alltrack presents itself as a compelling option for road trips. But how well does it actually perform as a long-haul companion?

Image: The 2018 Volkswagen Alltrack begins its journey, driving through hazy conditions, highlighting its readiness for diverse environments.

Conquering Colorado: Boulder to Leadville in the Alltrack

To truly assess the capabilities of our long-term Golf Alltrack as a genuine Colorado vehicle, we decided to put it to the test with a road trip. The journey covered 600 round-trip miles from Boulder to Powderhorn, Colorado, for a family reunion weekend. This route offered a diverse range of driving conditions, including open plains, mountainous terrains, highways, dirt tracks, long straightaways, and winding curves.

The initial leg of the trip commenced through the outskirts of Boulder, with the iconic Flatirons mountains obscured by wildfire smoke, as seen in the image above. Southbound highway driving out of Boulder involved navigating rush hour congestion and stretches of two-lane roads 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, demonstrated surprisingly effective performance, especially at higher altitudes. In stop-and-go traffic, the standard leatherette seats provided adequate comfort and support.

The updated 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system proved user-friendly, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility was particularly appreciated for seamless access to playlists during the first leg of the journey. The standard audio system delivered sufficient punch, although the premium Fender audio system, available on SEL-trimmed models, was absent in this version. It’s worth noting, however, that SEL models are exclusively paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Image: Interior view of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack showcasing features like heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, emphasizing its blend of comfort and technology.

Ascending the Eisenhower Tunnel: Testing Altitude Performance

After navigating the traffic leaving Boulder, Interstate 70 West marked the beginning of the ascent into the Rocky Mountains. While the initial inclines posed no significant challenge for the Golf Alltrack, the true climb commenced approximately 40 miles west, leading up to the Eisenhower Tunnel. At an elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level, the tunnel’s western entrance is recognized as the highest vehicle tunnel globally. Despite the substantial grades and altitude, downshifting beyond fourth gear was unnecessary to maintain the speed limit.

Beyond the familiar location of TFL’s Ike Gauntlet testing grounds, it was time to turn south off Interstate 70. A gas station immediately came into view upon exiting the highway, prompting the question of refueling. Beyond tourist destinations like Loveland Pass, Copper Mountain, and Vail, fuel stops become less frequent before reaching the destination 175 miles away. However, a notable issue arose: regular gasoline prices were $4.12 per gallon, a 30% increase compared to Boulder prices. Fortunately, the 2018 Golf Alltrack demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 34 mpg, allowing for continued travel. The climb proceeded smoothly, culminating in reaching Leadville, Colorado, the highest incorporated city in the United States.

Image: The 2018 Volkswagen Alltrack pictured against a scenic mountain backdrop, illustrating its suitability for outdoor adventures and road trips.

Leadville to Powderhorn: Wildlife and Winding Roads

Leadville’s elevation is twice that of Boulder, and the thinner air was noticeable both to the driver and the car. While the turbocharger compensated somewhat for the power reduction at altitude, the engine did feel less responsive. However, with a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack still felt agile and manageable, even with the reduced power output.

Leaving Leadville, the sunset painted the Collegiate Peaks, some of the Rockies’ highest summits, in stunning colors. As darkness descended, central Colorado’s two-lane highways became active with wildlife, posing potential hazards for nighttime driving. Thankfully, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack’s high beams provided ample illumination with a simple stalk adjustment, effectively lighting up the road ahead, even without the SEL trim’s HID headlights. A fuel stop just outside of Salida, Colorado, revealed the Alltrack still maintaining an impressive 34 mpg average, before continuing towards the final destination.

Image: Close-up of the 2018 Golf Alltrack’s front LED running lights, highlighting its modern design and lighting features.

Final Stretch: Manual Transmission and Ride Comfort Considerations

The final mountain ranges and canyons revealed the most significant drawbacks of this Golf Alltrack. Whether it was fatigue or impatience setting in, the manual transmission’s clutch and shifter became increasingly bothersome during uphill downshifts, engine braking on descents, and stop-and-go traffic.

While manual transmissions are generally favored by driving enthusiasts, the shifter in this particular 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack exhibited excessive play for a new vehicle – feeling imprecise and sloppy. Consistently missing the 6th to 3rd gear shift became a recurring issue. The clutch lacked tactile feedback, with engagement occurring only near the top of its travel.

Another point of contention was the ride quality. On smooth road surfaces, the sport-tuned suspension contributed to enjoyable handling. However, on rougher, unpaved dirt roads, the ride became jarring. The seats absorbed some of the impact, but the final 30 miles on dirt roads underscored the compromise between handling and comfort. For those prioritizing a plush ride, especially on varied road surfaces, this might be a critical consideration.

Image: Side profile of the 2018 Volkswagen Alltrack in motion, emphasizing its wagon silhouette and road presence.

Verdict: A Capable Road Trip Wagon with Minor Flaws

Upon completing the journey in the fly-splattered Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, it proved to be a commendable road trip vehicle, save for the manual transmission’s shortcomings. Fuel economy figures ranged between 34-35 mpg throughout the trip – significantly exceeding the EPA’s combined rating of 25 mpg – and the ride quality was generally solid, albeit not the most plush. Smooth roads are definitely its preferred terrain. However, the Alltrack is, to some extent, designed for venturing off the beaten path. When doing so, the ride might prove too firm for some preferences.

With a tested price of $30,615, this wagon offers practicality, fuel efficiency, and a comprehensive set of features suitable for daily driving. Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction on paved surfaces, in wet conditions, and on loose terrain. For those considering the Alltrack as a family vehicle, opting for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is recommended. While it adds $1,100 to the price, the manual transmission in this model is too imprecise for driving enthusiasts, and the automatic will deliver a smoother and potentially more user-friendly experience for most drivers.

Image: The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack parked in a scenic location, summarizing its appeal as a versatile and adventure-ready vehicle.

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Specifications (Update)

On Sale:	Now
Base MSRP:	$27,055
Price as Tested:	$30,615
Engine:	1.8-liter turbocharged I4
Drivetrain (Layout):	Transversely mounted front engine, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:	170 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Torque:	199 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual
Suspension:	Front: Strut-type w/ lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers and 22 mm stabilizer bar Rear: – Multilink, coil springs, telescopic dampers, 19 mm stabilizer bar
Brakes:	Front: 11.3 x 1.0-in vented front discs Rear: 10.7 x 0.4-in solid rear discs
Tires:	Falken Singer P205/55 R17 all-season
Fuel capacity:	14.5 gallons
Fuel economy (EPA):	22 City/30 Highway/25 Combined MPG Observed: 34.6 mpg (90% highway driving)