Face Off: 2017 VW Golf Alltrack vs Subaru Outback 2.5 Limited
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- Опубліковано 10 чер 2024
- We compare the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and Subaru Outback 2.5 wagon on pavement, off-road and on performance of interior comfort and space. Full side by side review.
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I bought the Alltrack last month and just love it
same here. traded an 05 outback for it. So glad I didn't go for the new SUV Outback. They're just so damn big now. The old wagon versions were so much better.
What's your hwy gas mileage?
Thanks
Just bought a 2019 outback and love it. German parts and repairs are expensive and the outback was bigger which is great seeing I just had my first kid.
How's the alltrack holding up?
The Golf was a better pick then a Subaru...
Purchased my 2017 Alreack a month ago. Couldn't be happier with the car.
How is holding up?
I own a 2014 Outback, and the handling on curves on the highway isn't at all sporty. It does go well in the snow and gets my wife to and from work safely. I'm sure the newer Outback wagons handle a littler better, but I can't say. I did test drive the Alltrack for about an hour and was thoroughly impressed with both the acceleration and handling in the curves. Being a guy, I like the zippy feel of German cars like my Jetta. From a highway performance standpoint, I'd chose the Alltrack if I had it to do all over again. I spend more time on road than off, and would appreciate the added stability of the VW. I will ad that where reliability and fuel mileage is concerned, my outback has been perfect. Going to the beach last summer we were seeing between 33 and 35 mpg. My next car will be an Alltrack.
Agree. In our winter Colorado setting where we actually drive up steep dirt, ice covered roads, the Subaru clearance and AWD is superior. That being said, in our Southern California setting, 99% of our driving is pavement, high speed, and the Outback does not even compare to the superior driving and handling of the VW. The Outback leans and rolls and I disdain the CVT.
Overall, for realistic purposes, the VW is better for vast majority of our driving. If VW tightens up its AWD system and gets a little more clearance, it will rule the realm.
Writing this 4 years later looks like VW is going for the Taos and Tiguan and away from wagons.
I love the idea of AWD but for the vast majority of my miles, I love my VW TDI 50+ mpg and awesome handling.
Wow!! I really thought you would choose the Outback! I'm a huge VW fan myself and would take the Alltrack. However, I've got a lot of respect for Subaru.
Great review Sam. Very relative comparison and discriminating review of both vehicles. The Best on UA-cam.
Great video. Can't believe both cars were able to handle that one wheel off the ground test. Impressive!
Great stuff! Very good reviews, well balanced (except at the end when you tilt towards a favourite... LOL). I do have a question. Do you know if putting any sort of rack on top empedes the functionality of the roof? I've seen that some years ago with a Honda. Boy were we mad! I'm pretty sure the answer is “No empediment”, but I need to ask.
Quite helpful content in this review. Thx mucho. Got me to continue to favour the Alltrack overall, especially that I'm more into skiing up here in Canada. Good work. Thx again.
2019 Manual SEL Alltrack still kicks ass. If you like DRIVING (pushing things to the limit every once in awhile) Alltrack is the way to go. If you have a family of 4+ and don't care about speed.....and want a "wagon" Outback is best for ya.
Just got one of the last Alltrack SEL's with a 6 speed manual. Love it.
Great video! Thanks alot it was very in depth I also am a volkswagen guy and picked up a 2019 alltrack with the 6spd manual it an absolutely wonderful wagon.
Incredibly helpful video, thank you!
Great comparison video. Keep it up!
The rear legroom in the Outback is enormous.
Nice video sir. First one I've seen of yours.
Just bought an Alltrack, very happy with it.
what about the differences in the stereo systems? what about the comparison operating bluetooth using your phone? what about laser welding versus spot welding? nice overall review though.
Very helpful! I'm considering buying one of these and found this enlightening and fun. As a Volkswagen guy myself, I did find myself emotionally leaning to the VW too. Again, great and informative stuff!
Bought the VW All-track, very solid and responsive ride.
Traded my 2010 Subaru Impreza for a 2017 Altrack. Only had it just over a week and so far loving it. The weather has been mostly rain and some snow since I picked it up. Handling is great! The negative part is, ... my husband likes it and he's been driving it. He has a 2016 GMC Canyon. What the heck.
I have a 15 outback 2.5 limited and i drive it 12 hours a day 6 days a week. Running 2 years strong not one problem. The streets of NYC is harsh on the subaru with all the pot holes and what not but it had never given me a problem. I work for Lyft, uber, juno and via
This is a great review. Got a lot of small details about the Alltrack that I didn't get from other videos.
i just got alltrack wow what a great car if you do 20% offroad a year get this car for sure
Me too. Got it in stick too. Soooo awesome. glad I got this and not the outback suv
@@stanstanlison5791 Stick? front wheel drive only?
Thanks so much for comparing these. I have a Jetta SportWagen TDI 6MT and have to think about what to do in the buyback. Obviously I'm biased toward the VW, but I'm really biased toward the manual transmission, which the Outback doesn't offer. I'm wondering if you've compared the Forester 2.5 with a manual transmission to the Alltrack 6MT?
i agree with you.....question, did you say the SEL will be coming out with a manual transmission later this year?
Good honest comparison..I drove both and preferred the VW for the way it drove..felt like a well made German car. I have owned both over the years but prefer the feel over all of the VW's. Might be biased, but ended up getting the Audi version.
Nice review
Bought an Alltrack basically for the reasons you've pointed out. It's a better road car, and I spend more time on blacktop than dirt. It has a far better engine & gearbox combo. Also, I got the smaller wheels, so that should help on the dirt too. It'll be my 3rd Golf after a GTI and an R. I'm trying not to be tempted by an APR chip taking it from 170hp to 240hp...
Do the chip!!! Why not?? Enjoy the driving even more!!!
Great test - thank you. One comment - I would like to see a comparison should of how well each accomplishes their primary function - as a sports activity vehicle (SAV). Which carries skis, bikes, snowboards, etc. better? Which factory set-up is better? Which holds together over a washboard road? Which holds more camping equipment or offers better storage flexibility?
I get the automotive comparison, and I understand your comments regarding size, but both vehicles are being marketed to the same demographic - outdoor enthusiasts. Subaru has been the standard-bearer in this category for a long time. My question - does the VW measure up to the Subie as a SAV?
I'll finally be trading in my mkIV GLI for the Alltrack when it comes out with the manual transmission. Can't wait!
Great choice 👍
Even plain golfs handle awesome in the ice and snow. Especially the recent models, MK6 & 7 are really strong in poor traction environments. Maybe it's the software ;)
Chemist my mk6 drives even better than my old awd honda SUV when it comes to snow
Tell people all the time a Golf or Jetta is perfectly fine for most situations in snow. Think the manufacturers are selling the "go anywhere lifestyle".
I bought the alltrack, and love it... my only wish is that it came with optional tow package and maybe in a TDI or beefier engine than the 1.8 liter option
I have the Alltrack. Put on a Class 1 Hitch. The bumper is a pain to deal with but it tows great.
First class review! I know they are rare but I would love to see a review on an Outback with the 6-speed manual even if it is a used car. between these two I think I would have to pick option C, save some money on purchase and driving costs with a CPO 2015 TDI
You're not off road, you are off pavement!
Which car has the better manual transmission such as better clutch feedback ?
You were super helpful and thank you.
Great review! I would take the VW personally.
I'm actually going to look at both this weekend and decide which one to buy, but I'm buying this to drive up north in a snowy rainy climate and I can't test that down south where I am now. I was hoping this review would answer all my questions, but I think I'm more on-the-fence now than I was before watching lol. I guess what it will come down to is features for the price, since everything else seems to be, as close as matters, identical.
why do you keep showing the outback from the left side while driving the golf at around 16:30?
We never buy new, always used. We decided it was time to trade in our 2012 Jetta Sportwagen. Since there were few choices for us (we’ve always owned a wagon) I searched for months for a Golf Sportwagen, and was having trouble finding options we wanted, mileage, and price. I wasn’t considering an Alltrack because it was more then we needed. A KIA dealer had an identical Alltrack that is tested in your feature on their lot. It was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I stopped by to look at it. I was impressed, but still was a bit shy of the price. After watching them drop the price twice in a little over a month, I ran a carfax, and my husband and I decided we wanted it. We got very good terms, and drove away 2 hours later. We’ve been very impressed the last 2 months. The handling, quality, and options are some of the best we’ve ever had in a vehicle. We will be taking it on a trip in a few weeks through the Blue Ridge mountains for fall color and can’t wait. Sadly, we fear our next search for a wagon will be even more difficult. But in the mean time, we like the Alltrack very much.
Can one purchase the Golf Alltrack Wagon without that huge weight adding sunroof? I prefer just a solid roof(no sunroof).
The buyback $$ VW is providing for my 2010 TDI Sportwagen will go right back to them in the form of a red SEL Alltrack.
I'm in a similar situation with my 2011 TDI Sportwagen - and am opting for a 2017 Forester XT Premium. I just can't give more money to VW ATM - maybe my next car :)
I'm in the same boat but will wait for the manual SE version later this year -- better tires with a thicker sidewall, better transmission, and hopefully a better driving experience.
Kyle Nupson so I've had my Forester XT now for about 3 weeks and LOVE it! That turbo gives me the get up and go the TDI did plus! Also the Subaru is a tank in the snow - so sure footed!
If I could get a manual with the premium trim package id be all over it. Personally dont care for the CVT -- but I agree the turbo 2.5 is great!
The CVT in the S# mode is very good, paddle shifting is fun :) It's a 2.0 turbo, around 250 hp and the same amount of torque - in ft lbs of course. I sure do miss the TDI mileage though
I'm on my second Subie with a cvt. No complaints.
Great Job, not annoying music and stupid trying to be funny fluff.
I’ve driven ~900 miles so far (mixed city/highway) and got 26.6 MpG. VW advertises 30/21/24 MpG. On-board computer, however, calculated about 30 MpG for that time frame.
I have just come back from a road trip in Australia. 4000km, about half of that off the bitumen: dirt roads, gravel roads, sandy roads, sand dunes. No mud or snow. Included about 350 km of very rocky track across the Nullarbor that took two days to drive down. We were camping and towing a trailer. We did the first part of Googs Track up to the memorial and back to Ceduna without the trailer, no problems with the sand dunes on that part of the track. We drove all around the Gawler Ranges National Park's 4WD only tracks, no problem. My 2015 base model 2.5l Outback with CVT was flawless. Never looked liked getting stuck anywhere. Very quiet and comfortable. Excellent ground clearance. What a brilliant car. The Outback loves dirt and gravel roads.
I've never driven an Alltrack but I wouldn't buy anything from Volkswagen following diesel emissions scandal.
I'm actually pretty impressed with the Alltrack off road. I was expecting it to spin wheels a lot more than my A4 Quattro... which seems to spin wheels more than I'd like when I get it off road. Granted, it's not really an off road kinda car... more of a sporty car on dry roads, and does well in snow. They no longer import the manual A4 since 2008 (I got a 2007), but they will have a manual Alltrack.
Is the TSI170 still the only engine available over there? I bought my Alltrack 2.0 TDI184 in Sweden about a year ago, works like a dream! I think you would love it if you got to try one
+Heavy Duty Video no TDI in USA
Got my Alltrack TSI S with a manual just 3 weeks ago, and love it. Gas mileage seems to be better than advertised by VW.
How many MPGs are you getting on avg?
Very good video. The Outback is for me.
MT vs CVT would make my decision very easy...
I compared these cars extensively as did you and I got the Alltrack in the mid SE trim level. I made the right choice, no regrets after one year. Ive got the back seats down for maximum cargo space and the back loaded up with my tools (250-300lbs) and I have no problem smoking the traffic on my commute. I reccomend weathertech floor mats and their muddy buddy cargo liner which protects the car from all the debris I drag in. The one thing I dont like about this car is the headlights that come at this trim level, what kept me away from the SEL is that it had lower profile wheels which are no good in the New England winter. However it may have been worth it because the SEL comes with superior headlights. I might have to upgrade the headlight package at my dealership if it is possible.
Very good review! Impressed with the VW Alltrack's off-road performance, something the Seat Leon X-Perience doesn't seem to offer. Subaru's Outback is a very attractive option, but 10K more expensive than the Alltrack in Spain.
I went to test drive a Crosstrek. While adjusting the seat, the handle broke off. The salesman didn’t skip a beat & told me to toss it behind the seat. I went across the street & bought a VW Golf. 5 years & 80,000 miles later (zero problems) I’m ready to buy an Alltrack. I can’t wait to drive from the dealer to the Tuner, lift it 1.5” & have 250hp under foot. Stock the Alltrack is more of a Mall Crawler. 🙂
I just glanced through the comments below but did not see what I wanted to know - which has better reliability?
This reply is 2 years late and I don’t know much but I hear that subarus generally have better reliability. That being said, my dad has had multiple vws that he’s taken above 150k and they’ve been lovely. But overall, subarus are better I think
Some great information here. Thank you Sam. Is it really unfortunate that the Alltrack doesn't come in leather? The industry seems to be moving away from it for sound reasons and I've seen people refer to VW's award-winning leatherette as "leather". Also, while we're on the topic of VW, could you please review the 2017 VW Passat? Here VW combines performance and sportiness with Driver's Assistance features such as Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert with Emergency Braking.
Alan Geller
I just made this decision last week and chose the Outback 2.5 Premium w/moonroof and power tailgate option mainly due to reliability and resale value. Both are very sensible vehicles, but the Outback got my dollars. I did not however go for the eyesight option. My Wife has it in her 2016 Legacy and it is more of a distraction while driving than a help. It's constantly giving warnings when none are needed. If you go through a curve and there's a mailbox on the side of the road it warns you. If you stop at a light and the car behind you gets too close it warns you. I find myself spending more time looking at the dash to see why I'm getting a warning than looking at the road so it's just too many distractions for my liking. One thing I would have liked to have had on the Outback is Apple Carplay.
Eyesight saved us three times in a year from various other drivers pulling otu in front of us, backing out into us and texting while driving idiot.
We will NEVER be without it again. Been driving Subaru for 39 years.
My wife's Outback has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
I enjoyed the comparison even though I have owned 4 Subaru's. They are very dependable and economical to own.
Yep.
VW is a hot mess money pit!
I have loved the 2011 Subaru 2.5 but had to have the CVT transmission replaced at 145,000 miles ( mostly highway, never abused). $7,500 Cost was split 50/50 by Subaru of America. They had a thrust washer (now replaced with a bearing) in the torque converter that dirtied the fluid. CVTs are not rebuilt at a reasonable cost like regular automatic transmissions ($1,500-$2,000) or the low cost of a clutch in a manual transmission . For high mileage drivers it is a very expensive problem waiting to happen. when my warranty on this replacement transmission expires I will be looking for a manual or hybrid electric drivetrain.
CVT have gears to shift?
Are you sure the rear seats don't fold flat? In older versions of these two cars that I've driven you'd fold the bench forward against the front seats then fold the seat-back forward and they'd be flat. Are they not doing that anymore?
I didn't test that on the Outback but the Gen7 Golf wagons in the US no longer provide the seat bottoms to easily fold forward. Haven't the bottoms can be removed with effort which might be worthwhile if max space/clearance is needed.
Nice comparison. You mention a lot about Jeep Etc. You should demo a Toyota FJ. It's comfortable for daily driving and the ultimate blast off road. Also the build quality in insane! To bad they stopped making them. PS 2007-09 are the best ones to buy. I love mine!
Nice, you had you own off road track and you mentioned the MPG that you got, not just the EPA numbers (which VW is downplaying now, so we don't get accuracy). Good review, Sam!
I am strongly considering the Alltrack. Went and drove both and I preferred the VW by quite a bit. I had a 2012 Sportwagen TDI that was great. I wish VW would bring back the diesel in the US. I have a 2016 Ram 1500 4wd that gets mid 20s around town and 29-30 on the highway. I don't mind adding DEF occasionally. I don't think VW owners would either if that's what it took to get a truly clean diesel. That being said the 1.8 turbo is just fine and I like the DSG. Feels better to me in this application than others I've driven.
I have both (although the legacy gt is an older model). Like the reviewer I am a VW fan and like the feeling of a german driver. Additionally the technology of the VW is much more current including the 6 speed auto and the updated engine. No thanks to circa 2000 engine and the cvt trans in the subaru.
I like both but if I will buy one it will be the Alltrack. Rides better and handles better then The Outback in everyday driving and it does not have the CVT. Besides very few of us go serious off road in a wagon! Overall I agree with you. Keep up the good work!
VW is offering 0% for 72 months. Also, bumper to bumper warranty is twice as long and double the miles of Subaru.
Has to be. VWs are garbage
@@DonkeyBz you know nothing and it shows. Owned several Vdubs, and not a single issue with them. Sounds like youve never owned one.
But their cars are unreliable and disintegrate on the road, so there's that. Lol
Superb that you did washboard roads! That's what matters much of the time and what seems to destroy cars....and what I drive a LOT of.
I have a 2011 jetta wagon tdi, i really like the car but i hate the ground clearance. I have never been in a wreck till i got this car and now in a year i have been in 3 of them. I am looking a the outback for the safety features the vw doesnt offer in this car. the other thing that i have noticed is that any find of hit on the front of my car kills the radiator every time, maybe it is just a car but it sucks. I hate to say it but i think with my buy back i will be going the outback limited or touring.
Overall, not a bad review, I do have a couple of small issues. First, there was no mention of the "Eye-Sight" technology in the Outback that you had (I'm sure I seen it in the video)? This technology provides a number of safety features like lane departure, adaptive cruise, collision avoidance. Also memory seats for the driver. I also have to disagree with your statement about the 2.5 in comparison to the 3.6, with 81 HP more, that's almost 50% increase. I agree it's not as much as other manufactures, but it's more than adequate for this vehicle and provides a higher level of comfort and quietness. I've been driving my 2015 Limited 3.6 for 18 month with an average of 9.3 L 100 km ( 25.4 MPG) I did test drive both the 2.5 and the 3.6, the boxer 6 is much smoother and quieter on the highway, worth the extra gas. It's really too bad that VW stopped shipping the Passat Wagon this side of the pond, as it would have been a much closer comparison, but that's not your fault. Lastly, VW track record falls short in the reliability and repair cost department, but this is generally with any German built car. I know this firsthand, owned a number of BMW's and currently a Mercedes. My last trip dropping off the MB for service, the mechanic came out to look at the Outback. He said that he would own one any day over a German vehicle, I was a little surprised but pleased.
Had a vw. Just bought a Subaru Outback. Love the outback. Amazing. Can’t wait for snow.
A couple quick notes since I've been shopping Alltracks lately... The springs are .6" longer, but the tires are also larger, so you get more like an inch and a half overall height increase. Also, the sales guy told me that load floor in the back can be lowered down to right on top of the spare. Not sure if you need tools to do it, but apparently that's true for all golfs, even the hatch. So you can either have a secret compartment, or a bigger trunk. Kinda nice.
The 3.6 6 cylinder is a big difference. I own one of these.
Nice review. I live in Europe.
I think that a better comparison would be between Outback and Passat Alltrack, Golf Alltrack is much smaller than outback.
I know that passat wagon/passat wagon alltrack isn't available in US.
Here passat alltrack comes with standard 4motion and has 4 differet choices of engine: 1 petrol (2.0 TSI 210 hp dsg) and 3 diesel (2.0 TDI 150 hp man, 2.0 TDI 190 hp dsg and 2.0 BiTDI 240 hp dsg).
The last is a monster with biturbo and 500 Nm = 370 ft lb torque.
I have a golf mk 7 (TDI 4MOTION hatchback) and I've seen that in US it comes without electric automatic handbrake as in europe, you have the manual one
Shame they stopped the XT versions
I’ve had an 05 WRX and 08 STI so i like Subaru’s. I currently own a 19 Alltrack and love it! My gf has an 18 outback and it’s a great car but they really aren’t that similar. AWD and a wagon style body. The outback is a crossover not so much a station wagon. The alltrack is much quicker and more fun to drive, both great cars!
Great video. Thanks. I have an '08 Impreza and Golf and I like VWs much more than Subarus now. Next car will be another VW for sure.
oh my god that is so scary how the car was angled there in the video! (I just bought this car and checking out its offroad capabilities)
Most of the CVT comments here are made out of pure ignorance. Almost every manufacturer today uses some CVT's and their reliability is as good as any autoshifter, with the advantage of superior economy. Older CVT's, like most new technologies, had some issues that have since been worked out. both of these are great vehicles, but not really comparable. The Subaru is mid size crossover with superior room, towing capacity, and off road performance due to it's better ground clearance and suspension travel. The VW is somewhat better on dry pavement in terms of handling and acceleration, and both are excellent on snow and ice; superior to every pickup on the market, as well as most SUV's.
Pricing is similar, so the choice comes down to how you use the vehicle. I have a 2,000 lb boat to pull, so I chose the Subaru because it pulls the boat and carries all the camping gear.
Enjoy my new Forester XT. Just great and a fun car as well. 😎
I had one years ago. Best tow car ive had and not bad off rioad
My wife and I bought a 2016 Outback Limited 2.5 in early March 2016 at
Chandler Subaru. EXCELLENT dealership and I highly recommend them. We
live primarily in the Chicago-land area, but we bought this vehicle to
have when we visit Phoenix. We aren't snowbirds, but fairly frequent
visitors. My first impression of this vehicle is that it seemed
excellent. Ours has Eyesight and my wife simply loves all of its
features and outstanding efficiency. Other than skipping the 6 cylinder
engine, ours has everything and the build quality seems to be really
good. Having said all of that, we've had our share of problems. In less
than 1900 miles it's been to the dealership twice for leaks. The first
one visit was for a leaking front and center differentials, and the 2nd
time required the engine to be lifted/removed for an oil leak in the
upper oil pan. Huh?!? Plus, the battery deep discharged fairly quickly. I
am a bit disappointed, to the say the least. As it sits now, it has
1984 miles, and it hasn't been driven much, which can lead to dry rot,
BUT in less than 8 months from brand new, 2 leaks have been discovered.
This isn't a Ferrari sitting around in a garage never being driven,
requiring Mario or Tony to give it a blessing every time one wants to
take it out of the garage. I am hoping my wife and I don't have to turn
this vehicle in for a lemon law replacement or refund.
Robert D. , wow what a bummer. Hope it all works out for you.
We have the alltrack with 6-speed manual. Fun and practical. Too bad Subaru doesn't make an Outback STI with the manual transmission. Now that I'd trade up for!
Also, VW's leatherette may very well be better than genuine leather. It's soft and comfy and should wear very well.
I am also a VW guy. However, I just purchased the Outback. Iit had the extra snow clearance and more space that I was looking for this time around. It's also a very nice ride. But I do miss the GTI!
I think it's pretty easy to decide. If you only sometimes go off road, get the VW Alltrack. If you often go off road, get the Subaru Outback. There are a lot of people who buy all wheel drive vehicles purely for the added traction in snow and the safety in wet conditions on the road, who don't really off-road. In that case, the VW Alltrack would be the obvious choice.
awsome review I'll go for the all track feels more refine inside and can't beat that turbo
alex gon that turbo easy to beat, with a boxer engine boooy
not with a CVT you won't
Getting a 2017 Subaru Forester XT ('cause I gotta have a turbo!). Test drove both a 2017 Outback and Forester with CVT and I have to say I found them both to be very punchy. Coming from a 2011 TDI Sportwagen, I will miss my manual, and my mileage, but will gain some serious clearance, some great offroad capability, and still get the turbo POW :)
You'll be beating your head off the wall once all those VW "repair " bills start racking up.
1:34 does anyone else notice the fit of the rack is off?
Now how about a Face Off between the new 2017 Audi Allroad & the 2017 Subaru Outback. Is the 2017 Allroad worth the extra money over the Outback?
good question...
Bryan Newton That's a completely different class of vehicles?! How can you compare? Unless there's something I'm missing?
I don't think it's too much of a far fetched idea to cross shop Outback with the Audi Allroad or even the Volvo v60 Cross Country. Just interested to know if people think the Allroad is worth the extra money over the Outback?
Bryan Newton well, sure...I was actually wondering the same thing. I think the allroad with some nice options is about 50-54k. Very nice fit/finish, tech, etc. I think the outback is outstanding. But for me personally, I'm not a huge fan of Subaru interiors. Alltrack seems like a good option if you don't feel like spending 50k. Just my opinion.
Yeah VW has always been so honest...
Just bought the Outback 3.6 Touring and damn, I'm in love with it... Love the looks of the the Volks, but I would preffer the Passat Alltrack... We had the Jetta Wagon and it was a really good, fancy even car... But Subaru is a Subaru. Plus comes PACKED
Skillow 😳
I have a Passat Wagon. Last VW I will ever own. I have P.T.S.D. from all the problems. Moving over to, and sticking with Subaru.
Life is way too short to own a VW.
If Outback had a manual trans and a sensible infotainment and proper roof racks it'd be the bomb. Vote goes to Alltrack. Sunroof is gravy.
This was a fantastic and useful comparo. Can you imagine how amazing this would have been with a TDI? Nevertheless, I've ordered one. We looked at both Scoobies - I didn't like the Forrester's ride or it's hideous interior, and after my Jetta TDI the Outback was enormous and probably, utlimately, overkill for two people.
At least you admitted to your bias at the end.
where is this at?
Since Volkswagen is going to come out with a 6-year bumper to bumper warranty is that going to influence a lot of you all potential buyers out there?
The bigger faster Buick Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD is discounted to middle $20's abd offers 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty. Which is not as good as VW but better than Subaru.
Just picked up an Alltrack and I love it. This is like the 20th VW my wife and I have owned and we have never had a serious problem with any of them.
Excellent review. Current VW has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. So, will be looking forward to the AllTrack with manual transmission now that we have six miles of dirt road from pavement to house. Had an Outback as a rental and really disliked the CVT; completely took the adventure out of driving.
I just ordered one today.. it should be here in January.
I own a 2013 Outback CVT 2.5 and it is way under powered for the weight of the vehicle I would recommend getting the 6 cylinder or stepping down to a Forrester 2.5L if you want to stay Subaru. The Forrester has more cargo room much peppier and tighter feel in the corner turns then the Outback. The ride in the Outback through turns feels like a boat. The AWD keeps you in line but the upper car feels like it's being forced into a turn not going into it with the tires compared to a VW Golf but the weight of the Outback is a huge positive in the Snowbelt country. No on matches the ability to plow through snow drifts and ice like an Outback. Yep I've also owned a VW Sportwagen. I wish the TDI was still around I love the torque of the TDI but the 1.8L Turbo is no slouch and has good torque for the HP. The ride is like a car it's light feeling not like a boat. The Outback Subaru cannot even come close to matching the cornering of the VW. Very tight and the body follows right with the tires in the turns. It is way more responsive off a dead stop by far then an Outback. A lot of people do not like the DSG transmission but I love them. If you understand the DSG, i.e. it's a manual transmission being shifted by a computer, and you throttle the car like you would a manual it a dream to drive. Outback has a cheap interior and knobs. VW is more refined with better quality control. Cost in everyday service and repairs Outback wins those marks cause well VW is a German car, lol. If I had my choice in the North in heavy to moderate snow country that doesn't have mountain terrain unless you're buying the 6 cylinder Outback I'd buy the Outback or its sibling Forrester. In the Mid country light snow winters and mountain areas I definitely would ride a VW Sporttrack. The torque for climbing mountainous areas is far superior in the SportTrack!
A huge complaint I've had about VW is not being to adjust the front of the power seat. You can raise and lower the rear of the seat, but not the front. One of the many reasons I always pass on the VW.
I think I've seen every Outback review and keep seeing the same thing. I have a 2016 Outback Limited 2.5i. I have never gotten anywhere near the advertised mpg. First I was told I needed to wait 8000 miles for it to "break in". Nothing changed.
I've also been told by dealers and Subaru that "everyone's style of driving is different." True enough, but I've got a lot of miles under my belt and really know how to get the best mileage out of a car: coasting when possible, no jack-rabbit starts, reasonable cruising speeds.
Now at 12,000 miles, nothing has changed. I'm lucky to see 23 mpg in mixed driving, 25-26 on the highway. I've learned that the onboard mpg calculator is within 1/2 mpg of the traditional fill then restart the odometer method.
Subaru blames me and will take no action. It's gotten regular check ups and maintenance. A friend just bought a 2017 Outback and it getting 27-28 new - no break-in. I've asked other owners on the street - same, consistent, close to advertised mpg.
Anyone have any suggestions?
My 2014 gets over 30 Hwy in warm weather, 28 in winter.
Wife's '17 gets 35-38 Hwy summer. This will be the first winter so we don't know yet. And she has a lead foot!
I’m at a combined 28.9 with just over 11,000
Nice review. Only misses the reliability aspect. According to TrueDelta and Consumer Reports, the VW has a reliability issue and the Subaru, not so much. A big difference between the two cars.
Have both and share your feelings for each 2017 Subaru and 2018. Altrack
Very thorough review! Thanks! I would take the Subaru anyday over the VW. Reliability, value and practicality. You would think that for the price your paying for the VW you would expect leather, heated seats, memory seats. Pretty poor value when compared to the Subaru which comes standard with it all.
Good points for sure. We have great luck with our Subarus. But I do prefer the driving of our VW.