2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vs. 2019 Subaru Outback

Drivers near Washington D.C. and Springfield love breaking free from the beaten path, and when it comes time to choose a new vehicle, many are apt to compare the new 2019 VW Golf Alltrack to the enduring 2019 Subaru Outback. Although the Outback is still bringing a lot to the table, we think the area’s most adventurous drivers are likely to prefer the Alltrack! Compare the Golf Track vs. Subaru Outback in-depth with Alexandria Volkswagen.

Performance: Golf Alltrack vs. Subaru Outback

Both of these vehicles promise to deliver a more engaging and secure ride with standard all-wheel drive. However, when the Alltrack vs. Outback go head to head, the Volkswagen clearly comes out on top:

• Right from the start, the Alltrack offers significantly more torque than its rival. According to Motortrend, the base Golf Alltrack trim accelerates to 60 mph almost 2.5 seconds faster than the base Outback trim.
• Sceptics will respond that the Outback offers a second, more powerful available engine, while the Alltrack only offers a single turbocharged option. However, expensive upgrades won’t save the Subaru: the Alltrack still beats the upgraded Outback model’s 0-60 mph time. This is because the Alltrack is a lighter wagon.
• The base-level Outback has a slight edge in highway fuel economy (32 mpg vs. 30 mpg, according to EPA estimates), when compared with the Alltrack. However, if you upgrade with the larger Outback engine, that advantage disappears.
• Both models include standard all-wheel drive, but of course, only the Alltrack offers VW 4MOTION®, a unique AWD setup that provides constant power to all four wheels. What’s more, only the Alltrack offers a pre-set Off-Road driving mode.

Standard Features: Golf Alltrack vs. Subaru Outback

Although the Alltrack and the Outback cost about the same, the Alltrack offers a more valuable array of standard features in its base trim. Here’s where it wins out:

• A standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob give the Alltrack a premium feel. To access similar features in the Outback, you’ll need to upgrade.
• Heated front seat cushions and seat backs are standard in the Alltrack, but must be purchased as an upgrade in the Outback.
• Both the Alltrack and the Outback offer a frontal collision warning and automatic pre-collision braking, standard. However, only the Alltrack includes a Blind Spot Monitor right from the start.
• How to the Alltrack vs. Outback compare on entertainment features? Both include Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto®, but the Alltrack offers six standard speakers, compared to a meager four speakers in the base Outback.

What Are the Experts Saying?

The VW Golf Alltrack reviews are in, and they couldn’t be more clear! According to Car and Driver, “the protégé is more accomplished than the master; the Alltrack is more pleasant to drive than the Outback, largely on the merits of the strong foundation it shares with the entire 10Best Cars–winning Golf family.” We can’t help but agree.

German engineering serves the Alltrack well, as this model’s “Brisk acceleration, well-balanced suspension,” and “precise steering” make it one of the standout models in the segment. What’s more, because the Alltrack is just as much of a wagon as it is a crossover SUV it’s able to offer plenty of cargo space. Car and Driver maintains that it “measures up well to the significantly larger Outback,” which is more difficult to park on the streets of Annandale or Vienna. 

Find the Perfect Alltrack for Sale in Alexandria!

Comparing the VW Alltrack vs. Subaru Outback, it’s easy to see why more and more drivers are taking a closer look at the newer model. If you’re ready to take the next steps, you can contact us to schedule a test drive in any new VW Golf Alltrack for sale at our dealership. You won’t just get a nicer ride, you’ll get a much stronger warranty**, too!

New Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Inventory