Truth in advertising: this comparison features the previous generations of Crosstrek and Alltrack, which is ideal if you're comparing used cars. See our selection of current comparisons.
  Subaru Crosstrek

 

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

 Executive Summary
Comparably equipped, the Crosstrek will save you over $3,000.  It's about the same width, but gives up about five inches in length and height to the Alltrack.  (The VW is about halfway in size between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Outback, so some people compare the Allltrack with the Outback).   

This premium-priced VW will sell in boutique quantities to those who like its upscale, Audi-like interior, and those who like a zingy turbo engine.  But Alltrack lags Crosstrek in ground clearance, off-road capability, reliability, resale, and overall value.  And we see many customers unwilling to forgive Volkswagen for its worldwide emissions cheating and  air quality damage.  By contrast, Subaru is, and has been, a poster child for good corporate citizenship.

 
  VW Golf Alltrak S

 Crosstrek Premium

All Weather Capability:
Both have standard all wheel drive but Outback was built from the ground up with all wheel drive whereas VW started with a front driver and bolted on some extra hardware later.  More sophisticated Subaru system responds more quickly to a loss of traction. 





 


 		 


 


Optional Driver-Assistive Technologies:
Both offer their own versions of pre-collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection/lane change assist, and lane departure warning. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the Subaru system superior.   



VW Driver Assistance













Ground clearance 
Crosstrek is less likely to get caught in snow or slop.

6.9 inches




  
8.7 inches




Cargo Space
More room in the VW.  Dawg not included with Crosstrek! 

65 cubic feet




 
52 cubic feet



Passenger Volume 
Crosstrek is just as roomy inside. 

94 cubic feet
 
97 cubic feet
 


Towing Capacity



VW does not recommend
towing with Alltrack






1500 pounds with
six preset gear ranges

Standard Engine and Fuel Economy
VW is zippier, but you pay at the pump with premium fuel and less mileage. 

Turbocharged 1.8 liter
four cylinder engine
 
170 horsepower

Six speed transmission

22 city, 30 hwy

2.0 liter four cylinder
148 horsepower

  Continuously variable
automatic transmission:
26 city, 33 highway

Five-speed manual:
23 city, 30 highway







Purchase and Ownership Experience
You can buy a new Subaru at Planet, but not a new Volkswagen.

Typical dealership experience.






Safety
Both receive a "Top Safety Pick Plus" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety when equipped with optional driver assistance technologies. 


Crosstrek test results
 






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This page allows you to review and compare Volkswagen's Golf Sportwagen Alltrack with the Subaru Crosstrek.  If you live in Boston or the South Shore, you'll see we have the best Subaru research site on the web.  Â