Differences in Alltrack 2017, 2018, and 2019

Volkswagen gives you plenty of reasons to love the Golf Alltrack, whether it is the 2017, 2018, or 2019 models. Many people think Golf Alltrack is nothing more than an AWD, higher ground-clearance Golf SportWagen. But there are many features unique just to Alltrack, which is why the car still has a huge fan base in the US and the world.

For one, the Alltrack was higher-spec car than the Sportwagen, even in the Alltrack’s base model (which I have). You could get 4Motion AWD on the Sportwagen, but only on the base S trim. A nicer interior with more amenities was standard on the Alltrack as well. But within the Alltrack line, what were the differences?

Not Many

There are not many differences between the Golf Alltrack 2018 and 2019 models. In fact, not much changed since Alltrack was introduced in 2017 as a new model.

All Alltrack years have three trim levels – S, SE, and SEL. All-wheel drive was standard on all trim levels, all years. The AWD works well with the 1.8-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that generates 199 pound-feet of torque and 170 horsepower in all trim levels, and all models. That will get you to the movie theater or your favorite restaurant without any issues at well and if you want go camping on the weekend – the Alltrack meets your needs.

Here we talk about the changes that were made during the three model years.

Subtle Exterior Changes Made in 2018

Volkswagen made subtle changes to the exteriors in the 2018 Golf Alltrack model but kept things same for the 2019 release. In 2018, the Golf Alltrack came with little crisper and slightly reshaped bumpers. Volkswagen added a dash of chrome to the grill to make it stand out more spectacularly. In 2018, a few different wheel designs were also offered as an upgrade.

Where exterior paint colors are concerned, options are pretty much similar among all three years. Except, in 2018 and 2019 Volkswagen replaced Reflex Silver Metallic with Great Falls Green Metallic. Other colors, namely Tornado Red, Silk Blue Metallic, Pure White, Gray Metallic, Night Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl are offered in all three years.

In 2018 and 2019 Golf Alltrack, daytime running lights and LED taillights were made standard on all models. In 2017 Alltrack models, you get the option to replace the bi-xenon units on the low-trim level S with full LED headlights.

Changes Made to the Interior

Nothing, save for trim levels within those model years. The base model in 2018 and 2019 Alltrack come with a 6.5 inch display while SE and above models offer an 8 inch touchscreen.

What Was Added in 2019?

In 2019, Golf Alltrack was already struggling with low sales figures and an unloving market. Volkswagen made a last ditch attempt by making standard a suite of driver-assistance features in the 2019 Golf Alltrack. This includes pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

2019 models also get the special Driver Assistance and Appearance package on all models above the mid-range SE. This package includes add-ons like a self-parking feature, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

Top-spec SEL model is offered in a six-speed manual transmission, where in the prior two model years the top spec was DSG-only (the “automatic” transmission).