Uber-German Wagon Showdown: 2018 Audi Allroad vs. 2018 Volkswagen Alltrack

These wagon cousins – Audi’s Allroad and Volkswagen’s Alltrack – are put to the test on the track and off-road

Two wagons. Two brands. Two chances for glory. More specifically, how do these two compare both on the track and on Gold Mine Hill? In today’s video, we’re going to find out! For those suffering from a bit of crossover fatigue, wagons seem to be coming back into play. They handle more like a normal car, yet sport most of the same practicality. In the case of the Allroad, they’re also demonstrably quick, as we proved when we pitched it against a Porsche Boxster. But how do these two wagons – the Audi Allroad and the Volkswagen Alltrack – compare?

Audi Allroad: Quick Family Hauler

In many ways, the Audi Allroad and the Volkswagen Alltrack are similar animals. They’re both made by Volkswagen Group, they’re both wagons, and they’re both off-road-biased versions of their ordinary wagon counterparts. And yet, they’re also different in many respects. Think of the Audi Allroad as the Alltrack, but more. The Audi has a bigger engine (2.0-liter turbo vs. a 1.8-liter turbo) with more power (252 to 170). You also get more passenger space, more high-tech features and the premium brand cache you’d expect from an Audi.

On the performance front, the Audi sprints to 60 in 5.89 seconds, to the Alltrack’s 8.11 second run. With an 82 horsepower advantage, you’d expect the Audi to beat the Volkswagen, and you’d be right. As far as tech’s concerned, the Allroad also sports a new Quattro all-wheel drive system with multiple drive modes, including Dynamic and Off-Road. On Prestige models, you also get a host of driver assistance features and Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster.

Naturally, while the Audi boasts better performance and more options, it’s also much more expensive. While the Alltrack we tested costs just north of $30,000, you’d need to spend $56,650 to get a top-spec Allroad.

Volkswagen Alltrack: Economy Off-road Wagon

On the flip side, the Volkswagen’s big appeal compared to the Audi kicks off with its price tag. You do get more features for your extra $20,000, but the Volkswagen offers most of the same features for $30,615, as we tested it. For those who prefer to row their own gears, the Alltrack is available with a six-speed manual, as well. The Allroad only comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

With 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, the Alltrack does have some pickup. It does get slightly better fuel economy than the Audi as well, with 22 City/32 Highway/26 Combined MPG figures. While the Alltrack couldn’t win on the track with an 8.11 second 0-60 time, it did prove to be just as capable when tackling the stages of Gold Mine Hill.

Both wagons managed the first two stages of the ascent. However, they were thwarted by the third stage by their relative lack of ground clearance to crossovers or off-road SUVs and their breakover angle. Tires are also a factor, as they both came fitted with mud and snow-rated all-season tires.

Which one would you choose? It may well come down to a matter of budget. While the Audi carries more brand prestige and features, the Volkswagen is also worth considering as a step toward the Allroad or an entry into a more off-road worthy wagon.

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