Battle of the adventure wagons: subaru crosstrek vs vw alltrack, which reigns supreme?

In the realm of compact crossovers, the Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Alltrack stand as formidable contenders, each offering a unique blend of ruggedness, versatility, and style. With their all-wheel drive capabilities and adventure-ready features, these vehicles are perfect for those who crave exploration and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Subaru Crosstrek against the VW Alltrack to determine which crossover reigns supreme.

Design and Exterior

The Subaru Crosstrek exudes a rugged and utilitarian exterior, with its boxy silhouette and prominent black cladding. Its angular headlights and hexagonal grille give it a distinctive and aggressive appearance. In contrast, the VW Alltrack adopts a more refined and understated design, featuring sleek lines and a chrome-accented grille. Both vehicles offer a variety of exterior colors and trim levels to suit different tastes.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Crosstrek provides a spacious and well-appointed cabin with ample headroom and legroom. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long road trips. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a large touchscreen display. The Alltrack’s interior is equally impressive, with a modern and upscale design. Its seats offer excellent lumbar support, and the panoramic sunroof provides an airy and open feel.

Performance and Handling

Both the Crosstrek and Alltrack come standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring exceptional traction and stability on various road conditions. The Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for daily driving and light off-roading. The Alltrack’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering more power and torque for spirited driving and towing.

In terms of handling, the Crosstrek’s suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, while the Alltrack’s suspension is firmer, resulting in more responsive handling. Both vehicles feature precise steering and excellent body control, making them enjoyable to drive both on and off the pavement.

Off-Road Capabilities

When it comes to off-roading, the Subaru Crosstrek and VW Alltrack prove their mettle. The Crosstrek’s X-Mode all-wheel drive system provides exceptional traction and hill descent control, enabling it to tackle rough terrain with ease. The Alltrack’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is equally capable and features additional off-road modes for different driving conditions. Both vehicles offer impressive ground clearance, making them suitable for navigating obstacles and unpaved roads.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both Subaru and Volkswagen. The Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Alltrack also offers a comprehensive range of safety technologies, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Both vehicles have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru Crosstrek has a slight edge over the VW Alltrack. The Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Alltrack’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

In terms of practicality, both vehicles offer ample cargo space. The Crosstrek has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Alltrack has 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Price and Value

The Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,645, while the VW Alltrack has a starting price of $29,995. The Crosstrek offers a lower entry price, while the Alltrack comes with a more powerful engine and a more upscale interior. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Summary: The Best Compact Crossover for Your Needs

The Subaru Crosstrek and VW Alltrack are both excellent compact crossovers that offer a blend of ruggedness, versatility, and style. The Crosstrek is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and impressive off-road capabilities. The Alltrack, on the other hand, offers a more powerful engine, a more upscale interior, and a more refined driving experience. Ultimately, the best choice between the two depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, off-road prowess, and interior space, the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice. If you desire more power, a more luxurious interior, and enhanced on-road handling, the VW Alltrack is the better option.

Popular Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a slightly better fuel economy than the VW Alltrack, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Alltrack’s 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The VW Alltrack has a more powerful engine than the Subaru Crosstrek, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The VW Alltrack has a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Subaru Crosstrek, with 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down compared to the Crosstrek’s 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.