2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Shop for the new Volkswagen Golf SportWagen on CarGurus: cargur.us/tDcGx
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen proves you don’t need a crossover or SUV to enjoy a safe, capable, and spacious vehicle. It may forfeit ride height to its crossover competition, but the SportWagen offers an athletic ride and driving dynamics that high-riding vehicles can’t match.
Two engines are available: a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (also found in the 2019 Jetta), and a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The larger engine is more exciting, producing 168 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with all-wheel drive. The small motor pairs with front-wheel drive. A choice between a 6-speed manual and Volkswagen’s DSG automatic transmission further entices shoppers toward the 1.8-liter option.
The Golf SportWagen also showcases 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat. That number surpasses what you’ll find in crossovers like the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, and Jeep Cherokee. Additionally, standard roof rails provide legitimate functionality.
Inside, you’ll find a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And if you choose the SE trim, that 6.5-inch system grows to an 8-inch display. Further, advanced safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection are available as part of a $450 package.
MSRPs for the 2019 Golf SportWagen range from $21,896 to $29,995. For more information on the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, read George’s full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/tDcFX
Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media
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[@sjwang40]

I have this exact same car! It’s amazing. I only paid $22k for it brand new, it’s super fun, great on gas, extremely quiet and refined, and was an incredible value. For $22k I got AWD, 6MT, heated seats, huge cargo area, enough room for a family, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, emergency auto braking, solid infotainment system, 72k mile warranty, etc. I recently discovered it even comes with rain sensing wipers. It’s a crazy good deal and it stinks that VW is getting rid of it.

[@GreatLakesMan]

Whats your "real life" fuel economy? I was averaging a combined 36mpg (often 41 on the highway) in my 2018 SE FWD that just got totaled and am considering buying exactly what you have.

[@sjwang40]

@@GreatLakesMan Oh man sorry yours got totaled!! My fuel economy has been very good for an AWD car. I used to have a job where I drove 100% city (moving though, not completely stop and go) and got 25-28 mpg. Now I recently switched jobs and my commute is 60 miles each way. I drive 80 mph the entire way and get 30 mpg. I think I could get really good gas mileage if I slowed down to 70 but I'm in too much of a rush haha. How serious are you about buying one? I'm considering selling mine and getting a diesel or hybrid because I'm spending too much on gas these days

[@BoopSnoot]

Some people told me that the manual in the sportwagen isn't as tight of throws as in the GTI. Any truth to that?

[@sjwang40]

@@BoopSnoot I have no idea, I've never driven a GTI. However, I think the shifter is really good. I own a Porsche 911, and previously owned a Honda Fit, Ford Focus ST, and Miata, all with manual transmissions. I think the Golf is just as good as any of them, except maybe the Honda which is my favorite shifter that I've used.

[@TopSecretVid]

I have a 2003 VW Passat Wagon 5spd manual and love it.... I think it might be time for me to upgrade to this model. Thoughts???

[@piersandromannino4109]

A wagon with a manual ? Daddy’s car in Europe. Love it.

[@Why_someone]

We have one and its pretty much a unicorn. Its got 4motion meaning the back wheels kick in when the fromt start to slip and its also a standard!!!

[@GSTRification]

I bought this car as a daily to commute within Manhattan shortly after Pandemic. Paid 19K, 6k off retail as a brand new car. Clutch is so easy to master I rev match and heel & toe every single slow down situation. Its a great car as a single driver or family hauler. It accommodates our growing two kids perfectly.

[@ciscohour5884]

I bought mine with 811 miles. Base model S trim, automatic. After 5 fill ups with mainly all city driving, I'm averaging about 28 mpg using the Fuelly app. On short jaunts on the freeway or at 45-50mph for an extended period of time, the car has reached as high as 41mpg on the dash. I keep tire pressure at 32 PSI and check it once a month.

[@MonkeyBadAssFist]

Engine power?

[@stephenhendricks103]

Sorry to see the SportWagon discontinued but the 1.4L FWD version doesn't sell well in North America and the 1.8T AWD is so close to the AllTrack in terms of features that I'm sure VW feels it simply serves to cannibalize the latter's sales. For those who feel the 1.8T engine is underpowered, a couple of points. First, drive either a SportWagon or an AllTrack before coming to that conclusion. It's a very appealing engine that combines good fuel economy with peppy performance. Second, for those who want more power the VW four bangers are eminently tunable for more HP and torque. And contrary to widespread opinion a Stage I tune of a VW does not invalidate the vehicle's warranty unless the tuning mods can be shown to have resulted in a warranty claim. All in all, if you find the AllTrack appealing but you'd like to save some bucks, take a close look at the Golf SportWagon before it disappears from the North American market.

[@mindspinn311]

Stephen Hendricks The 1.4T has only been in the Golf for the 2019 model year. I feel like the poor sales might be a self fulfilling prophecy. I drove one, manual, and liked it, but I imagine I would like the AWD 1.8T more. Either way, get them while you can.

[@xuhan4682]

seems like the all track is also dying.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@xuhan4682 Dead...at least in the US.

[@xuhan4682]

@@stephenhendricks103 now the only choice is A4 allroad, a similar car with twice the price. A typical German made repairing money pit.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@xuhan4682 I find the absence of affordable wagons disappointing, as well. But automakers produce vehicles that sell, not just those that appeal to self-styled "enthusiasts."

[@tcr_budweiser_can9807]

I have a 2017 Sportwagen and we just bought my wife a 2019 Sportwagen. Awesome vehicles. Can tow around the kids and provide plenty of fun on the twisty sections with handling and surprising pep out of the corners. Hopefully they bring it back in 2030 when I'll be in the market for a new car.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Prediction is most VWs will be electric in 2030 and the way things are going you might have to move to Europe to get a compact wagon. The CUV shape has taken over the world, even with VW. Maybe the electric microbus will replace the wagons? Happy motoring. I've ordered a 2019 Sportwagen so I can get one just as I like and at a great price.

[@jettaguy2]

VW needs to re-think killing off the wagon, what does a lifetime dubber wagon buyer do ? ?

[@wsmoulding1]

I have a 2019 VW Golf Sportwagen with 4Motion all wheel drive and a 6 speed manual transmission. I bought the car new, and I've driven it for over 40,000 miles so far. The estimated fuel economy numbers are quite pessimistic. Even when I drive the car very hard my numbers are better than the EPA estimate. My average fuel economy (city and highway combined) has ALWAYS been better than 31 MPG. During recent 3 week vacation that covered four thousand miles and 6 states, my average fuel economy was 39 MPG.

[@dougthomas9157]

Most fun car I've owned. I'm sorry to see the Golf Sportwagen is discontinued after 2019. It has more than enough power and I've gotten up to 46.6 mpg on the highway with mine, much better than the EPA rated highway mpg and this is a car with a gasoline-powered engine. It's hard to believe it's a station wagon, it handles so well, and the only thing between me and lots of tickets for speeding is cruise control!

[@twoeightythreez]

The EPA fuel economy figures mesh with the way most people drive (like they are late for everything) so they are not hard at all to beat. I get 27mpg AVERAGE MPG with my tired 1993 240sx convertible the only mod is i manual swapped it. I also get over 20mpg with my "spare" car, a 1994 Caprice Estate with its LT1 V8. So, I am very interested in the Sportwagen but want to get one low miles used.

[@swanblake]

A shame that this is getting killed off. The last good affordable wagon is now dead. Sad. Please do try to tel l me a CVT Subaru is anything desirable either

[@normt5463]

But Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD for $25,000?

[@jackveech4941]

Norm T I would but it’s GM. This is a Volkswagen.

[@skybluemarshall]

@@normt5463 With only 5.8 inches of ground clearance, you have to wonder what kind of roads the Buick Regal TourX will be touring.

[@normt5463]

@@skybluemarshall I wouldn't know as I live in the U.S., own a TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD, and not a developing country and with non-paved roads. It does through snow with ease.

[@skybluemarshall]

@@normt5463 Hmm, I guess you don't do much camping either. I'm interested in a wagon that's good for all weather touring, but one that can also get me into some camp sites, that don't always have the greatest dirt roads. I don't need a Jeep and I don't want a crossover either. I just want a crossover type of wagon. There's only a few of them. I thought about the Buick, after I read your post, but after researching it, I've ruled it out. It's too low to the ground. It's 5.8 inches of clearance is less than one inch higher than my Dodge Charger. That's not going to work for me.

[@sonofrobert]

VW kinda failed by not having more powerful engine choices. Guess they don't understand the American market. Should of had gti Sportwagens and all tracks from the start. R version too. Wasn't the R Sportwagen only in Europe? Offering the sport wagon in only the 1.4 seems like a was waste of time w/o the higher power versions and any fool could have predicted that..lol Love my '15 golf Sportwagen se. 1.8tsi 170 hp 199 torque. No desire to tune. Very peppy. Got 40 mpg on road trip recently. When it was fully loaded for camping a couple of years ago, 21 cf roof box and back totally full, still had good passing power. Love the performance, practicality, and economy. Best car I've ever owned and the fender premium audio is really good, even compared to an expensive aftermarket I had in my last car. I waited one month for it to come by boat and train to my dealer. Cheers

[@numbersguy9419]

Yes, those combinations are very desirable wagons; however, the American market will not buy them.

[@twoeightythreez]

I test drove an older 2014 "jetta" sportwagon tdi, because I am interested in possibly upgrading to a modern car, and was not very impressed with the engine power. Here we have a turbo diesel that feels a lot like my current daily, a 1993 240sx convertible that i converted to stickshift. The TDI is torquey, but so is my KA24DE.....from about 1400rpm to around 3500rpm that KA will pull nearly any hill (in 5th gear at 35mph)! It also has no lag (normally aspirated) and "breathing" on the gas pedal will open a gap in traffic.....i wonder what it would feel like if my KA had a little boost? It already makes 170lb-ft. (It makes over 100lb ft at IDLE as far as I know) Since the sportwagen weighs about 350lb more than my Nissan, it makes it feel dull and slow. At least my 240 will also rev out if you need it to. It will happily cruise 90 to 100 mph and still have more left. That coupled with the VW's way lower than i expected fuel economy figures....i mean only 33mpg combined? With a SIX SPEED DOUBLE OVERDRIVE MANUAL? I get 27-29mpg combined with my normally aspirated, 27 year old, 5 speed, REAR WHEEL DRIVE, 4.08 differential ratio, 3000lb convertible. Using much cheaper gasoline. And....if the diesel felt unimpressive, i dont think im gonna like the lower power gasoline version....small turbo fours just dont have any off idle torque. I will test drive a gasser just to confirm tomorrow. I love the vW sportwagen but think I will wait a little longer to pull the trigger...hold together old 240 😆 At least I will be able to get a great deal on a low mile used. SportWagen when i am ready:)

[@laguilayanisulan2830]

We call it GTS here in the Philippines. I got the comfortline model and so far after almost 35k kms im still loving driving it. Changed oil filters every 10k still runs like brand new.

[@BoopSnoot]

I was waiting for this presenter to call me Big Tuna. He sounds just like Andy Bernard.

[@danielmurphy1100]

I purchased a 2019 Sportwagen 4 Motion w/1.8L TSI 6 Spd. Manual and my only real complaint is a lack of pick up acceleration from a stand still. Not that I want to "Hot rod", but merging on to freeways w/ 65 MPH speed limits ( so, almost everyone's actually doing 70-75) and on hills I just feel the lack of HP that I felt in 2012 2.5 L Golf. I guess after the scandal VW wanted to produce a vehicle with more MPG's than MPH's.

[@SueBobChicVid]

I had a 4Motion S as a rental from National last week. That's why I'm here. Most rental cars I drive are meh, but this one I would actually consider owning.

[@anandarunakumar6819]

SUVs are a hype, wagons have more practicality for most people unless they are tall or voluminous. Golf wagon is super nice, so are other wagons from Volvo, Merc, BMw, Audi and Subaru. Most of the world prefers wagons while ugly eye sore SUVs all over US 😪😕

[@boni_traxton9436]

I have a small pressure washing business an I don’t really want a truck they are way too much gas……can a washer fit in this? It’s a electric not a gas washer

[@skopa1223]

So glad I’m not forced to have or buy the driver assistance package. Tech I don’t need, specially since this car has amazing visibility and I’m driving manual being more attentive to the road. Get the driver assistance package if you text and drive or if you just plain don’t know how to drive and easily check your blind spot. Love this car. Thx for the review!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Agree with you 100%. I just ordered a Sportwagen S with manual trans with no options. I've been driving for 56 years and have gotten along fine without a driver assistant package. Seems my eyes, ears, and brain are a fine driver assistant package. Relying on sensor technology to do what good drivers should be doing is likely going to cause more crashes because poor drivers are going to think they don't have to pay attention to what is going on. Cheers.

[@Versillio]

Picking up a new 2019 model next week. In Canada where I live, the trim is the middle trim called Highline with a manual transmission. At $28K CAD I think it's a good price considering this is the last of a kind at least until wagons come back in style. The top trim did not come with a manual in Canada so I saved $5k but the only thing I miss out on that care about is the upgraded stereo.

[@fleuger99]

I bought a SE for $26.7K so little difference over the S. The SE also comes with LED headlights and the auto is an 8 speed.

[@joshuakerstein9573]

The 8 speed aisin, interesting!

[@BryanBarnhardt86]

We love our 2016 Sportwagen S. It was a used bargain and is a lot of fun to drive while still being practical as hell.

[@mindspinn311]

I drove a Sportwagen S 1.4T manual and really liked it. But I think I need to try the 1.8T 4motion before I decide. They’re hard to find in Southern California.

[@danijelbrdar]

Alex LaJeunesse were the throws long? Smooth? Loose? I’ve read the manual transmission is a bit sloppy

[@mindspinn311]

danijel brdar I bought the 8 speed auto. The manual feels smooth and yes has long throws, has no feel really, very light. If I bought the 4motion I’d try to find a DSG.

[@rbielarski]

Love this wagon, always did. Wish it got a little better fuel economy but am considering one in the next 6 months. Make totally more sense then the big truck-like crossovers/SUV's in my opinion with better handling and ease of maneuvering.

[@hatchupify]

rbielarski I get 33mpg city/highway

[@wsmoulding1]

Not only does it get a little better fuel economy, the real life numbers are a LOT better. My average (city and highway combined) over the past 10,000 miles is 38 MPG! Too bad that you are getting this information too late to buy this car.

[@leslielucci3182]

The “clean” diesel version nearly doubles the mileage. Shame they’re not made anymore.

[@barsaf9989]

Great review. I would definitely own a sportwagen with a manual trans. Thanks for stating that cars handle better than SUVs. People need to realize that. I wonder what's better though, a sportwagen or a passat?

[@zedzedski7382]

Passat Variant

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Nice review. The SE package is too expensive for an "economy" wagon and you can't get the manual. For folks that live in a snowy region of the world the all-wheel drive S version makes sense, but there are a lot of 4-wheel/all wheel drive vehicles that are equal or better than the VW, so it really comes down to price and if you prefer this classic station wagon body. A Sportwagon S with manual trans is a very rare vehicle, so to get one as I want I have ordered one. From what I read and looking at sales figures I suspect there will be no future front wheel drive Sportwagens in North America, though I can imagine VW making some tiny changes and selling the 2019 as 2020 models, but the real 2020 (gen 8) Golfs are coming to Europe later this year. We probably won't see those until 2021 and only GTI and R, built in Germany.

[@twoeightythreez]

I have a feeling these may end up being some of the best used car deals in history.

[@ThatSilentGuy]

Wow. The European Golf 7 has eletronic parking brake only and I think after the facelift the Golf 7.5 doesn't have physical buttons on infotainment screen.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

The center armrest looked like it restricted your right knee a lot. Did you feel boxed in / confined? How would you feel in this car on a longer road trip, comfortable or not?

[@sonofrobert]

I drive a '15 se golf Sportwagen tsi. I didn't find the right knee restricted but it could use some padding which I can do myself. Hard plastic there.

[@erichartke4331]

I just bought a Sportwagen 4motion Comfortline (base) with a 6 speed manual here in Canada I was very impressed. Here you can get the 4motion with a manual in the base and mid trim. The base comes with some features you mention that are only available in the SE that I find interesting I guess it's the difference in markets.Good video review!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Yes, in studying the difference in the Canadian and US versions of the various Sportwagen trims there are some interesting differences. US only gets the S or SE trim, nothing in between, and the SE does not offer the manual. I read that 40% of Sportwagon versions sold in Canada are with the manual trans. 🙂 It's possible in 2025 there may be no manual transmission cars, especially with the increase in hybrid and electric vehicles.

[@blackbeargear8884]

@@rizzlerazzleuno4733 Which is sad 😥

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

@@blackbeargear8884 I ordered a Sportwagen S with manual trans with the interior and exterior colors I want, no other add-ons. I am getting 44 mpg on highway drives. I have owned quite a few small station wagons and this is the best. My previous small car was a Mazda 3 hatchback with manual trans, which was almost a wagon. It was a great car but very noisy above 50 mph. This Golf is much quieter. Maybe VW will bring an electric wagon to North America? I would have liked to get a hybrid Corolla Touring Sports, but Toyota won't sell them in North America. So what manual transmission car do you drive?

[@blackbeargear8884]

@@rizzlerazzleuno4733 I drive a 2016 Honda Civic LX 2.0l 6 speed manual. In Canada it comes with the big touch screen ,heated front seats ,mirrors. For being "base" it's great. I haven't liked a car like this in such a long time. Who knows what vehicle would be next but I truly like the manual.

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

@@blackbeargear8884 Cool. 👍

[@williamegler8771]

I am from Germany but I work for a German owned pharmaceutical company in the U.S. I looked at this car at my local dealership. The dealership also sells Buick's.... I got a Regal Tour X ( Opel Insignia) for $23,500.00. A much more powerful and comfortable car with standard AWD. Based on personal and family experience it should also be more reliable than the VW to.

[@bextar6365]

Dealer name and location please?

[@williamegler8771]

@@bextar6365 Reichert Woodstock IL.

[@bextar6365]

How many miles on it, was it a lease vehicle ?

[@williamegler8771]

@@bextar6365 It had 9 delivery miles on it and I paid cash.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

William Egler wow, that was a good price!

[@normt5463]

The TourX discounted to middle $20's is a better deal with 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD.

[@curtisspencer]

Would you choose the 2019 sportwagon S with an automatic over a 2016 Maxda cx-5 gs? I know they're two different types of cars but they come in at around the same price.

[@moultriet.3262]

great review!

[@jazzquire]

do the Alltrack next please.

[@normt5463]

Alltrack is 3rd place finisher to OB 3.6R and Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD in Mptor Trend comparison.

[@richardbryant9325]

This is gonna be my next car. Love it!

[@danijelbrdar]

What’s the shifter like? Is there a bunch of play on the boot? I’ve seen reviews of the alltrack with the 6 speed and neutral had way to much play

[@sjwang40]

danijel brdar I have one and the shifter is great. Feels similar to a good classic Honda shifter. Nice positive engagements and perfect shift throw. The only thing I don’t like is that there is a medium degree of rev hang, especially if you shift at low RPMs

[@dhontschang]

I have 2016 golf sports wagon.tsi engine .it consumes too much oil that o don't need the oil change coz I keep adding oil.i took to dealer several time , couldn't tell me the problem and finally told me it is normal for German car he said.never going to buy be again.

[@BTC909]

Dam who edited this video?

[@flee78]

Good video!

[@efavuzza73]

I just hate VW fate rear dual exhaust

[@Snake-ms7sj]

A lot of companies doing that now. The Toyota Corolla hatchback for one has the fake exhaust tips also. So cheap looking. The 2017 Sportwagen 4motion had nicer round actual exhaust tips.

[@tntmyth]

I hope VW America keeps the Alltrack.

[@normt5463]

I hope Buick keeps the TourX.

[@bosse641]

So want an Alltrack. So nice. And practical.

[@carhoarder602]

Aidens killer will be caught!

[@jasanmiguel]

How's this a better buy than a Subaru Outback?

[@afcgeo882]

Jaime San Miguel It isn’t, unless you like to drive fast.

[@jasanmiguel]

@@afcgeo882 Fast?? VW Golf Sportswagen with AWD?

[@afcgeo882]

Jaime San Miguel it’s a lot faster than the Outback. People who like to drive fast like better handling, crisper steering and yes, manual transmissions. All things the Sportwagen does a lot better than the Outback. The Outback is bigger and has much more ground clearance. They’re very different vehicles.

[@erichartke4331]

@@jasanmiguel It's pretty quick if you drive it that way

[@fleuger99]

Also the Outback has a POS CVT transmission which is terrible if you have an ounce of driver enjoyment.

[@davidgiles9751]

The Sportwagen and base Golf models are going to be axed in the US market next year. The Golf GTi and R models outsell the base Golf in the US by miles, and the Golf Alltrack outsells the Sportwagen model 3 out of 4 times.

[@swanblake]

And?

[@stephenhendricks103]

VW traditionally faces difficult challenges at the lower end (price wise) of their model lineups. American shoppers in those market segments simply aren't willing to pay what Europeans pay for a VW badge in part because those consumers put little value in the driving dynamics of a European vehicle and partly because VW doesn't sell their lower priced brands (e.g. Polo, Skoda, Seat) in the US. (Presumably VW doubts that those brands, probably correctly) would not hold great appeal to many Americans.) The issue is felt throughout the VW lineup. For example, a fully loaded Autobahn GTI can be had for low to mid $30K in the US. The same model (with some additional bells and whistles such as the digital cockpit) goes for the equivalent of over $50,000 in Germany. Those of us who love VW vehicles find it frustrating that the brand faces such issues in the US where HP specs trump actual performance for many drivers. But in defense of American consumers the fact that a VW is designed and engineered to drive comfortably on a well maintained freeway at 100+ mph for hours at a time is largely irrelevant to Americans' driving experience.

[@TalismanPHX]

David, Volkswagen has a terrible reliability record in the USA, and it's dealer network is known for delivering subpar service. Its image after Diesel Gate is even worse, which has really hurt resale values. Some people just will not drive a Volkswagen because of Diesel Gate.

[@leslielucci3182]

@@TalismanPHX divisive issue. Drivers hate/love the brand. Remaining TDI’s are selling for top $$ on used car market if you can find one.

[@thomasward00]

Made in Mexico junk.... Bought my 2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch 5MT for 19K Out the door.

[@edwu8253]

Buy an outback 3.6 & save yourself a lot of headaches

[@swanblake]

Oh because blown head gaskets and CVT whine is where its at?

[@stephenhendricks103]

Better do it quick. The 3.6L engine has been discontinued for 2020.

[@normt5463]

Or even better Regal TourX 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD for $25K.

[@reddevil630]

Wife drove this for a week, its so bad it convinced my wife to never buy a vw.

[@paulm6481]

Lol a 1.8 liter engine is considered the big engine. My smallest vehicle engine is 3.6 liter, then I have a Mustang 5.0 and a Vette with a 6.2. Love America