Can you Sleep in the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen? (Full Review)

Has the traditional wagon fallen out of favor? Volkswagen marches on with the VW Golf Sportwagen TSI, a very respectable offering in a world that seems more enamored with crossovers and SUVs than cars with big boots. In this video we take a look at every detail: including the 1.8-liter turbo engine, the spare tire, navigation and if it's any good for sleeping in. Also answered: which is better? The Sportwagon (Sportwagen) or the Alltrack?
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[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

The styling is not boring, it just not full of the gimmicks on most other cars: all the goofy and useless black plastic on the front, huge black grills, creases, slashes, indentations on the sides, over styled taillights, etc. The Volkswagens have a refreshing look with very clean body design. The other cars with all the overdone styling will look pretty silly in 10 years. I slept in the back of a 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback, so I know I would be more comfortable in the Sportwagen. Great camping vehicle. Too bad VW can't put the Mazda Skyactiv engines in the Sportwagen. 🙂

[@avenuePad]

I imagined the current line of Honda Civics when reading your post.

[@apadgettski]

The answer is yes you can, my friend and I took my 2015 sportwagen across the country and both slept in it in relative comfort. I'm 5'9" and he's 6'. My only note: the cabin is pretty airtight, so I would recommend cracking a window or two. My friend and I practically suffocated in the maintains overnight while sleeping

[@Carefree6714]

I love my 2018 Sportwagen 4Motion- took it on its maiden snow voyage last week and it ROCKED!!! With the original equipment tires, this car (my first AWD vehicle) absolutely conquered the hills of Litchfield County, Connecticut with at least 6” of unplowed snow on the roads. I couldn’t have been more impressed. I used to put 4 snows on my 2014 Volvo v40 FWD wagon and, although I eventually got up the steep hill home, it always took me several attempts. Needing momentum, serpentining, all sorts of learned techniques to get up the damn hill. This 4Motion was EFFORTLESS. Didn’t have to think about it- just GO!

[@Snake-ms7sj]

It's awesome that you can get a 6 speed manual still with the Sportwagen 4motion.

[@Carefree6714]

Yes- I would have loved a stick shift! I only drove manuals until my last new car. What prevented me from selecting a manual this time is that I can’t stand shifting in traffic anymore. It’s just too uncomfortable for me. However this car has some sort of gimmicky shifting ability.

[@djw1091994]

Low to the ground (lower than a crossover at least), utilitarian, AWD, comfortable, and practical. It's the perfect daily driver work horse. Function over Form. 1st contender for next daily driver.

[@meissnerflux]

Same here. Can't wait to be done with my legacy wagon.

[@MrTeslaX]

its not AWD!!

[@BigNews2021]

@@MrTeslaX VW didn't offer 4Motion on this model year? The 2017 came with AWD optional as well as 6 speed manual.

[@gmcjetpilot]

Yes you can in a 2010-2014 because the floor is flat as a board from back hatch to back of front seats.... about 5'7" or less you can stretch out. I have a 2013 VW JSW TDI Turbo Diesel which can get +50 mpg on highway. They fixed my car, gave me $6000 and 40K mile and 4 year extended warranty. Thanks VW.

[@georgesealy4706]

Good deal. I had a 2012 JSW TDI, which VW bought back. I recently bought a fixed 2014 JSW TDI. Love that car. Nothing beats the utility of the car and the amazing MPG.

[@DMIsREAL]

You said this looks bad. This is one of the best looking cars produced recently, Just needs to be 2 inches lower.

[@skopa1223]

DMIsREAL I totally agree. Front end looks great, tail end looks sharp and they extended the golf and made no aesthetic mistakes with the body shape in the process. I honestly feel it’s one of the best looking wagons if not the best looking out there. Looks smart, clean and sporty. No gimmicks

[@DomDeVille]

I agree, I have a 2017. It’s a really good looking vehicle.

[@mathbobber1880]

You are damn right

[@mklinger23]

*sees golf* SLAM IT!

[@DMIsREAL]

@@mklinger23 yes

[@proboxpepper6752]

The potential of this 1.8T engine is MEGAAAAA! Stage 1 with no mods will bump you to 238hp and 280ft lb of torque, ultimate sleeper!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Yuzhou Zhang stage 1 apr?

[@jeromep3182]

Whattt really wow that’s crazy

[@johne6081]

What is the fascination with gimmicky, elaborate appearance? I like simple, clean, timeless, and understated, and that's what my 1996 Audi A4 sedan, 2001 Passat wagon, and 2016 Golf Sportwagen offer. The cool thing about the Audi is how good it still looks almost a quarter century after it was made.

[@johne6081]

We just bought a 2016 Sportwagen, and the only thing that beats it is our 2001 Passat wagon, which we are keeping as long as we reasonably can. We are delighted with the new addition to our fleet.

[@alexurbinati3001]

Loooove mine!! Have a tri folding twin matress that fits perfect with the seats down and rear head rests turned around. Sleeps two very comfortably, handles like a gti, has awd, a very well sorted 6 gear manual, and plenty of potential for cheap horsepower. Such an underrated platform...

[@stephenhouseworth3097]

Please say more about your tri-folding mattress . . . brand, model, etc.

[@madincraft5809]

Before you write these off as boring, look into the tuning options. I have a 2017 4motion with a GTI turbo, APR engine and DSG software, and it makes 300hp and 320lbs/ft tq. It'll do 0-60 in about 4.5 secs and a quarter mile in about 13. Base model 4mo, $4,000 in upgrades and you have yourself a practical sleeper that can outpace a golf R. Boring, it is not :)

[@rockhead1731]

Yeah so you're going to spend $25,000 on a brand new car which is actually closer to $30,000 by the time you're done with tax title license and any other options you want another $6,000 to void the warranty just so you can have a sleeper . Also is that 6000 including the labor? I seriously doubt it. Also let's say you finance the car you still got to have 6,000 cash to do all these supposed mods. .. go back to watching Fast and the Furious ,all the rest of us live in the real world.

[@madincraft5809]

I hope you're enjoying your car as much as I enjoy mine. Have a wonderful day 😁

[@madincraft5809]

Also, if you're ever in Vancouver, BC, feel free to send me a message. Let's have a beer and talk about what's got you upset! We all go through ups and downs - nothing to be ashamed of. I'll show you the town, my treat!

[@SkyLinMegas]

@@rockhead1731 lol your obviously a normi ... 6 k in labor ? 4 grand in taxes ? 6 k in parts ? Rolf Warranty is your only valid argument . A new golf r turbo (is38) sells for about 1200 $ Labor at most reputable shops range around 110-180 an hour . For this demonstration we gonna calculate @ 180 an hour . This is a 6 hour job at best, a pro can button this down in 4 hours. (6x180=1080$) . Of course this is all without taxes . In states anyways .. the awd version only came in s trim, Started at 25.7 k , we gonna round to 27k for destination and dealer fees . And last but not least the tune , which varies depending on tuning company and tune map but an average about $700-900$ . We gonna go with 900$ So here we go , follow me on this . 27,000.00+1200+1080+900 That's 3180 in upgrades again without taxes .. and this price can vary by a few hundred dollars. For. Grand total of 30,180$ again before taxes (which vary by region) You tell me what you can buy with this level of power for 30 grand ... New of course because we can play numbers all day on the pre owned market. P.s the focus rs and the golf r are both 40k cars ... And are both smaller cars than this wagon . With no other mods you can push this set up to around 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.. Upgrade valves springs,fuel pump, intercooler, exhaust . You can shoot for 400+ Next time don't talk shit , since you obviously don't know shit . One more thing , if your mechanically inclined to do your own work , that another grand cheaper. And if you source the turbo pre-owned, say a wrecked golf r, they fetch around 600-750$. I hope you actually read this and understood it . I rather you educate yourself . #savethemanual

[@madincraft5809]

@@SkyLinMegas lol. You had the energy to reply that I did not. 100% correct and Kudos to you, sir. (P.S. I did over-estimate due to CAD -> USD. My IS20 was used with 7k miles, shipped to my door from Illinois for $600 CAD).

[@troy5154]

Things are rocky between me and the Mrs and I need a place to sleep. Thanks for the review. I will be buying one of these

[@johne6081]

The Sportwagen is so good that VWoA is killing it off for 2020. Grab one now if you want it.

[@tommaxwell4966]

I cant believe he is complaining that the outlet does not have a ground. Lets just think about that for a moment...

[@johne6081]

... sort of a groundless complaint ... :)

[@triv7252]

that was my first thought - where would it go? Steel tires?

[@mysticnomad3577]

Are you kidding? That's a problem. Most cords have ground plugs which can't be used in this vehicle. The reverse would not be true. A legit complaint in my opinion.

[@Someothername2134]

@@mysticnomad3577 the point is that it is impossible or illegal to have a ground in a car. There is no electrical contact between the car and Earth so it cannot ground anything. If you put in an outlet with the third prong just to allow connections, that would be deceptive to the point of dangerous and probably illegal.

[@mysticnomad3577]

@@Someothername2134 of course cars have to have a ground for the electrical to work. That's why only in cars is the ground wire black.

[@clayfreshour1753]

Lol . All of this guys opinions are opposite of mine . I love that it doesn’t have all that extra 💩 that he was complaining about .

[@goldenretriever6261]

Yeah, I don't want a touch screen in my car. Just more shit to break and cost $$$$ to fix.

[@davidcharlesstewart1238]

I have a 15 'Cleaned up' TDI Sportwagen 6 speed manual Comfortline + (Canadian spec which is halfway between the SE and the SEL with dual climate control and nav) and I love the efficiency. I can get 3.8 liters per 100 km (61.9 mpg) when I keep it below 60 mph. I like the front wheel drive and the features.

[@stevebean1234]

I want a manual TDI wagon very badly :( manual VWs are rare, wagons are rare, and combined they're ultra-rare...

[@acerjuglans]

I love mine too. The mpg is fantastic! It's so much fun to drive!

[@fadibukzam3369]

I have had the 2018 Golf Sportwagon for 8 months now. Love it. I am getting 40 MPG avg city/hwy.

[@goldenretriever6261]

1.8 TSI?

[@MarxAviano]

Did you do your own math on that? My 2018 computer is saying I'm getting over 40 too but when I fill up the math doesn't match.

[@plushiebug5993]

Excellent! In 2024, I'm about to go searching for 2018 VW Sportwagen as my next winter car, and it really does look like everything I'll need, without being so flash and fancy as to make it a target for theft.

[@diaz8712]

Just bought one yesterday, and, I wish I could've seen this video on Saturday. So far happy with the few minutes I've been in the new car though.

[@Carefree6714]

Did you get 4Motion?

[@humbertomadeira3754]

I drove a Diesel from 2014 to 2018 and did 210,000 kilometers. With great regret I had to change it. A great little car. And it's just annoying because it does not bother you with any problems. And the greatest of all was in Portugal, where the roads are what they are. Saúde.

[@Versillio]

How is the new car? I'm looking at it for the next adventure.

[@darens440]

Get the base, S trim level, with or without the AWD. What you get for the price you pay is incredible. What the car can do in both fuel economy and cargo space is unmatched. I have a S trim 5 speed golf wagon and its quite good for the sub 20k price paid new.

[@skurtov]

Agreed. My mom drives a 2016 tsi s. The only thing i wish it had was front heated seated with the cloth.

[@bvedant]

skurtov heated seats are pretty overrated. I prefer cool / ventilated

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

reliability?

[@runforit420]

There is so much more room in the back of that than all of those fugly sub-compact cross-overs and some compact cross-overs.

[@adlcuevas5689]

You are entitled to your opinion but get the facts right...Alltrack a NOT a crossover, it is a lifted sportwagen with ugly plastic cladding and a nicer front bumper (I'll give you that). I'd rather go for the sportwagen but it is a shame VW doesn't offer the higher trims in AWD.

[@davva360]

I hate cross overs. Every one of them is ugly. If I needed a vehicle with that kind of space and utility I would always buy a wagon. Shame there are so few options in the USA

[@jeromep3182]

You get the bland one to customize it and make it cool save the extra on buying the nicer one to make the lower trim one your own

[@brianleclerc644]

I got my 2019 Sportwagen with the 4Motion and saved at least 5K over the Alltrack. Who cares about looks.

[@rogelio451]

I didn't hear anything about wind or road noise that to me is important, 100 times more important than a comparison of sportwagen vs the Alltrack

[@LoveMyZJ]

When the lease is up on my '18 Crosstrek 6MT I will be strongly considering a Sportwagen 4Motion 6MT (if still offered.) I really like my Trek apart from the lack of power, rev-hang, annoying infotainment system and a load floor that is too high and short. I'm a long-time Subaru owner but they just don't make a regular ol' wagon like VW does. My biggest concerns with a Sportwagen though are running costs, reliability and resale value. Unlike the vast majority of drivers these days, I feel safer and more secure when I'm sitting closer to the ground in a car.

[@joepetro9462]

I have a 2017 sportwagen 4motion, love the way it looks, got a JB1 for it, and it is a blast to drive

[@skopa1223]

Joe Petro agreed, it’s a great looking car. Going to get one myself

[@nathansautodetail]

Crossovers are not better or better looking. If I'm buying a wagon I want a car, not a lifted crossover ugly plastic cladded thing. I like the simple so called "boring" look. I like wagons because they are low to the ground as a car is, handle well, and have the storage space of an SUV. If I wanted a taller vehicle I'd just get an SUV. We don't need wagon versions of a crossover, please manufacturers stop doing that.

[@stevehunter7402]

Greetings from the future! It’s late 2024 and there is even less choice for wagons in North America. I have a 2019 golf wagon AWD dual clutch transmission and i will try to keep it as long as possible. Prices are insane and choices are big, bigger or Yukon. With a family of 4 who play hockey and ski 🇨🇦 the golf wagon works well and handles better than a tall suv.

[@paulwilson4685]

199 foot pound or torque. The sportwagen with the 4 motion system and dsg will do 0-60 in just under 7 seconds. Just thought I would mention that I had a Mercedes C class 2 cars ago and an Audi A4 as my last vehicle...the sportwagon feels much more planted in the corners and accelerates at about the same pace. I prefer the sportwagen for the practicality and the fun factor !

[@humbertomadeira3754]

Coincidence, I have a C 220 diesel "W204" avantagard and always preferred the Vw. variant diesel. It is also important to note that the load capacity of the Vw. variant is much higher than that of the Mercedes.

[@paulwilson4685]

@han0509 The Audi had quattro the mercedes rear wheel drive

[@RealVivi998]

Coming from an 03 Camry with the 2.4L 4 cyl, sportwagen is a hell of a lot more fun.

[@don-cw1yz]

The problem with this vehicle is the 1.8-liter engine. The engine is direct injection with no port injection and has a tendency to carbon up the valves. That requires maintenance to clean the valves and combustion area. The water pumps are notorious for failing. Many owners report issues with the sunroof drains clogging and allowing water into the vehicle. Other than that it is a well-designed and very well thought out vehicle.

[@georgesealy4706]

I had a 2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI, which was bought back by VW. I loved that car because it had outstanding fuel mileage and it was zippy. But I couldn't pass up the deal that VW offered. But those diesels are being fixed and being resold. I found a 2014 JSW TDI with only 25.8K miles on it. I bought it in a heartbeat. Happy days are here again. This is the best car ever for getting around town and simply doing stuff everyday. I am consistently getting over 40 MPG with all kinds of driving. It is even better than the 2012 I had. And with the diesel engine, it will last a very long time. If you can find one, then you have to give it real consideration.

[@bvedant]

George Sealy I just can't get over the leatherette seats. would rather have cloth than that

[@lelandgaunt9985]

I love my sportwagen!

[@chrisstepaniuk6947]

dude, you literally spent more time complaining it was a wagon and you fee unhip while driving it than showing us what to get to sleep in it. I was kind of waiting for some air mattresses to show up at one point.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Mistake @7:25 He's showing you the climate control knobs of the SE, not the SEL which he talks about. The SEL HAS dual climate zone with LED temperature readout for both positions.

[@madincraft5809]

I can confirm that the SE trim in Canada does indeed get the dual zone climate controls. Alas, our DSG equipped cars don't get paddle shifters 🙄 Tradeoffs for everything, I guess.

[@stevesimmons6685]

Dual Climate is, in the 18 SEL. You are in an SE. I have one. Incredible automobile. I went from a 11 RX350 to the Sportwagen. This car is mink in heavy traffic and highway. Set my speed alert at 110. 19K mi. since pur new Nov 18. I love it. New for 19, no more SEL, sadly.

[@ninethreeeleven]

The Alltrack isn't an SUV/Crossover because VW chooses that it not be an SUV/Crossover. There is a difference at the federal level, and if you look at the VIN plate you will see that the Alltrack is a passenger car. This is why it's not available with tinted windows from the factory. If they made it an SUV/Crossover like the Outback, Crosstrek, V60/V90, it could come with factory tinted windows. Side note: VAG is not afraid of the SUV/Crossover image, the Audi Allroad is one, even though it's just a lifted A4 wagon with some fender flares.

[@clint4Now]

Great review! Does the sportswagen have more sleeping space in the back than the Altrak? Thanks!!

[@K03sport]

need more bass guitar...[the Alltrack is not a crossover, the Crosstrek and Ooutback are not Crossovers either and are a lifted hatch and wagon respectively.] big deals on 2018 GSW/Alltracks right now at local VW dealers (according to an email I received)...the only problem is finding one w/features, i.e. manual transmission, to make me go there and take advantage of said deals. My dealer had SE trims in each, both white and both auto :( ...I'm now also considering a BRZ (opposite end of spectrum) but I'm looking for manual trans first, driving/usability 2nd, and features 3rd. Price will be the biggest influencer when it comes to final decision as I'm going for/looking at S trim in the wagons and Premium trim in the BRZ. I thought I needed/wanted 4 doors, but the BRZ present a good argument for staying with 2-doors (current GTI has 2 doors) Who needs a color MFD as long as it is easy to read and provides the right information, color is not necessary and looks cleaner. VW has the better cluster than the Subaru, IMO, plus some other layout features in the center stack. I remember the Tracy Ullman show.

[@AlumarsX]

I bought a 2018 Alltrack S 6MT in green falls metallic for 20,770 3 weeks ago. Had to fly to VA and drive it 1500 miles back to KS, but it was worth it.

[@das_mo]

I'm from Germany and have a Golf VII Sportswagon Rline and im so confused. The American Version looks so different in some places :o

[@ciscohour5884]

I love base models. Less shit to break. Go with the S model.

[@LCdic09]

Agreed. I particularly don't like that panoramic sunroof. Is not there in the S model. Just give me a stick shift and I'll be a happy camper.

[@DS-qg9ck]

have a 2018 ,love everything about it but last car was a jetta with the 1.4 and really miss the 1.4 for great mileage..

[@bvedant]

they sell it with the 1.4t as base now

[@ydkoo4193]

I just wonder about comparison with regal tourx of buick. Please make contents related this comparison.

[@DomDeVille]

199 ft-lb of torque. I have a 2017 Alltrack S with a six-speed manual.

[@robotcowhand1276]

"I can never fit these things in" - as he fits it in.

[@bosse641]

So nice.

[@JoeLouisPepsi]

Generally speaking as a car reviewer you should steer clear of styling comments. But by the way you dress you should definitely refrain.

[@fartman10284]

I'm too tall for my 2016 tiguan. Maybe the current MQB tiguan, yes with the extra 10 or so inches

[@americanidiotz]

Crosstrek and other similar cars are slow, plastic, cheesy looking vehicles. This frumpy dork has no clue what he's talking about. My wife wanted this car and I am by no means a VW guy, I was extremely impressed with this car. The value, performance, refinement and functionality is off the charts.

[@MonsieurTarzan-g3m]

I have a 2019 Alltrack SEL. The sunroof leaks, and VW will not honor their extended sunroof warranty. I am in the process of filing a claim in court. This problem is rampant with VW.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

reliability?

[@DPoner]

These are far better than the Subaru, for and finish wise.

[@adamhallmark6024]

This is a beautiful car.

[@laguilayanisulan2830]

I love my SPORTWAGEN! not fancy...simple...easy ...

[@darrenkuo2005]

Probably could have spent more showing how your body fits in the car. Tell us how tall you are.

[@SchnuckySchuster]

The US version looks cheap compared to the German version. The hood should have sound dampening material installed and there should be an electric parking break. Also fake leather is not offered. If you want something looking like leather you buy the real thing.

[@christopherhinds2867]

For the $$$ I opted for the Sportwagen. All-Track looks better but IMO not worth the extra bucks

[@jamesd5888]

I have to say this guy is off on a few things. He said he can sleep in it even as his feet were hanging out. What 150 watt item needs or has a ground. Not one of my portable plug in devices has a ground. The ride quality compared to a crossover is so much better. Honda CRV or a Rave4 have that "I am over 60 yrs old style" and the road noise is horrible. The Sportwagen is in a class of it's own and fun to drive.

[@MacTechG4]

Please don't insult the Golf Sportwagen by comparing it to a crapxedo, the crapxedo is a perfect example of useless cosmetic frippery that serves *NO* functional purpose, it's cosmetics for cosmetics sake only, meaningless, hollow, and stupid then again, I hate any and all clothing that has any form of neckwear associated withit, ties must die a painful screaming death! the Golf SW is pure functionality, and that's why I love it... to use the analogy of the fountain pen, the crapxedo is a Montblanc 149, gaudy, ostentatious, and writes no better than the Lamy 2000 (functional, comfortable clothing) The Golf SW is the vehicle equivalent of the Lamy 2000, the Mercedes 8 series would be the equivalent of the MB149

[@BigSaulo]

My 2018 Sportwagen can get up to 39 mpg highway.

[@throe68]

Hold up....go back to those levels, and turn that bass back up...way back up =)

[@Andy5682fly]

Performance is based on looks? That's a first for me from any car review I've ever seen! Shocking to say the least, I've lost all my trust in his reviews.

[@jonskislo1]

Ah, you missed his "point". :)

[@goldenretriever6261]

Why do these car reviews bother with the back seat. Only kids sit in the back.

[@0my]

I like the monocrome. The other cartoon crap looks childish

[@thelpsoldier]

Its a great looking car. Have to say youre very wrong there

[@thiagolima7344]

Dreams car

[@joebloggs4191]

Crossovers are useless crap! A station wagen is way more useful and can look way cooler too, like for e.g. the RS6 the higher trim level 3 and 5 series touring BMWs etc. but then again the US don't get them LOL. Must be something wrong with the US version since all reviewers in Europe and stated this wagen is just as good to drive as the hatchback.

[@masonkim7]

I wonder how tall this guy is

[@drivingsports]

6-ft 1-in.

[@ych8634]

No electronic parking brake?

[@charlesdu9941]

Nobody wants an electronic parking brake

[@PeterLuzifer]

Warum haben die Amis eine Manuelle Handbremse?

[@MatteoLC]

I have a 2019 now. AWD, Turbo, Stick, Wagon. Nothing else like it on the road. What a stupid review. Simpleton.

[@JakeRoot]

Redmond!

[@drivingsports]

+Jake Root Yup!

[@jdmspiritturkey]

my money on crosstrek :D

[@bvedant]

JDM Spirit Turkey - JST gutless and boring

[@jdmspiritturkey]

@@bvedant it can't boring refering to this.

[@bvedant]

JDM Spirit Turkey - JST move along troll

[@lasanheironagringa7846]

“Crossovers look a lot cooler”. Mate, taste is indeed subjective. No wonder why America just get the shittiest cars from European brands. The good ones are being extinct. The average American do not think before buying, they just get whatever they are told, or whatever they can get that resembles what their “trendy” pop stars are getting. To me crossovers are just silly looking. 5k more for a bunch of plastic on the all track. Seriously?! Or even more for a Tiguan with a lot higher running costs, worse fuel mileage, expansive tires, poor handling, just to to fit in the dumb crowd.

[@kennyman9065]

This is a really poor review IMO!