VW Alltrack S AWD vs Subaru Outback 2.5i: It’s Clear Who Makes the Better Wagon
When you compare the 2017 Volkswagen Alltrack S AWD to the 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i, it’s clear by the point by point comparison which wagon is better. Or is it? VW Parts Vortex points out in a comparison between the two wagons that the Volkswagen S AWD has several clear advantages over the Outback 2.5i. Most are in the area of performance. Is that what American buyers are looking for in a wagon? Do they even want a wagon?
Volkswagen Alltrack has the performance advantage
The comparison, you can see here, shows the Alltrack is the clear winner when it comes to fuel economy (2 mpg city, 1mpg highway), better overall performance (It’s 1.4 sec faster 0-60), and it’s lighter (280 lbs).
When you compare seating capacity, suspension type and MSRP, the two are similar. The Outback comes out on top when it comes to cargo carrying capacity. Alltrack: 30.4 cu ft (66 cu. ft w/rear seat folded) vs Outback: 35.5 cu. ft (73.3 cu. ft w/rear seat folded).
The US is a different market
In Europe, the comparison would definitely be advantage VW Alltrack, where buyers like the smaller vehicle size and they also love their sports tourers. In the US, consumers prefer larger SUVs with more cargo room for the family. Americans don’t even like wagons. The Outback is more SUV-like and this is a big reason why the 2017 Outback outsells the Alltrack by a large margin.
We’ve driven both vehicles and would agree with VW Parts Vortex that the Alltrack is by far, higher on the fun-to-drive meter. Is that what American buyers are looking for in a wagon? The clear answer is no. Buyers are choosing the Outback because of it’s all-weather capability, superior safety record and because it’s not really a wagon. It’s an SUV-alternative recreation-purposed vehicle that offers superior utility and cargo/passenger room and even higher ground clearance (Outback 8.7-in), (Alltrack 6.9-in) for off-road adventures.
Who is the clear winner?
Consumers are deciding by purchasing more 2017 Outbacks 2.5i with standard all-wheel-drive (109,448 YTD sales), by far over the 2017 Volkswagen Alltrack S AWD (7,544 YTD sales), and this number even includes the Golf SportWagon. It’s clear who makes the better vehicle for US consumers.
Source: VW Parts Vortex
Photo: Spork Marketing