Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack estate (2012-2014)

"The Passat Alltrack is a four-wheel drive alternative to the usual large SUVs; and it's a good one too."

Carbuyer Rating

3.2 out of 5

Owners Rating

2.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Price
£38,515 - £51,760

Pros

  • Four-wheel drive
  • Huge boot
  • Relaxing drive

Cons

  • Not a proper off-roader
  • Only diesels available
  • No really efficient models

The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is based on the VW Passat estate platform. It's similar in concept to the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Outback, and the Alltrack boasts four-wheel drive and raised suspension allowing it to travel more easily over unsurfaced roads and tracks. It's only available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine but this can be specified with either 138bhp or 168bhp. Buyers will get a driving experience that's very similar to a standard Passat, with a comfortable ride, quiet cabin and safe handling.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Four wheel drive means no Alltrack is particularly cheap to run

There are no economical models in the Alltrack line-up, because both versions come with four-wheel drive, which tends to hurt fuel economy. The best is the 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine that claims 150g/km and 49.6mpg, but the more powerful auto model isn't much worse.

Engines, drive & performance

Comfortable and safe with punchy diesel engines

Passat Alltrack buyers can pick from 138bhp or 168bhp variants of a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Both engines provide plenty of power for towing and feel quick enough on the road too. The more powerful engine helps the car sprint from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. Despite a raised ride height the Alltrack feels much like a standard Passat to drive, so it's comfortable, handles competently and is very quiet too. It's more than capable of going off-road too thanks to the four-wheel drive system.

Interior & comfort

Well-judged suspension helps soak up bumpy roads

Good sound insulation and supple suspension make the Alltrack a fantastic long distance cruiser. Bumps in the road are barely felt in the cabin and the engine noise isn't a problem unless you're accelerating very hard. The optional ACC suspension system allows drivers to pick between Comfort, Normal and Sport modes which translates to soft, normal or stiff suspension set ups. The cabin itself is extremely spacious, with loads of room in the boot and in the back seats too.

Practicality & boot space

One of the most spacious cars in this class

Even with the rear seats in place the Passat Alltrack boasts 603 litres of space in the boot, and once you fold all the seats flat, this expands to 1,641 litres. Compared to other models in this class, the Alltrack wins for outright space. If you're after a car that can tow, then the Alltrack makes sense too because it can pull a maximum of 2,000kgs, which is 200kg more than a standard Passat.

Reliability & safety

Engines and other bits have proved themselves to be reliable already

Underneath this redesigned body is a car that's essentially unchanged from the standard Passat. While that may sound bad, it's actually a positive because the car's internals have been proving themselves to be reliable for years now. Volkswagen offers the Passat with electronic systems to help prevent crashes, detect if you're tired and help you change lanes.

Price, value for money & options

Four-wheel drive is standard on all models

The VW Passat Alltrack is cheaper than its rival the Audi A4 Allroad, but still comes at a premium over better value rivals like the Skoda Yeti SUV. In fact, the Yeti is better value in just about every way - but it won't be exactly what some buyers are looking for. Standard equipment on the Passat is decent, with alloy wheels, wheel arch protectors, digital radio, Bluetooth and a touchscreen display on every model. You also get four-wheel drive as standard, but that is surely the selling point for the Alltrack anyway.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI Life 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £38,515

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £44,105

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 Elegance 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £50,510

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen Passat Estate review – conservatively styled, but hugely practical
Volkswagen Passat UK Carbuyer front quarter
In-depth reviews
8 Aug 2024

Volkswagen Passat Estate review – conservatively styled, but hugely practical

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
4 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024