cars news 10: Styling Size-Up: 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vs. Subaru Outback

The new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack enters the fray of rugged looking, moderately priced station wagons. The list of competitors is short. According to VW, the 2017 Golf Alltrack competes directly with the Subaru Outback (though it’ll undoubtedly be compared to the Subaru XV Crosstrek, too). But for this edition of Styling Size-Up, we’ll take a look at the Golf Alltrack and the Outback and see how they compare in the looks department.

The VW and Subaru feature the requisite plastic body cladding that contributes to the pseudo-rugged look. The VW has more of it, thanks to cladding on the wheel arches. Lower trim levels of the Outback have thick roof rails that give the wagon a clunkier looking side profile, especially compared to the VW’s low-profile and metallic roof bars. The Golf also features more metallic touches all around, especially at the front fascia, rocker panels, and lower rear bumper.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack front three quarter in motion 03

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack front three quarter 01

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack rear three quarter

2016 Subaru Outback 25i Limited front three quarter in motion

Subaru Outback in Patagonia front three quarter in motion 02

Subaru Outback in Patagonia rear three quarter 02

Inside, both wagons showcase simple designs and intuitive ergonomics. The Subaru can be optioned with premium touches including wood-like trim and real leather seats, items not available on the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. With an electronic parking brake and a hidden 12-volt outlet, the Outback’s center console is less cluttered than the VW’s.

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack rear seat 02

2016 Subaru Outback 25i Limited cockpit 02

2016 Subaru Outback 25i Limited front interior seats

2016 Subaru Outback 25i Limited interior seats

Which cargo-hauling wagon would you pick based on styling alone? Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, we conducted a Styling Size-Up featuring the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia against competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Jaguar XE. The Alfa did fairly well.

“My vote is for the Alfa,” said Wolf47. “New fresh, sensuous and aggressive. Italian design at its best. The BMW is in last place.”

John Vo was more critical. “The Alfa is so ugly. The face of the car reminds of the Whos in the Grinch that stole Christmas. The interior isn’t bad, but prefer the symmetry in the C-Class.”