2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,895 to $29,995

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(8 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
10/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Test Drive Review summaryImage

Ample cargo space and a truly engaging driving experience make the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen a legitimate alternative to the ubiquitous crossover.

What defines a “Sport Utility Vehicle”? Common knowledge dictates what an SUV is supposed to look like, but SUVs and crossovers don't hold a monopoly on the vehicular attribute of utility. Case in point: the station wagon.

Truthfully, most modern crossovers are just high-riding wagons and hatchbacks. The only real advantages they offer are a higher ride height, higher seating position, and all-wheel drive (and even that isn’t always a given). Cars like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR are available with only front-wheel-drive, and when compared to a vehicle like the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, you have to wonder what added utility those cars really offer.

VW calls the SportWagen the “Sportier Utility Vehicle.” It's hard to argue with that point, and the SportWagen is a serious alternative to your typical crossover—especially if you care about driving dynamics.

7/10

The Golf SportWagen’s styling is confidently understated. It’s a refreshingly plain car, especially in White Silver Metallic, which looks almost like primer with a clear coat. That’s not to say the SportWagen is cheap or spartan—far from it, actually. This station wagon is incredibly refined and even upscale in some respects.

Perhaps the public's attraction to crossovers stems from their design, but the straight lines of the SportWagen have a modern appeal to them. It’s everything you love about the Golf, just more of it.

Inside, the SportWagen's simple-but-upscale ethos continues. The center console and dash have fairly straight lines, and in the right hues, they look like they could be from an Ikea furniture catalog. The center console itself is slightly angled to the left, providing a driver-focused cockpit. There are still hard plastics in many places, but the cabin manages to still feel upscale.

You can choose from two trims of the 2019 Golf SportWagen: S and SE, which is one trim fewer than last year. Volkswagen no longer offers the high-end SEL trim for 2019.

The base S trim comes very well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated power-folding side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black roof rails, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights. It also comes standard with one-touch up/down power windows for all four windows. This is something automakers love to skimp on, where only the driver’s window is one-touch, or it’s only one-touch down, but not up. Those other automakers should take note: VW's Golf SportWagen is how you make an entry-level car without skimping on the little things.

As base trims go, the S is incredibly well-equipped, but there are some areas where you'll want to say, “You get what you pay for.” For one, the rear and side windows are not tinted at all. This may seem like something small, but tinted windows help prevent prying eyes from seeing into the rear of the car. Sure, VW provides a privacy roller, but what if you have a large item or just don’t want to use the clunky roller?

Before stepping up to the SE trim, opting for the S 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim actually brings in some additional features. It adds heated front washer nozzles and heated front seats, basically tossing in a few cold-weather items for AWD buyers.

Move up to the SE trim, and Volkswagen adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, fog lights, and LED headlights with the adaptive front lighting system. The SE trim also adds keyless entry with push-button start and leatherette seating.

Also, the SE costs about $8,000 more than the base S trim. For the best combination of capability and quality, CarGurus recommends the S 4Motion trim that we tested.

George Kennedy
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

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User rating:
by Lee M
May 07, 2024
Love it. For the class it feels roomy, with a large cargo area. Peppy engine but I will repeat what almost all other reviewers. Have said, there is some lag at higher speeds when wanting to pass and press on the ecelerator . The steering wheel could be a tad firmer but that being said it responds with ease. It’s fun to drive , utilitarian and looks sporty for a station wagon.May 07, 2024
by Aloysius W
Jul 29, 2023
For our purposes, the VW Golf Sportwagen is the near perfect vehicle. It is sufficiently powerful enough for days long freeway cruising. It is FAR roomier than many SUV alternatives and far more comfortable. Immensely practical in every aspect, it is also politely sized. The delusion that a gigantic, bulky road behemoth is necessary for transporting bicycles, camping gear or moving the mulch for the garden is just that, a delusion. Excellent safety features abound, and due to the wisdom of the German engineers, these features are under the control of the driver. YES, YOU DRIVE THE CAR,. NOT THE CAR DRIVES YOU! The VW is exactly what we wanted.Jul 29, 2023
by Aloysius W
Jul 20, 2023
The 2019 Golf SportWagen is a near prefect car for our needs. it has sufficient power to be easily driven at freeway speeds all day. At the same time, it is small enough to be comfortable in city driving. The safety features and displays are state of the art, yet they recognize the driver as being the person in control. There is plenty of cargo space. With the rear seat folded, there is enough room for two adult bicycles in the back of the car. The car is very comfortable and the cloth sear option if VERY pleasant. The VW SportWagen is a VASTLY superior option to the panoply of ridiculous SUV choices, all of which are too big physically while having less cargo room. Good gas milage is a given. This may well be the last of the truly excellent small station wagons. The VW makes a good comparison with the Audi Avant and Allroad, but at a considerably reduced price point. There is not a car that I would rather have. Jul 20, 2023

2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,895 to $29,995
Price range
$15,256 to $15,429
Average price on CG
$15,280
YoY price change
$15,429 to $15,280

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.09

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.87

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 6

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (3)