2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Review

Name: 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Rating: 4.0 (51 reviews)

Price Range: $9,450 - $17,000

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SEL Wagon Exterior Shown

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Price & Payment

21 cars

$13,238 avg. price

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Appraise My 2017 Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen model years

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Holds almost as much cargo as many compact crossovers
Interior features quality design and materials
Turbo four-cylinder engine delivers high fuel economy
Now offers optional all-wheel drive

Cons

Automatic transmission sometimes slow to shift in low-speed driving
Touchscreen's simple graphics look behind the times
Relatively snug backseat

What’s new

For 2017, the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen now offers all-wheel drive, but only on the base model. The top-trim SEL now offers standard driver safety aids such as forward collision alert, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A rearview camera comes standard on all models.

Vehicle overview

Looking for something that can haul a bunch of things but don't want a crossover SUV? You'll probably like the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. It offers familiar Golf goodness, such as a premium cabin and high fuel economy, but with a cavernous cargo space.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

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2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
TSI SE Wagon
$9,450
great price
$3,012 below market
- 100,765 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Prime Motors (17 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Video walk-around, virtual test drives, E-purchase, shipping , financing and we accept all trades. Call/Text 703-671-8100 with questions or to schedul...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (25 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VWC17AU7HM504331
Stock: 504331
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
TSI SE Wagon
$9,995
- 97,043 miles
- Issue reported, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Panda Autos (12 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Vienna, VA
Our 2017 Volkswagen Gold SportWagen TSI SE Wagon is:Vehicle Runs Well, Smooth ride, All records in possession, Upgraded stereo, Regularly maintained, ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (25 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3VWC17AUXHM537906
Stock: K7906V
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The formula is simple: Turn the Golf into a wagon by adding a foot of length to the Golf hatchback's cargo area and get more space in return. The result is 66.5 cubic feet of space to carry stuff when you fold the rear seats, which is the kind of space typically offered by compact crossover SUVs (the Ford Escape, for example, offers 68.1 cubic feet). Factor in the Golf's efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available all-wheel drive (a new addition this year) and premium interior, and you've got an excellent choice for the crossover-averse or anyone who just prefers the sleeker look of a wagon.

Notably, we picked the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

With 170 horsepower, the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine should prove potent enough for most drivers. It'll have to because it's the only choice. Despite the vehicle's name, there's not much "sport" to the car's handling abilities.

Acceleration

The extra length and weight make it feel less urgent than a regular Golf hatchback when accelerating around town, but it's a subtle difference.

Braking

The brake pedal has an uncharacteristically firm feel to it (for a VW), which is a good thing. Braking performance is predictable at all speeds.

Steering

For the most part, the SportWagen feels responsive from the helm. It doesn't give you a particularly great sense of the road exactly, but most drivers should find it perfectly adequate.

Handling

We've found the SportWagen delivers only modest handling capability when you're driving around turns. All-wheel drive should come in handy on the rain-soaked pavement, but don't expect it to liven up the SportWagen's ability on a dry, winding country road.

Drivability

The automatic transmission hampers drivability. You'll often notice small lurches when you accelerate from a stop or when you need a quick change in speed. You either need to let it creep slowly or stomp the gas to subvert this behavior.

Comfort

The SportWagen is a Golf through and through, which means impressive seat and ergonomic comfort all around. The central control panel is angled toward the driver for easier access.

Seat comfort

The standard front seats should provide firm support over short and long distances. Both front seats are height-adjustable. There is generous rear seat space, but low cushions mean less thigh support for taller passengers.

Ride comfort

Ruts and potholes are smoothed over by compliant suspension tuning. The SportWagen is composed on the highway, too.

Noise & vibration

Some road noise is noticeable but not intrusive. Engine noise is prominent under heavy acceleration, but more performance-minded drivers will probably like its burly sound.

Climate control

You'll need to step up to the SEL model to get dual-zone climate control with automatic air-conditioning. It's not a deal-breaker, but other automakers offer this creature comfort on lesser trim levels.

Interior

A large greenhouse with ample glass and a simple, sensible control layout make the SportWagen's cabin a pleasant, user-friendly environment. Premium materials and a conservative design make this wagon seem more entry-luxury than economy compact.

Ease of use

The controls are well placed and labeled for ease of use, and the gauges are straightforward and very easy to read. Nothing fancy, just strong fundamentals.

Getting in/getting out

Front passengers will have no complaints, but those in back might have something to carp about. The rear doors have a relatively narrow opening, and if the front seat is pushed back for long legs, there's not much room for the rear passenger to squeeze behind.

Driving position

Everything falls readily to hand in the SportWagen, which is unsurprising because it's basically the same praiseworthy interior you'll find in an ordinary Golf. The wheel telescoping range is very generous for taller drivers, as is the seat-height range.

Roominess

Seating in the rear is a bit lacking compared to the backseats of some roomy small crossovers or a bigger wagon such as the Subaru Outback. But there is plenty of space for the front passengers.

Visibility

All-around visibility is excellent thanks to narrow roof pillars. Backing into a spot is easy enough that you won't need to rely on the standard rearview camera — but it's nice to have anyway.

Utility

Increased cargo capacity and utility are arguably the key reason to buy the SportWagen over the Golf hatchback. With the rear seats folded, the cargo area is cavernous. Standard silver roof rails sweeten the deal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Small-item storage

To VW's credit, the flip-door ashtray area in front of the shift lever has been converted into a phone shelf with a USB port and auxiliary jack — it's super-convenient for stashing and connecting your phone. Otherwise, though, the center console offers only two cupholders and a shallow armrest bin.

Cargo space

Open the rear hatch and you've got 30.4 cubic feet of space behind the upright rear seats to work with, which is enough for the typical load of luggage, home goods and groceries. Dropping the rear seats yields 66.5 cubic feet, which is similar to what you get from a lot of small crossovers.

Technology

If the SportWagen has a clear weak spot, tech is it. The central touchscreen's graphics are surprisingly rudimentary for this day and age, and the navigation voice is robotic. On the bright side, the voice-control system is well executed.

Audio & navigation

The standard audio system isn't bad, and the Fender Premium upgrade adds a subwoofer. Audiophiles will like lossless file playback capability. Only the SEL model offers navigation, which is a mixed bag in our experience. The low-resolution graphics are disappointing.

Smartphone integration

Sophisticated smartphone capability is anchored by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Mirrors the smartphone interface and makes available commonly used apps such as Pandora, Spotify and TuneIn internet radio.

Driver aids

The optional Driver Assistance package for the SE trim adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. A similar package for the SEL adds parking sensors, automated parking and lane keeping assist.

Compare 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen models

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen comes in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. All versions have a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 199 pound-feet of torque). On the S, you can get either a six-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission (184 lb-ft of torque with the manual). Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive (called 4Motion) is optional for the S trim level. Note that the all-wheel-drive models come with a different automatic transmission, a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox called DSG in Volkswagen-speak.

Standard feature highlights include 15-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, roof rails, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front seats with manual adjustment and power recline, 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through and a 115-volt outlet in the cargo area. Also standard are a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Bluetooth, VW's Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration and Car-Net Security & Service telematics, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base audio system includes eight speakers, a CD player, satellite and HD radio, and auxiliary audio, USB and SD card inputs.

The all-wheel-drive S trim is the same but has 16-inch wheels and heated front seats.

Moving up to the SE gets you automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, imitation-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a Fender Premium audio system (adds a subwoofer and upgraded sound). The SE offers an optional Driver Assistance package, which is a good idea to get if safety is a priority for you. It bundles adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The top-level SEL builds on SE features with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, a navigation system and the features from the SE's Driver Assistance package. The SEL's optional Driver Assistance and Lighting package adds adaptive xenon headlights that swivel in the direction of the car's turn, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parking system (parallel and perpendicular parking assist).

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.14 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maryland.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Maryland

$133/mo

$164/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#21 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen from 2008-2022.}

$580/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.61x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

11.5%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

51 reviews

5(51%)

4(23%)

3(7%)

2(9%)

1(10%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

TSI SE a good replacement for the TDI Sportwagen

chuck maricle, 11/07/2016

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Struggling like many TDI owners for the "perfect replacement" for the perfect car, my 2011 VW TDI Sportwagen 6-speed, the 2017 Golf Sportwagen SE TSI exceeds my expectations. It doesn't pull "off the line" line the diesel and unfortunately VW does not have a 6-speed in the SE line (which is sad). The transmission also seems to hunt at low speed but it is not bothersome. At 65mph on a …

2nd VW

Ss, 12/22/2015

2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI SE 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Great car ! Writing review after owning it for a month. Bought in SF Bay Area. Superb ride quality, excellent visibility and top notch fit and finish. Plenty of cargo space. Definite looker like its cousin Audi A4 wagon. Drives as a German car for sure, responsive, very easy to drive and rock solid feel. Not yet rated for 2016, but based on 2015 Golf safety ratings from last year, most …

3 Months and Still In Love

Don Thomson, 02/08/2016

2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Granted, options are limited for the wagon enthusiasts out there, but I'm really loving this car. A lot. I of course did my homework and drove several cars (Civic, Accord, Mazda 3, and others) before driving the Sportwagen. Like the reviews elsewhere have noted, it's a drivers car; crisp handling, reasonable acceleration, solid as a rock, and very quiet on the inside. That this …

A good value

Buckeye, 11/07/2016

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TSI S 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Wanted a replacement for our ten year old Volvo wagon which functioned as an extra car to haul stuff and for winter driving. This VW Sports Wagon is a bargain from a cost perspective and is more than adequete to meet our needs. Looked at new Volvo, BMW and even used mid size SUV but the VW delivered the most bang for the buck.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf SportWagen since its last redesign.

See all 51 reviews of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

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2017 Golf SportWagen Highlights

Trim:

TSI S

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,580
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$133/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Golf SportWagen models:

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System: Applies the brakes immediately after a collision to stop movement and avoid a secondary impact.
Family Guardian: Enables speed and boundary alerts for new drivers. A component of the Car-Net Security & Service.
Forward Collision Warning: Issues visual and aural alerts if a collision seems likely. Applies brakes autonomously if necessary to mitigate impact.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13.4%