Throughout its long history in the United States, Volkswagen has manufactured two of the most recognizable cars in history, the VW Beetle and the VW Van. It also makes the Golf, and it’s arguably the most understated vehicle on the road.
The Golf’s humble exterior and simple, efficient interior define its personality. It’s about as far-removed from its individualistic siblings as possible, and that’s its appeal. It’s no-nonsense and versatile. And it’s the best-selling VW in history and third on the all-time global sales list behind the Toyota Corolla and Ford F-150 series trucks.
Key Takeaways
- 170-hp 1.8-liter turbo across all trims: The SportWagen carries the same engine as the rest of the Golf family, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic across S, SE, and SEL trims.
- 4MOTION all-wheel drive available: Rare in the compact segment, the optional 4MOTION system makes the SportWagen a genuine alternative to small crossovers without sacrificing hatchback practicality.
- 66.5 cubic feet of cargo with seats folded: 30.4 cubic feet behind the rear bench expands dramatically with the 60/40-split rear seat using easy-to-access levers on the seatback tops.
- Six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty: Extended for 2018, Volkswagen’s new warranty outpaces rivals like the Subaru Outback and Kia Niro and is uncommon in the compact segment.
- $23,935 MSRP, under $31,000 fully loaded: The SportWagen undercuts most compact crossover alternatives, and the review vehicle came in at $30,500 with available options.
While the three and five-door Golf hatchbacks standard and high-performance trims have been mainstays for decades, the five-door Golf Sportwagen was introduced in Europe in late 2012 and in the United States three years later. It continues to provide an attractively priced alternative to small crossover sport utility vehicles.
The current generation Golf debuted in 2012, but has been tweaked several times, including a healthy list of upgrades for 2018 in the SportWagen, available in S, SE and SEL trims.
Front and rear bumpers and the front grille are slightly revised. Daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard and the infotainment system has been upgraded.
The SportWagen, like all Golf models, is equipped with a 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower gas-turbo engine. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission is available. The manual option has a smooth, short-shifting approach and adds to the Golf’s sportiness.
The SportWagen also features VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, and it’s among only a few all-wheel-drive vehicles in the compact category. Fuel economy is 22 miles per gallon in city driving, 32 miles per gallon on the highway 27 miles per gallon combined.
Despite its smaller exterior appearance, the SportWagen has larger dimensions in 2018 and its cargo space is cavernous for the segment. It measures 179.6 inches long and 70.8 inches wide and has more overall space than some small SUVs. It’s about a foot longer than the hatchback.
The cargo area behind the rear seat is 30.4 cubic feet, but expands to 66.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. The task is simplified with easy-to-use levers on the top of each rear seat.
Driving the Sportwagen may be the most fun you’ll have driving a wagon. It’s not particularly quick, with a 0-60 miles per hour effort in 7.0 seconds. But acceleration is steady and smooth. The automatic transmission is likely the better choice for drivers who prefer convenience.
But the manual transmission, an increasingly limited choice throughout the industry in recent years, adds a welcomed “driving factor” to the SportWagen’s sportiness. Whether shifting or not, the firm transmission makes maneuvering through traffic and cornering on winding roads another pleasant surprise.
It’s unusual for manufacturers to change warranty parameters. But for 2018, VW extended the SportWagen’s bumper-to-bumper warranty to six years or 72,000 miles. Top competitors like the Subaru Outback and Kia Niro have many strengths, but they can’t match the VW’s warranty. The SportWagen is also rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
While obvious VW icons like the beetle and van are etched in car lore, the Golf has its own place. It’s unheralded, handsome, comfortable, reliable and fun to drive. The Sportwagen’s MSRP is just under $24,000. With all available options, the price slightly surpasses $30,000. But the SportWagen is still the best available wagon for the money.
2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
ACCELERATION: 0-60 mph, 7.0 seconds. AIRBAGS: 6. FUEL ECONOMY: 22 mpg (city), 32 mpg (highway), 27 mpg (combined) six-speed manual transmission. HORSEPOWER: 170. MSRP: $23,935. PRICE AS TESTED: $30,500.00 WARRANTY: Bumper to bumper, 6 years/72,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/72,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 3 years/36,000 miles.
What We Like
- 4MOTION all-wheel drive rare in the compact segment
- 66.5 cubic feet of cargo with rear seats folded
- Available 6-speed manual transmission adds driving engagement
- 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- IIHS Top Safety Pick rating
What We Don’t
- 0-60 in 7.0 seconds isn’t quick
- Interior materials trail some more expensive rivals
- Subdued styling won’t turn heads
- Infotainment upgrade still lags best-in-class rivals
- AWD version increases price without adding horsepower
Facts & Figures: 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 22 city / 32 hwy / 27 combined mpg (MT) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback | |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza Wagon | |
| 2018 Kia Niro | |
| 2018 Buick Regal TourX | |
| 2018 Volvo V60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2018 VW Golf SportWagen have?
The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 170 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission across the S, SE, and SEL trims.
What is the 2018 SportWagen’s fuel economy?
With the six-speed manual, EPA ratings are 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined on regular gasoline.
Does the 2018 Golf SportWagen offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is optional, making the SportWagen one of the few compact wagons offering AWD.
How much cargo space does the SportWagen offer?
30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 66.5 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear bench folded. Easy-to-use levers on the seatback tops simplify the task.
How much does the 2018 VW Golf SportWagen cost?
Base MSRP is $23,935. A fully equipped test vehicle reached $30,500.
What warranty comes with the 2018 SportWagen?
Volkswagen extended its bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties to six years or 72,000 miles for 2018, plus seven years/100,000 miles of corrosion coverage.
Is the 2018 Golf SportWagen safe?
Yes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates it a Top Safety Pick with six airbags and available advanced driver-assistance features.
What are the main rivals to the 2018 VW Golf SportWagen?
Primary competitors include the Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza Wagon, Kia Niro, Buick Regal TourX, and Volvo V60. Most compact wagon shoppers also consider small crossovers.
Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
Back when you could get a VW diesel sportwagen you could get it with a manual in the top trim level. Sadly they only offer the gas sportwagen with a manual in the base trim level, sort of a double whammy to their old TDI customers.