2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

Most Volkswagens are well-built, agile, fun-to-drive cars that feel slightly more premium than their competitors. Its lineup is focused on SUVs, most of which have spacious, comfortable interiors and unexpectedly responsive driving dynamics. Its Golf hatchback, especially in performance trims, is a rare balance of practicality and driving thrills. Most models, including its EVs, have excellent fit and finish. Brand-wide downsides include unintuitive controls and infotainment systems, and below-average reliability for new cars. Reliability for used VWs is average.

In updating the Jetta SportWagen to the Golf architecture, Volkswagen has renamed it the Golf SportWagen. A 170-hp, 1.8 liter gas-turbo is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. In our tests of the Golf with the 1.8-liter engine and automatic, we got 28 mpg overall. Volkswagen claims the new SportWagen is longer and wider than previous, and has as much cargo space as most small SUVs. It is available with features such as the Advanced Front-lighting System and Park Distance Control. For 2019, the 1.8-liter engine is replaced by a 147-hp 1.4-liter turbo, mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. We tested the 1.4 and eight-speed auto in the redesigned Jetta, which went from zero to 60 mph in nine seconds, and returned an excellent at 34 mpg overall. All-wheel drive models retain the 1.8. 2019 was the final year for the wagons.