2019 VW Jetta vs. Golf Alltrack Includes Drag Race

The Alltrack had quite a rocky road getting here. It was first shown as a pre-production concept but took a while to get into showrooms, partly because it was happening at the same time as the diesel emissions scandal. As for the Jetta, it's designed specifically for the American market.

Despite both wearing the VW badge, these two cars are different, in that the Jetta is tuned for comfort while the Golf still has that core German sportiness. The Jetta is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes 147 horsepower and is hooked up to a standard DSG gearbox.

Meanwhile, the Golf Alltrack sends 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque from its 1.8-liter turbo to all four wheels via a manual, though DSG is available. It does 0 to 60 in about 7 seconds and pulverizes the Jetta in the drag race.

Of course, TFL does its tests under less-than-ideal conditions, so the Golf Alltrack did 60 in 8 seconds. The Jetta struggles to even hit 60 in the race and eventually reaches it in 9.8 seconds. She's built for economy, not speed.

The guys talk about how the Golf is starting to look a little old, especially when compared to the all-new Jetta. However, you can see where Volkswagen cut corners to save a little money. For example, the hood isn't held up with a strut, and the sexy trunk latch inside the VW badge is no more.

But the Jetta offers more legroom and comes with more modern technology, such as that digital dashboard. The reviewers even took the time to check which trunk is more comfortable to be stuck inside. After all, this is the people's car!