2019 Audi A4 allroad Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

Slightly less power than last yearAdditional features are standard with Premium Plus trimPart of the third A4 Allroad generation introduced for 2017

　　SUVs are the default vehicles for buyers who need cargo room and all-weather dependability, but many wagons offer both, along with an arguably more engaging driving experience. Every 2019 Audi A4 Allroad comes with all-wheel drive to handle the elements, plus more ground clearance than the standard A4 sedan. At the same time, its lower center of gravity and lighter weight make it more fun to drive than the Q5 crossover. The A4 Allroad's SUV practicality, along with sedan styling and driving dynamics, truly makes it the best of both worlds.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$188/mo  for A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $45,700 MSRP2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $50,600 MSRP2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $53,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Step inside and you'll find the high-tech and beautifully detailed cabin shared by most modern Audis. A standard panoramic sunroof illuminates an interior trimmed in wood or aluminum inlays, and every model comes with high-quality leather upholstery. (Many luxury compacts are outfitted with simulated leather.) The central display screen is bright and easy to navigate; it effortlessly complements the optional Virtual Cockpit feature, which puts maps and crucial audio information right in the instrument panel. Despite the A4 Allroad's compact billing, four tall adults will find the cabin spacious. Drop the rear seats and you'll find the A4 Allroad has even more maximum cargo space than the Q5.

　　There aren't many small luxury wagons — the redesigned Volvo V60 comes close but doesn't have the same tough off-road look of the A4 Allroad. There's also the Buick Regal TourX, which isn't as pretty inside but has more cargo room at a much lower price. Even in the face of these two tough competitors, the 2019 Audi A4 Allroad impresses us with a rich, luxurious cabin and superb driving dynamics. If you're looking for a new vehicle with tons of cargo and passenger room, consider the A4 Allroad before jumping straight to the dime-a-dozen SUVs that litter suburban shopping mall parking lots.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Audi A4 Allroad as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.0 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi A4 Allroad Prestige (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current A4 Allroad has received some revisions, including a slight reduction in power for 2019 and shuffled trim features throughout its lifespan. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's A4 Allroad, however.:

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine moves this heavy wagon with unexpected authority, though its responses can be slow-witted at times. The brakes are powerful and easy to use. The steering is precise but lifeless. The Allroad goes around turns better than you might anticipate.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The Allroad accelerates impressively when you floor it but has frustratingly delayed responses in city driving situations. It's also slow to respond when you reapply the gas pedal after coasting. Sport mode sharpens it up nicely. It hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, a quick time for a family-friendly wagon.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The brake pedal is initially fairly soft, typical of Audis. The braking attitude, however, is easy to modulate in everyday pedal applications. It stops straight and without drama in hard braking. We stopped from 60 mph in 108 feet, a surprisingly capable result given its modest tires.

　　

Steering

6.0

　　The steering feels fairly quick and responsive, so it's easy to get around parking lots. The turning circle is surprisingly tight. But the steering is also lifeless and doesn't communicate how the car is handling to the driver, reducing confidence.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The Allroad handles rather capably given its all-season tires. Its limits are on the modest side, but the car has great composure. On winding roads, it's not as buttoned-down as the sedan but is still nimble.

　　

Drivability

5.5

　　Shifts are very smooth but unhurried. The dual-clutch transmission may be the source of some response delays in city driving. The engine is slow to restart with the stop-start system engaged, but thankfully it can be switched off. There's minimal engine braking, even when manually downshifting.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　Serene and comfortable, this A4 is an ideal car for a coast-to-coast freeway road trip. Its ride compliance is very good, and the noise levels are outstandingly low. Likewise, its seats provide long-haul comfort. The standard three-zone climate control system is a nice touch.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The seats' compliant padding provides the right amount of give to ensure comfort on long drives. The side bolsters are modest but sufficient. Support is good overall, though the fixed lower thigh portion is on the short side for taller drivers. The back seat is relatively flat but still delivers decent support.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The ride has a hint of buoyancy but stops short of feeling floaty. The adaptive dampers provide a modest yet noticeable range of firmness. Allroad models come with taller tires with more sidewall height than those on normal A4s, which makes them better at muting coarse road surfaces.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　The Allroad excels at eliminating wind and engine noise. You'll hear tire impacts, but even these are pretty muted. At freeway speeds, the only audible noise is the whoosh of the climate control fan. But there is noticeable driveline lurch (like you hit a bump) as you approach 0 mph.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　Thanks to the wide coverage provided by the vents, the climate control system easily maintains a set temperature. Rear passengers have vents and temperature control, which is not entirely common. Heated front seats are standard, and ventilated front seats, heated rears and a heated steering wheel are available.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The Allroad's cabin is functionally and aesthetically one of the best in class, and it's highly accommodating to drivers of all sizes. The car is easy to access, see out of and place on the road. It sits just a hair taller than the standard A4, so step-in and liftover heights are barely affected.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　Like many Audis, the A4 Allroad has a thoughtfully designed cabin that doesn't take long to learn. The 2017 redesign brought an updated MMI controller that's easier to access than previously, and other controls fall readily to hand. Steering wheel controls have good differentiation and positioning.

　　

Getting in/getting out

9.0

　　The Allroad requires less stooping over to get in because it stands a tad taller than the A4 sedan. The doors are lightweight and open wide. The front seat bolsters pose no hindrance either. Each door opening has a headliner-mounted grab handle.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　There's a good relationship between pedals, seat and steering wheel. The contours and size of steering wheel grip are ideal. The long reach afforded by the telescoping steering wheel and ample vertical seat travel help the Allroad accommodate drivers of all sizes.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　This car offers ample room despite its "compact" billing. There's loads of space up front, particularly headroom. Backseat space is easily suited to two 6-footers, though those longer of leg might want a touch more legroom. The panoramic sunroof is unfortunately compulsory, but headroom is still ample.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The reasonably slim pillars create a broad view out the front. A backup camera is standard, and front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring are included in the upgrade to Premium Plus. The optional Virtual Cockpit instrument panel and head-up display help keep eyes on the road.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　The Allroad feels robust and exceptionally well-built. There aren't any squeaks or rattles. The nicely integrated cabin components give an impression of solidity. Precise-feeling action from all knobs and buttons make them pleasant to use, though the metallic-finish climate control buttons tend to cast reflections.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　Wagon aficionados will be pleased with the A4 Allroad. Its cargo hold is usefully sized and easy to access. The rear seats fold by pulling releases in the cargo area. There are many places to store smaller items up front. Car seats are easily accommodated, save for having to move the front seat forward.

　　

Small-item storage

8.0

　　We like the handy sliding console lid/armrest. The front seat area has numerous nooks and pockets, too, though none is particularly big. Larger personal items may have to be stored elsewhere, such as the main cargo hold.

　　

Cargo space

9.0

　　There's ample volume in the cargo area, which also has tie-down points and two side cubbies with nets. The 40/20/40-split back seat folds almost flat. A low liftover height makes for easy cargo loading. The raked rear window, however, may inhibit loading of tall and bulky items.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.5

　　The four lower LATCH anchors are readily accessible beneath plastic covers. The outboard upper tethers are two-thirds of the way up their respective seatbacks, and the center is located near the top. A rearward-facing car seat fits, though the front-seat occupant will feel the pinch.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　This tech-forward cabin is easy to use. The highly visible Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster puts the competition to shame. Device integration software such as Apple CarPlay is standard, though no auxiliary input is available. Some of its optional driver assistance features seem especially sensitive.

　　

Audio & navigation

9.0

　　Our test car was equipped with the larger center screen and Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, which provides a sharp, expansive view. The MMI's menu structure is reasonably intuitive, though there's a learning curve to all such systems. The Bang & Olufsen system sounds clear and powerful.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Two USB ports, two SD card slots, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Allroads. No auxiliary jack is provided.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　The Allroad offers a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though many proved to be overly sensitive and intrusive in heavy traffic. Adaptive cruise control is seamless and impressive, and its uphill grade logic is good. Its predictive abilities slow the car as you approach a turn.

　　

Which A4 allroad does zzdcar recommend?

　　Trim content has been slightly shuffled for 2019, making the Premium with the Convenience package an even more attractive proposition than before. However, we still think the Premium Plus model is the sweet spot in the lineup. It adds the Convenience package, Audi's trick digital instrument panel, a navigation system, and additional USB ports for backseat passengers. It also opens the doors to the Cold Weather and Warm Weather packages, as well as the stand-alone Bang & Olufsen audio system.

　　

2019 Audi A4 allroad models

　　The 2019 Audi A4 Allroad is a five-seat luxury wagon that offers greater utility and ground clearance than the A4 sedan. The base Premium trim is loaded with features, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Plus costs a bit more and adds parking sensors, an eye-catching digital instrument panel and a larger central display screen. The Prestige is significantly more expensive and counts automated driver and advanced safety systems among its upgrades. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque), a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

　　Standard exterior features on the base Premium trim include 18-inch wheels, underbody skid plates, xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, an adaptive suspension, selectable drive modes, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　Inside, you also get tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, keyless ignition, heated and eight-way power front seats (with driver four-way power lumbar adjustment), a driver information display, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, interior ambient lighting, Audi's MMI infotainment system, a 7-inch central display, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio and two USB ports.

　　The Premium can be further bolstered by the Convenience package, which includes auto-dimming exterior mirrors, keyless entry, driver-seat memory functions, satellite radio, a blind-spot monitor, and rear collision preparation.

　　The Premium Plus trim adds the Convenience package, LED headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a virtual instrument panel inside the gauge cluster, Audi Connect services (includes emergency telematics, 4G LTE connectivity and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, among other services), a navigation system, an 8.3-inch central display with a touchpad infotainment controller, faux leather interior trim, and rear charge-only USB ports.

　　At the top of the range, the Prestige trim includes all of the above, along with automatic high-beam control, noise-reducing front windows, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, enhanced interior lighting, a surround-view camera system, a lane departure warning and intervention system, and a 19-speaker premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system (optional on Premium Plus models).

　　The Premium Plus and Prestige trims can be ordered with the Cold Weather (heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel) and Warm Weather (manual rear sunshades and ventilated front sport seats with passenger lumbar adjustment) packages.Rear-seat side airbags are available as a stand-alone option on any trim level.

　　

2019 A4 allroad Highlights

Trim: 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro2.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$45,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles