2020 Audi A4 allroad Review

　　

2020 Audi A4 Allroad Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　You could have been forgiven for thinking the station wagon was all but dead. But the vehicle that successfully combines the road manners of a car with the practicality of an SUV is alive and kicking, at least at Audi dealerships. The 2020 Audi A4 Allroad is a stylish small station wagon brimming with technology. It also has a bit more ground clearance compared to the regular Audi A4 sedan and, as is typical for Audi, standard all-wheel drive.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A4 allroad Premium 4dr Wagon AWD w/2.0 TFSI (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

　　$178/mo  for A4 allroad Premium

　　A4 allroad Premium

　　Premium 4dr Wagon AWD w/2.0 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $44,600 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Wagon AWD w/2.0 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $47,700 MSRPPrestige 4dr Wagon AWD w/2.0 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $53,650 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　If you want more off-road capability and a lower price, the wagon-like Subaru Outback offers just as much practicality as the Audi. Volvo's V60 Cross Country wagon can go toe to toe with the Audi's style and costs about the same too. Larger wagons, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 Allroad, are roomier but cost substantially more money.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the A4 allroad drive? The Allroad's turbocharged engine gets it moving with unexpected authority. In zzdcar testing, our test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a respectably quick 5.7 seconds. In less aggressive driving, however, the Allroad can seem a bit slow because the transmission can be slow to downshift when you need it to. The brakes are powerful, though, and make it easy to stop smoothly.

　　The A4 Allroad handles capably. Its tire grip limits are on the modest side, but the car has great composure. It also has a surprisingly tight turning circle. On winding roads, the Allroad isn't as buttoned-down as the standard A4 sedan, but it's easier to wield than an SUV.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the A4 allroad? Serene and comfortable, the Allroad is an ideal car for a long road trip. It rides smoothly over bumps, and wind and road noise on the highway is outstandingly low. Likewise, its front seats provide long-haul comfort with good overall support, though the fixed lower thigh portion is on the short side for taller passengers.

　　The standard three-zone climate control system is a nice touch. It provides plenty of coverage from vents, but with a prominent whoosh sound. The back seat has vents and temperature control. The Allroad has heated front seats with the option for ventilated front seats and heating for the rear seats and steering wheel.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Its cabin is functionally and aesthetically pleasing. The Allroad requires less stooping over to get in because it stands a tad taller than the A4 sedan. It's also easy for drivers of just about any size to find a comfortable seating position.

　　This is an amply sized car despite its small luxury car status. 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.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? This tech-forward cabin is easy to use. Our test car was equipped with the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, which you can configure to display various functions besides just the gauges, such as a navigation map. The MMI infotainment system's menu structure is reasonably intuitive, though there's a learning curve to all such systems. The optional premium audio system sounds clear and powerful.

　　The Allroad offers a comprehensive suite of driver safety aids, though many proved to be overly sensitive and intrusive in heavy traffic. The acceleration and braking of the traffic-adaptive cruise control are smooth and natural. It even has predictive abilities to slow the Allroad as you approach a turn.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Wagon aficionados will be pleased with this one. Its cargo hold is usefully sized and easy to access. The seats fold from the cargo area — a nice touch. The front has many places to store smaller items. We like the handy sliding console lid and armest. The front seat area has numerous nooks and pockets too, though none are particularly big.

　　When it comes to kid transportation duty, the A4 Allroad has four lower car-seat anchors that 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, but you'll have to slide the front seat up a bit to make it happen.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the Allroad at 26 mpg combined, which is average among chief rivals BMW and Volvo. Our Allroad test sample achieved 27.8 mpg on the 115-mile zzdcar mixed-driving evaluation route, which is a bit closer to the highway rating than we might have expected given the mix of driving.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the A4 allroad a good value? The Allroad stands out for its cabin construction, which is at once lovely and seemingly well built. It's priced similar to its chief rival, the Volvo V60 Cross Country. Audi's bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are comparable to coverage offered by other German luxury brands.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　While the Allroad's off-road chops are mostly cosmetic in nature, it's a great look. Its over-the-road competence might surprise you, though it falls short of being a sport wagon. Its appeal is in its can-do disposition when it comes to real-world pavement.

　　A versatile wagon that looks great is a winner in our book. That it also has a beautiful and functional cabin is just the icing on the wagon cake. This is a car that you take on an unpaved access road to a hiking trail and then take on a night on the town.

　　

Which A4 allroad does zzdcar recommend?

We like the middle-of-the-road Premium Plus trim since it includes practical upgrades such as front and rear parking sensors, driver-seat memory settings, wireless charging, and keyless entry and hands-free tailgate release. The Warm Weather package, which includes ventilated sport seats, and the Navigation package are worthwhile additions.

　　

2020 Audi A4 allroad models

The 2020 A4 Allroad is offered in three trim levels: the Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All trims are powered by a 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is standard. Highlight features include:

　　Premium

　　Starts you off with:

　　18-inch wheels Panoramic sunroof Three-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable front seats 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoPremium Plus

　　Has the above plus:

　　Wireless device charging Rear-seat USB ports Front and rear parking sensors Virtual Cockpit Plus (digital instrument panel) Hands-free tailgate releasePrestige

　　Furthers the list of standard equipment with:

　　Dual-pane noise-reducing windows Ambient interior lighting Integrated navigation system Traffic-adaptive cruise control with stop and go Premium audio system

　　

2020 A4 allroad Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$44,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$178/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles