2020 Audi A4 allroad Review: A Stunning SUV Alternative
Those who casually dismiss wagons are not only misguided, but are also missing out on cars with an ideal mix of convenience, luxury, and practicality. The Audi A4 allroad sees a substantial facelift for 2020 and looks more attractive and capable than ever. Competing with such powerhouses as the Volvo V60 Cross Country and the Subaru Outback, the A4 allroad has come to the table with a comprehensively-specced three-model range that covers the safety and infotainment bases and then some. Where the allroad has an ace up its sleeve is in the styling department, luring buyers into the wagon fray with the styling of a crossover, but the handling dynamics of a wagon, bridging the gap between the current crossover craze and the purists who adore wagons of old.
What's the Price of the 2020 Audi A4 allroad?
Base models in the 2020 range have a starting MSRP of $44,600, with an increase of $3,100 to the mid-spec Premium Plus at $47,700. The top-end Prestige will set you back at least $53,650 - a $9,050 difference from the entry-level trim. These prices exclude licensing, registration, taxes, and a destination charge of $995. By comparison, the A4 sedan range starts at $37,400 for the base model and tops out at just under $50k for the top-spec variant.
2020 A4 allroad Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
187.0 in | 110.9 in | 58.8 in | 72.5 in | 62.1 in | 61.7 in | 3,825.0 lbs |
2020 A4 allroad Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Audi has managed to really marry a sedan-like driving style with the benefits of a lifted wagon, and the result is a really pleasant, silky, and balanced drive. There's more than enough grip going into, and coming out of corners. It also manages to iron out bumps and road irregularities before they get to the cabin, thanks in part to the standard suspension with damper control. SUV-like characteristics shine through in the allroad's ability to tackle slightly rougher terrain, and with various driving modes to choose from (namely comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and offroad), the allroad proves itself to be an all-rounder, combining traction control, hill descent control, and stability control to take on adverse weather conditions or mild-off-roading adventures.
2020 A4 allroad Interior
2020 A4 allroad Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Side Crash Rating |
---|
5/5 |
Verdict: Is The 2020 Audi A4 allroad A Good car?
With the steady decrease in popularity for sedans in the US and the converse upsurge of interest in crossover SUVs, the A4 allroad offers an interesting alternative to those looking for a family-oriented vehicle with versatile cargo space, safety, and a great driving experience. Audi has managed to tick all of these boxes with the allroad, providing enough space for a family of five and cargo space that rivals some smaller SUVs - all while retaining the good looks and smooth drive of a sedan. The standard quattro all-wheel-drive system means it is also a competent all-weather driver, and the capable engine under the hood makes for an easy cruise, even when fully laden. While some rivals may offer a more opulent cabin - and many SUVs will counter with added off-roading prowess and versatility - there's really nothing overly flawed about this wagon, especially now that our gripes with the 2019 infotainment system have been appeased. If you're not finding the idea of a wagon palatable, you should take one for a test drive before making up your mind. The allroad will surely surprise you.
What Audi A4 allroad Model Should I Buy?
While even the entry-level model is generally well specified, it's the upper-end trims that really impress with standard features and high levels of tech. As most buyers who are even considering a wagon are probably doing so because they have a family that requires space, practicality, and safety, it makes sense to opt for one of the higher trims. So, to spec the mid-range Premium Plus with the available packages that bring it in line with the fully-loaded Prestige will set you at around the same price anyway; just opt for the Prestige from the start. With included navigation, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, lane assist, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display, this trim won't leave you wanting for anything.
2020 Audi A4 allroad Comparisons
2020 Audi A4 allroad vs Subaru Outback
A rather glaring difference between the A4 allroad and Subaru's crossover offering, is the price. Entry-level Outbacks cost only $26,645 - a rather large gap to the $44,600 starting price of the base A4 allroad. For this affordable price, the Outback covers only the basics of safety and infotainment, with the allroad coming much better equipped off the factory floor even at entry point to the range. Upfitting the Outback to be on par with the top-spec allroad will cost you less than the fully-loaded allroad, regardless. Still, the Outback offers much more impressive cargo space and the ability to tow between 2,700 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on powertrain (where the allroad isn't rated for towing at all). Speaking of which, the Subaru allows for a choice between two engines, with only the turbocharged 2.4-liter mill making more torque than the allroad by 4 lb-ft. The flip side of this coin is far better gas mileage, however, with the Outback achieving 26/33/29 mpg with it's weaker base engine. Picking either will come down to your specific needs: want a spacious cargo area that can also haul your boat on family vacations? Go with the Outback. If you want a glorified soccer-mom car that looks like an executive and behaves like one too, pick the allroad.
2020 Audi A4 allroad vs Audi Q5
Midsize families looking for space and versatility can readily compare wagons and compact SUVs, as the benefits of either tend to overlap. Such is the case with these two Germans, who share a powertrain and, as a result, performance figures too. Surprisingly, the Q5 only offers a cubic foot more for cargo behind the rear seats, and with the back row folded down, offers five less than the wagon. And, due to its larger body and heftier curb weight, the Q5 is thirstier too, with EPA ratings of 22/28/24 mpg as opposed to the allroad's 23/31/26 mpg. Both Audi's mirror each other in terms of features by trim, but where the Q5 excels is in its 8.2 inches of ground clearance, which is a good 1.7 inches more than the allroad. The choice between the A4 allroad and the Q5 really comes down to your lifestyle here (as price differences are around $1,300 with the Q5 being cheaper), where the Q5 offers a bit more leeway for mild off-road adventure, and the allroad keeps it a little more urban. If it were up to us, though, we'd give the A4 allroad a space in our garage for the suave practicality it pulls off so beautifully.