The 2022 Audi A4 Allroad proves that’s not true. The A4 Allroad hangs on to its carlike qualities while providing a more rugged look and a little extra space between its underside and the ground. This formula isn’t new; the A4 Allroad has several well-established rugged-class wagon rivals including the Subaru Outback and the Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Its turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel-drive provide plenty of power and all-weather capability while its interior offers generous space for people and cargo, as well as a host of standard high-tech. You won’t see the Allroad going toe-to-toe with Jeeps and Toyota 4Runners in Moab, but this wagon has all the same abilities as the average compact crossover—plus some premium flair.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There’s only one powertrain for the 2022 Audi A4 Allroad , but it’s a good one: the gutsier, 261-hp version of the regular A4’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which now comes with a 12-volt hybrid system. A seven-speed automatic transmission and the latest version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard.
In our experience with older nonhybrid models, we noted that the gearbox modulates its attitude depending on the driver’s demands and can snap off quick, precise shifts under hard driving or more relaxed, unobtrusive shifts around town. We’ll have to wait to test the A4 Allroad with its new powertrain. From our previous experience with it, however, the A4 Allroad drives like a dream, balancing ride and handling extremely well.
Its cornering grip is plenty adequate and puts it right in line with most competitors. It feels like a car rather than an SUV, something we think a lot of buyers will appreciate. We certainly do.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2022 Audi A4 Allroad will earn 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, we can’t evaluate its real-world mpg until we run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the A4 Allroad’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The 2022 Audi A4 Allroad has an attractive, businesslike interior, which we would like far better if we hadn’t seen the art piece that is the V90’s cabin. It may not be beautiful, but the A4 Allroad’s cabin is perfectly functional, handsome, nicely appointed, and comfortable. Despite being significantly shorter in exterior length than several of its competitors, the Allroad’s back seat has nearly as much legroom as both the Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon and the V90. As befits a luxury car, the Allroad comes standard with leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and three-zone automatic climate control.
The A4 Allroad lost the carry-on luggage test before we even got our suitcases out, however. It’s smaller inside and out than competitors such as the E-class wagon and the Outback. More perplexing is that it barely beat the sedan version of the A4 in seats-up cargo-carrying room, despite its supposed 11-cubic-foot advantage in cargo volume; it held just six carry-ons behind the rear seat, only one more than the A4 sedan.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi was one of the first automakers to bring data plans and Wi-Fi into cars, and it hasn’t stopped innovating. Audi’s MMI infotainment system’s newest crown jewel is the optional Virtual Cockpit, a high-resolution configurable display located where the gauge cluster would normally be. It can be arranged to show either a digital version of a traditional cluster layout or a more infotainment-focused display, which can feature real-time Google Maps overlays of the surrounding environs. A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen takes center stage atop the dashboard and features Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A wide array of available driver-assistance technology is impressive, but only forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are standard. For more information about the A4 Allroad’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Photos
