Impeccably crafted interior with top-notch materials
Higher ground clearance for enhanced off-road ability
More maneuverable than most crossover SUVs with comparable utility
Turbocharged engine provides strong performance
Cons
Transmission can be slow to respond in low-speed driving
Driver aids are overly sensitive but can be switched off
What’s new
After last year's redesign, changes to the 2018 Audi A4 Allroad are mostly limited to feature and package shuffles. Heated seats are now standard, and the midlevel Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring to its list of equipment. Standard features on the top-trim Prestige now include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, and lane departure warning and mitigation. The Premium Plus can now be equipped with the Warm Weather package.
Vehicle overview
While crossovers are undoubtedly more in demand these days, reports of the station wagon's death are greatly exaggerated. You might have noticed the wagon's recent resurgence in popularity. Luxury brands, in particular, are feeding this revival with models such as Buick's Regal TourX and Jaguar's XF Sportbrake. But some European manufacturers have already been serving up luxury wagons for years. Audi is one of them, and its latest offering is the 2018 A4 Allroad.
Like its name suggests, the Allroad is based on the popular A4 sedan. The Allroad is more expensive than its sibling, but in return you get greater cargo-carrying utility, standard all-wheel drive and an increased ride height. That last one helps provide some light off-road ability. The Allroad's sumptuous cabin also looks more modern and luxurious than what you'll find in rival wagons such as the BMW 330i wagon and Volvo V60. These strengths, along with the Allroad's capable handling, comfortable ride and silent cabin, combine to make one of the best entries in its class.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
8.0 / 10
The 2018 Audi A4 Allroad is appealing on many fronts. It boasts an expansive cargo area, a comfortable ride, enhanced off-road capability and a wealth of standard features. Whether you're shopping for a luxury wagon or an alternative to a crossover SUV, the Allroad is a smart pick.
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 2017 Audi A4 Allroad Prestige (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
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. 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 reapplying 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 is easy to modulate in everyday pedal applications, however. 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. Surprisingly tight turning circle. But it's 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 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
Compliant padding provides the right amount of give to ensure comfort on long drives. The side bolsters are modest but sufficient. Good overall support, 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. 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 climate control fan whoosh. There is noticeable driveline action (like a bump) as you approach zero mph, though.
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 temp control, which is not entirely common. Heated front seats are standard, and ventilated fronts, 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 of 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. Doors are lightweight and open wide. 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 lots of 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. Panoramic sunroof is unfortunately compulsory, but headroom is still ample.
Visibility
9.0
Reasonably slim pillars create a wide 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. No squeaks or rattles. 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 this one. 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; 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
An easy-to-use tech-forward cabin. The highly visible Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster puts the competition to shame. Device integration software such as Apple CarPlay is standard, though no aux 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 Google 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 Edmunds recommend?
Considering the Premium trim level's lengthy list of standard features, it might be tempting to just go with this base trim and call it a day. But we recommend jumping to Premium Plus for a couple reasons. You get a lot of upgrades for the price, including the Premium's Convenience package (keyless entry and satellite radio, among others) along with upgrades like LED headlights, parking sensors and a fantastic premium audio system. It also opens the door to the Cold Weather and Warm Weather packages, should you want to equip your luxury wagon with heated and ventilated seats.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Audi A4 allroad models
The 2018 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 little more and adds keyless entry, a blind-spot monitor and satellite radio. The Prestige is significantly more expensive and counts automated driver and advanced safety systems among its upgrades. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
Every A4 Allroad is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque). 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 and mitigation.
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 and two USB ports.
The Premium can be further bolstered by the Convenience package, which includes auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless entry, driver-seat memory settings, an upgraded driver info display and satellite radio.
The Premium Plus trim adds the Convenience package, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear collision preparation and a 19-speaker premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system.
This trim is also eligible for the Navigation and Telematics package option that adds a navigation system; Audi Connect services (includes emergency telematics, 4G LTE connectivity and in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, among other services); a virtual instrument panel inside the gauge cluster; a touchpad infotainment controller; and an 8.3-inch central display screen.
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, and a lane departure warning and intervention system.
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.
2018 Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Wagon AWD w/Prod. End 6/18 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I am absolutely smitten with my Allroad. Compared to my prior 2014 Q7 and 2016 Grand Cherokee, I can say that the fit and finish of the 2018 Allroad is superior. It is quiet, powerful, comfortable, fun to drive and very well thought out. Cargo space is ample. My ONLY complaint so far is that the cup holders were ill planned, but that is by no means a deal breaker.
Update: We just had … our first ice/snow event here in the midwest and the new Quattro w/ Ultra Technology works flawlessly and allows for a very confident drive. I can detect no difference when the system engages the rear wheels at all. I was skeptical as to how it would compare to the tried and true Quattro system, but I'm not anymore. This car drives incredibly well on all surfaces.
Update November 2019: I still LOVE my car. There have been zero mechanical issues, and gas mileage is incredible on long trips. Often, we saw over 35 MPG when driving over 130 miles loaded up with a family of four. I also can't say enough about how much fun this car is to drive! It has great power and handles better than a wagon has any right to. The Allroad is absolutely GREAT in the winter, too. We get more than our share of snow here and it is no problem whatsoever. I still highly recommend this car!
Amazing Allroad
5 out of 5 stars
Ray K, 02/27/2017
2017 Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
This car is a joy to drive. The composure and sure footedness is impressive at any speed. Going a wee bit :) over the speed limit, you will not know how fast you are going. Thank goodness for the head up display on the Prestige trim. This is a silent and stealth car for those of us who are looking to do some spirited driving and get the children to school. The quiet cabin is amazing … as well. Enjoying every drive!
This is THE car for people who like to travel
5 out of 5 stars
Tyler, 12/07/2017
2017 Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Surprising fuel economy on the highway, comfortable ride in every condition. If you consider buying one of these you need to have the sport front seats and virtual cockpit.
update: 3year/45000miles of ownership car never had any problem, the ride quality is still top notch. Fuel economy stays around 35mpg on highways. It had been through a tough winter traveling with me and the all … wheel drive is what i’m impressed the most.
Traded in my BMW X5 for Allroad...happy I did!!!
4 out of 5 stars
Matthew, 11/14/2019
2017 Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Wagon AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
5 months ago I bought a BMW X5 (completely different than the Allroad I know) but between it being in the shop too often with minor issues and the horrible breaking system...I swapped it for the Allroad. Glad I did! Before I get into pros/cons...another reviewer mentioned a "clicking" feeling in the pedal every time the car is started. This isn't a defect. It's the ABS system testing … itself (I was concerned myself but a quick google search answered it). It happens at about 27 mph and although noticeable, it really doesn't bother me. Test drive and see for yourself.
Pros of the car: steering is very light at low speeds making driving in city pleasant. Apple Carplay and virtual cockpit are awesome. I make a lot of calls from the car and it makes it very easy. The driving modes (Offroad all the way to Dynamic) do change the feeling of the car quite a bit thanks to the adaptive dampers. So its fun to change them if I want fun vs comfort driving. My daughter is 3.5 years old and a bulky rear facing child seat is no problem. My wife 5'3" and I am 5'9" and we both have plenty of leg room in passenger seat.
Cons: I drive 90% of the time in the city. The gas mileage just isn't great. I'd really have to milk it just to get 18mpg's (way different story on highway. The MPG is awesome). Although it sits higher than a standard A4, the step in height is a bit lower. But it's a sporty car so doesn't bother me too much. Whoever thought that plastic trunk liner was a good idea should be fired. My bags just slide back and forth at every stop light and drives me absolutely bonkers. Going to buy myself a rubber Weathertech liner for Christmas (not what I want to do after spending $40k on a car).
Overall: I'm very happy with the car. The technology, the comfort, ease of getting my daughter in and out and the styling have won me over. Also, its actually a very rare car. There are Q5's absolutely everywhere but I might see another Allroad once every couple of weeks. As a result, people ask me about the car often. Which is kind of fun! I also think resale value will be much higher. Finally, if you are looking at buying an A5 (which I was), do yourself a massive favor and get the Allroad. It is the same price and has everything the A5 has but none of the drawbacks (most notably the lack of headroom and smaller trunk space).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Audi A4 allroad, so we've included reviews for other years of the A4 allroad since its last redesign.
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Scorecard
