2021 Audi A4 allroad Review
2021 Audi A4 allroad Review
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Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The transformation of an A4 to Allroad spec is largely cosmetic and hasn't spoiled the plot. This is a comfortable, well-trimmed, capable and quiet car that's ideally suited to long drives. It's also the only way to get an A4 as a wagon. This is a car that you take on an unpaved access road to a hiking trail and then follow it up with a night on the town.
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2021 Audi A4 Allroad Review
byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
- Impeccably crafted interior
- Higher ground clearance slightly enhances off-road ability
- More maneuverable than most crossover SUVs with comparable utility
- Turbocharged engine provides strong performance
Cons
- Transmission can be slow to respond
- Some advanced driver aids are overly sensitive
What's new
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 13-horsepower increase to 261 hp
- More standard tech and driver aids
- Part of the third A4 Allroad generation introduced for 2017
Overview
Can't decide between a wagon or an SUV? Audi might have just the vehicle for you: the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad. It's essentially a wagon version of Audi's A4 sedan that has a slightly higher stance, extra body cladding, standard all-wheel drive and a few other minor changes. Notably, the Allroad is currently the only version of the A4 wagon available in America, so it's this or nothing. But it does complement the Audi A4 sedan's already comfortable and premium interior with extra cargo space.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi A4 allroad Premium 4dr Wagon AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$181/mo for A4 allroad Premium
A4 allroad Premium
vs
$158/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Since nearly every automaker has stopped selling wagons in the United States, the A4 Allroad has few rivals. The most notable competitor is the Volvo V60 Cross Country. The Cross Country treatment is basically Volvo's equivalent to the Allroad, with a lifted suspension and body cladding for a tougher look than the standard V60 wagon. There's also the Subaru Outback. It's larger and less expensive than the A4 Allroad, but it can't compete with the Audi when it comes to luxury features. What should you get? Check out our Expert Rating below to see if the updated Audi A4 Allroad is the right fit for you.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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
edmunds TESTED
The transformation of an A4 to Allroad spec is largely cosmetic and hasn't spoiled the plot. This is a comfortable, well-trimmed, capable and quiet car that's ideally suited to long drives. It's also the only way to get an A4 as a wagon. This is a car that you take on an unpaved access road to a hiking trail and then follow it up with a night on the town.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
7/10
How does the A4 allroad drive? The Allroad's turbocharged engine gets it moving with unexpected authority. In Edmunds' 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.
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.
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.
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
8/10
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.
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.
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 vehicle achieved 27.8 mpg on the 115-mile Edmunds 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
8/10
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 out for a night on the town.
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 out for a night on the town.
Which A4 allroad does Edmunds recommend?
The midlevel Premium Plus trim is the way to go. It offers a nice mix of standard features, such as adaptive cruise control and LED lighting, and gives you the most flexibility for picking optional extras you might want.
2021 Audi A4 allroad models
The 2021 Audi A4 Allroad is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All three are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets a slight bump in power this year, up to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include:
Premium
Comes fairly well equipped with:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- Adaptive suspension (enhances ride comfort and handling)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Keyless ignition
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- 10-inch touchscreen
- Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
The Premium trim's optional Convenience package adds:
- Keyless entry
- Hands-free operation for the liftgate
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Memory settings for mirrors and driver's seat
Premium Plus
The Premium Plus trim includes all Premium features plus:
- All the features of the Convenience package
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the A4 Allroad back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the A4 Allroad and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Wireless device charging
- Rear-seat USB ports
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Configurable digital gauge cluster (Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus)
Options for the Premium Plus include:
- Warm Weather package (upgraded and ventilated front seats, rear window shades)
- Integrated navigation system
- Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
Prestige
Comes standard with all of the above and further adds:
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Dual-pane noise-reducing windows
- Ambient interior lighting
- Heated rear seats
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi A4 allroad.
5 star(67%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
18 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Still Fantastic After a Year!
Ryan, 11/02/2018
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!
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Allroad
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!
5 out of 5 stars
This is THE car for people who like to travel
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Traded in my BMW X5 for Allroad...happy I did!!!
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 2021 Audi A4 allroad, so we've included reviews for other years of the A4 allroad since its last redesign.
2021 A4 allroad Highlights
Premium
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $44,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the A4 allroad models:
- Audi Side Assist
- Illuminates a light in the side mirror when a vehicle enters the Allroad's blind spot. Sounds an alert when the turn signal is activated.
- Parking System Plus
- Warns the driver as the Allroad approaches an object immediately behind or in front of the car.
- Top-View Camera System
- Provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the car to aid parking.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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