2020 Audi A4 Review

Name: 2020 Audi A4 Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 22998 USD

2020 Audi A4 Prestige 45 TFSI quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

+222

The well-rounded Audi A4 should be just right for shoppers looking for an entry-level luxury sedan. It offers the same sort of performance, efficiency, driving experience and interior quality (or better) than top-rated German rivals and boasts a lower price and easier-to-use electronics. Your heart and head should be equally pleased.

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2020 Audi A4 Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Cabin looks cool and is impeccably constructed
Advanced and easy-to-use safety and technology features
Back seat is spacious enough for adults
Turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration in the A4 45 TFSI

Cons

Some initial hesitation from transmission when accelerating
Lack of feedback from steering limits driver involvement

What's new

Updated front-end styling with standard LED headlights
New touchscreen-based infotainment system
More items added to list of standard features
Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

With its updated 2020 A4, Audi has really dialed in its distinctive mix of luxury and technology. Specifically, Audi has added its latest MMI touch infotainment system to the A4, which includes a large 10.1-inch high resolution touchscreen. On some of its other models, Audi has also added a secondary screen for the climate controls, but we're glad the A4 has stuck with its classic button-based system since it's a lot easier to use.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 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 $4.02 per gallon for premium unleaded in Minnesota.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Minnesota

$164/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

2020 brings a few other changes as well, but the A4 is still pretty much the same satisfying small luxury sedan it's always been. As for alternatives, there's the BMW 3 Series, which is the most similar to the A4 in terms of style and feel. Mercedes-Benz's venerable C-Class offers a little more luxury appointments, and the stylish Volvo S60 and sporty Genesis G70 are also compelling choices. Overall, though, we're fond of the A4 and certainly recommend it if you want a sedan that provides a well-rounded approach to luxury, technology and performance.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Great

8.3

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the A4 drive? When equipped with the more powerful of its two engines, the Audi A4 moves out with impressive acceleration. Just as impressive are the A4's manners during the daily commute. The engine is smooth and quiet, and transmission shifts are imperceptible. Unfortunately, the A4 shows some initial hesitation when pulling away from a stop, which can be annoying on occasion.

The brakes are some of the best in class, and not just for their absolute stopping power. They're also easy to use for typical driving around town and slowing down smoothly. We also like the A4's handling, which takes full advantage of the traction from Audi's all-wheel-drive system. The steering feel could be better, but overall the A4 is a difficult car to fault.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the A4? The A4's front seats are on the firm side, but they're still comfortable enough for long road trips. The A4 is quiet on the highway, and you won't hear much wind or road noise. The standard suspension has a typical Germanic firmness to it. It controls body motions well when you're going over bumps, but it's not overly harsh.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? You'll find the A4 has a stylish and functional cabin with an emphasis on technology. The optional Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster re-creates analog gauges or can display navigation or entertainment info. It's such a good system that other manufacturers have moved to adopt a similar setup.

Long gone are the days when the A4 was a compact car. The latest A4 feels almost like a midsize sedan, with sufficient legroom for four amply sized adults aboard. There's no issue with headroom for 6-footers in the back either. Visibility is also quite good thanks to thin pillars and plenty of glass.

Technology

9.0/10

How’s the tech? Audi's new MMI touch infotainment system has made its way into the A4 and offers higher-quality graphics on its larger 10.1-inch screen. The new screen requires a bit more study than the outgoing system, which had a knob for selecting settings, but the on-screen menus remain somewhat familiar. Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument panel, is also available and gains further refinements to keep it at the top of the class.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and both front and rear passengers will find ample USB ports. Wireless charging is also available.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The A4 has a bit less trunk volume than competitors. But the A4 gets additional consideration for its generous trunk opening and practical cutouts, which allow for extra storage bins or room for golf clubs. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that allow for extra flexibility when transporting passengers and larger objects. Inside, the A4 offers a modicum of storage for personal items.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the A4 Quattro gets 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway), which is an average figure for a four-cylinder small luxury sedan. We got 26.8 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route and found we didn't have to drive too conservatively to hit that number.

Value

8.0/10

Is the A4 a good value? Don't assume the A4 offers meager value given its German heritage. It provides more standard equipment for the money than its German rivals, and it's less expensive than them when loaded. Some luxury cars do offer more features for less, but without the A4's overall degree of excellence. Audi's warranties are typical for the class, with both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties coming in at four years/50,000 miles.

Wildcard

8.0/10

The Audi A4 can be described as excessively competent. It can be hustled along a back road with confidence and impresses with its overall dynamic prowess. Fun, though? There's ultimately some sizzle missing, and the steering in particular limits driver engagement. Instead, its driving experience is competent, confidence-inspiring and probably what most shoppers are looking for.

Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?

We think the Audi A4 in its Premium trim offers a good amount of Audi's newest technology without breaking the bank. We strongly suggest springing for the 45 TFSI engine (the more powerful of the two engines offered) as well as the Driver's Assistance package for Audi's excellent adaptive cruise control, as well as the Navigation package to make the most of the digital instrument panel.

2020 Audi A4 models

The 2020 Audi A4 is offered in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Moving up through the trim levels offers more standard features as well as some option packages not available on the entry-level Premium.

All three trims offer your choice of two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines: the 40 TFSI (188 horsepower, 236 lb-ft) and the 45 TFSI (248 hp, 273 lb-ft). The 40 TFSI is only available in front-wheel drive, while the 45 TFSI comes standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard with either engine.

The Premium comes fairly well equipped with features such as LED headlights, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. But it lacks Audi's Virtual Cockpit, which is a cool, fully digital gauge cluster display. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim gets you the Virtual Cockpit as well as parking sensors and rear-seat USB ports among other features.

The top-of-the-line Prestige has the above features plus an integrated navigation system, a premium sound system, traffic-adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, ambient interior lighting and unique LED headlights.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#35 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A4 from 2008-2022.}

$607/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.16x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.7%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Audi A4.

5 (71%)

4 (6%)

3 (10%)

2 (6%)

1 (7%)

4.3

31 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Still a top notch entry-level sports sedan

A4_times_2, 03/27/2019

2019 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This is my second A4 in the current body style. I leased a very early production 2017 A4 Quattro and just replaced it with a 2019 A4 Quattro Premium Plus. I decided to lease another A4 for a few reasons. First, I really enjoyed my old A4. Second, I wasn't overwhelmed by the new S60 and BMW 3 series, and I am not quite ready to go for a Tesla. The pros of the A4 start with the Virtual … Cockpit infotainment system. If you don't get it, you're missing a huge selling point for the car. Virtual Cockpit is no longer the newest system on the block, but it is still excellent. Having the large Google Earth map with traffic info right in front of me while dealing with LA rush hour traffic is a huge plus. It isn't an annoying touchscreen system, which makes it less distracting. You do have to take a little time to learn all the features offered and set it up to your liking (it's worth spending time digging through all the menus), but once you're done, it's pretty intuitive. Virtual Cockpit is fast and it appears to be a little snappier than 2017 version. The rest of the interior is well put together and high quality. I am 6'2" with a big frame (size 14 feet, broad shoulders) and I fit really well in the driver seat. The sport seat with the extendable thigh support is a must for me given my body size. Also, the extendable and height adjustable center armrest is a fantastic detail that you don't see in a lot of non-VW/Audi cars. This is actually one of the few cars where my right knee isn't squeezed by the center console and dash. This was mentioned as a problem by another reviewer, but I haven't had this issue. Even the Honda Accord, which is a bigger car overall, didn't fit me well. In terms of performance, the '45' engine has plenty of power, especially low in the rev band. This is helpful for quick starts or squirting through tight openings. It's not earth shattering, but it certainly gets the job done and is class competitive. The ride seems a little tighter and more composed than in my old A4. It may be just that the car is new or they could have tweaked the suspension, but I definitely feel it. The car feels really solid and stable, though not cushy, even on nasty LA roads. I wouldn't call it super sporty, but the ride definitely has a premium feel and cabin noise is limited. The downsides of the A4 aren't huge, but they are there. Reliability could be a question mark. My 2017, again a very early model, had some 'teething problems' that I hope don't happen with the new car. The right side mirror motor failed, a parking sensor failed and I had a defective brake pad. So far, no issues with the new one. Styling is fine, but it won't turn heads. They cleaned up the exhaust area and tweaked the front end for 2019. Other nags: The 'kick' trunk opening feature is a pain on this model. Before, it would work if you 'kicked' right under the center of the rear end. Now, it's toward the left side and very hit or miss. You can't get adaptive cruise control or a 360 camera without getting the expensive Prestige trim. This is annoying considering cars half the price now at least have adaptive cruise. Also, Audi Connect, which includes the Google Earth maps, is expensive at $49.99 a month. For me, it's worth it, but it may not be for everyone. Overall, even with the nits, this is still a fantastic car that I love driving every day. I would highly recommend it.

Luxury is in the details.

Kevin, 11/02/2020

2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

There are so many cars out there that selecting one can be a daunting task. So, first and foremost, you need to know what you are looking for. I bought my A4 2020, 2 months ago, and while it is a short time, I hope help someone who might be struggling with the decision to buy one. It is a great car, but it is not an out of the world car. You will hear many people say that Audi cars are …

The best mid Luxury sedan, top Ranked Reliability

RW, 08/31/2020

2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I compared the A4 Quattro to the Mercedes C, BMW 3 series, Lexus and Volvo. The Audi does everything so well that I couldn’t find much to complain about. 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds With 40mpg’s highway is great. The DSG transmission is incredible with smooth crisp Shifting between gears. Consumer reports gives the A4 a very high rating that’s top in its class with excellent reliability for …

Better than all its competitors!

Mark, 06/04/2019

2019 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Prestige 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I test drove the Mercedes, Volvo, and Lexus that compete in this price range. I bought the A4 and am loving it! I was inclined to buy the Lexus 350, since I had been driving Lexus for 22 years. But I did not like the new grill, and the technology was worse. Using a mouse pad and cursor to navigate the screen was difficult, and seemed impossible to use while driving. Which makes a lot of …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Audi A4, so we've included reviews for other years of the A4 since its last redesign.

See all 31 reviews of the Audi A4

Write a vehicle review

2020 A4 Highlights

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$37,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the A4 models:

Audi Pre Sense City: Detects the threat of a front collision, warns the driver, and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't act.
Audi Active Lane Assist: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling and can steer to help nudge you back.
Audi Connect: Includes a variety of connection services, including summoning roadside assistance if needed. In an accident, emergency responders are contacted automatically.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 Audi A4 Review

2020 Audi A4 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 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 $4.02 per gallon for premium unleaded in Minnesota.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Audi A4 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Still a top notch entry-level sports sedan

Luxury is in the details.

The best mid Luxury sedan, top Ranked Reliability

Better than all its competitors!

2020 A4 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 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 $4.02 per gallon for premium unleaded in Minnesota.}