2026 Audi A6 allroad

In an effort to attract buyers who need the added practicality of an SUV but don't particularly like driving one, Audi offers the A6 Allroad wagon. With dark plastic body cladding and a higher ride height than the A6 sedan, the Allroad mimics some of the cues that buyers find attractive in SUVs without compromising any of the A6's best traits, such as a comfortable ride and excellent stability. In short, the A6 Allroad lets you have your cake and eat it too, while also hauling a ladder.

Direct competitors are scarce, but the closest is the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain wagon. Like the Audi, the Mercedes adds some cladding and extra ride height to give the wagon the appearance of a low-slung SUV, but its off-road capabilities are similarly limited. If you don't need the size or the expense of the Audi, Volvo's V60 Cross Country wagon should fit the bill. We're not enamored with the Volvo's tech interface, but it is one of the most stylish cars on sale today.

Despite its rugged-ish body cladding and added ride height, it would be wise not to mistake the Allroad for something with any real off-road capability. For one, the low-profile tires aren't suited for rugged adventures, and the added ride height, courtesy of the Allroad's standard air suspension, disappears once you exceed 20 mph. However, that doesn't mean the Allroad is incapable of navigating slippery situations. All-wheel drive is standard, and there are drive modes that allow for extra confidence when driving on surfaces with low traction.