The 2019 Audi A4 Allroad is a luxury compact wagon with a raised ride height and all-wheel drive. And when we say “compact” it’s only because the A4 sedan on which this interesting vehicle is based on is classified as a compact. But try sitting in the spacious rear seat and taking that description seriously.
The A4 Allroad is not alone in this highly specific niche, which includes extra suspension travel, stainless steel skid plates, flared fenders and side cladding. Volvo also has its Cross Country models, with the new-for-2019 V60 version being a direct rival. These cars are more composed through corners than crossovers because their centers of gravity are lower.
Audi doesn’t import its smart-looking wagons (known as Avants) to the United States, because the dominant demand seems to be for crossovers and more crossovers. So the Allroad is the nearest thing a buyer in the United States can get to a regular A4 Avant. It comes with handling talent, technology and luxury, while able to deal with dirt roads and tricky weather.
What’s New for 2019?
The midlevel Premium Plus trim gains navigation, the Virtual Cockpit (see our Behind the Wheel section below), and a limited subscription to Audi Connect services. Audi has adopted a different method of measuring horsepower, so the 2019 A4 Allroad has 248 horsepower compared with the 2018 version’s 252, even though it’s the same engine. Torque is unchanged. See the 2019 Audi A4 allroad models for sale near you
What We Like
- Elegant styling
- Adult-friendly space in both rows
- Cool technology
What We Don’t
- Why is it that rear side airbags are optional?
How Much?
$46,695 to $54,895
Fuel Economy
Propulsion comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual (Audi calls this S-tronic). It’s operated like a regular automatic — the dual-clutch aspect is the hardware we don’t see. There are also steering wheel-mounted shift paddles if the driver wants to be more involved. AWD (Audi calls this Quattro) is standard.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates fuel consumption at 22 miles per gallon in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in combined driving.
Standard Features & Options
The 2019 Audi A4 Allroad comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
Premium ($46,695) has an adaptive suspension, 18-in alloy wheels, xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights/taillights, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, skid plates, aluminum roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, heated windshield washer nozzles, push-button start/stop, drive mode selection (including an “off road” setting), a power lift gate, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power-adjustable/heated front seats with driver lumbar adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, ambient LED cabin lighting, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with a 7-in display, and a 10-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio input, HD radio, two SD card slots and two USB ports.
A Convenience package includes keyless entry/ignition, self-dimming side mirrors, memory settings for the driver’s-side seat, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision mitigation, and satellite radio.
Premium Plus ($51,595) has the contents of the Convenience package as standard, along with all-LED exterior lighting, Virtual Cockpit, navigation, vehicle exit assist, rear collision mitigation, parking sensors front and rear, and a Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker/755-watt “3D” sound system. Audi Connect is also offered free for a limited time, featuring various services such as vehicle status report, remote lock/unlock, roadside assistance, maintenance interval notification, automatic crash alert, emergency calling, and stolen vehicle location.
Prestige ($54,895) comes with everything mentioned so far, plus voice control, an 8.3-in screen and handwriting recognition for the infotainment system, a head-up display, a 360-degree/top-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control with stop/go and Traffic Jam Assist, active lane assist, automatic high beams, and sound-insulating dual-pane front windows.
A Cold Weather package brings a heated steering wheel, heated seats front and rear, and all-weather mats. A Warm Weather package consists of rear window sunshades and ventilated front sport seats with power lumbar adjustment.
Cargo space behind the rear seats is 24.2 cu ft., and 58.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That’s better than the 50.9 cu ft. in the new Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Safety
A basic version of forward-collision warning is standard throughout, and the A4 Allroad comes with stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and a comprehensive set of airbags. Rear side airbags, however, are optional for every trim level.
The A4 Allroad is a Top Safety Pick Plus of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The Allroad has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the A4 sedan (on which this car is based) has been awarded the full five stars overall.
Behind the Wheel
Being a variant of the A4 can only ever be a positive thing. It entails superb handling, a handsome and user-friendly interior with plenty of space and high-quality materials, reassuring safety equipment, plus some cool technology.
For example, the Virtual Cockpit is a configurable high-resolution screen taking the place of the traditional driver’s gauges. It will display all the usual information, but can also put the navigation information right where the driver needs it. If this sounds complicated to use, don’t worry, it only takes a short time for it to become second nature.
The A4 Allroad has an extra 1.3 inches of ground clearance over the sedan, which enables it to take rutted roads and foul weather in its stride.
Other Cars to Consider
2019 BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon — The 3 Series wagon has fine road manners. Thanks in part to keeping its ride height the same as the sedan’s. Based on the previous-generation 3 Series sedan.
2019 BMW 330i xDrive Gran Turismo — Slightly larger than a regular 3 Series, but with an elevated ride height and a hatchback. Also derived from the previous-generation 3 Series.
2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i — The fact that there are three BMW alternatives shows how finely spliced and diced automotive niches are nowadays. The X4 is more SUV like, but with a sloping roof. A new generation has debuted for 2019.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe — Assuming a potential Allroad buyer is looking for an alternative to a run-of-the-mill crossover SUV, then this increasingly trendy “4-door coupe” body style might work.
2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country — All-new for 2019. Follows the handsome design approach of other new Volvos and generally impresses in many areas.
Used BMW X6 — Bigger and brasher, with the option of a gutsy V8.
Autotrader’s Advice
The Premium Plus trim has been bolstered with more equipment for 2019 and becomes the most attractive choice. Go for Prestige trim by all means if those few extras are too good to live without. Find an Audi A4 allroad for sale
