2023 Audi A4 Allroad
Overview
Venturing off-road in a luxury station wagon might seem a silly endeavor, but the 2023 Audi A4 Allroad is designed for just that. We’re not talking about rock-strewn trails like you’ll find in Moab, but the A4 Allroad has a lifted suspension that gives it more ground clearance than the A4 sedan, meaning it’s equipped for the occasional grassy knoll or dirt path. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Performance is brisk, and the A4 Allroad’s on-road manners are refined. This being a longroof vehicle, the cargo area behind the rear seats is measurably larger than in a sedan, but rivals such as the Subaru Outback and the Volvo V60 Cross Country offer even more space. Still, Audi’s junior station wagon provides an off-beat option for those who might otherwise buy an SUV that requires few compromises.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What’s New for 2023?
This year, Audi made LED headlamps standard equipment and introduced a new Black Optic Plus package which includes 18-inch wheels, black exterior trim, and a Manhattan Gray paint job. The Black Optic Plus package is available on Premium Plus and Prestige models and also features black exhaust tips. The mid-range Premium Plus model now comes with the upgraded Bang and Olufsen stereo system and the available Convenience package now includes adaptive cruise control.
We recommend the mid-range Premium Plus model. It’s slightly elevated over the base Premium model with additional standard features such as Audi’s cool Virtual Cockpit gauge display, lane-keeping assist, keyless entry with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior side mirrors, and a memory seat for the driver. We’d also add the Cold Weather package with its all-weather floor mats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There’s only one powertrain for the A4 Allroad, but it’s a good one: the gutsier, 261-hp version of the regular A4’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which now comes with a 12-volt hybrid system. A seven-speed automatic transmission and the latest version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. In our experience with older nonhybrid models, we noted that the gearbox modulates its attitude depending on the driver’s demands and can snap off quick, precise shifts under hard driving or more relaxed, unobtrusive shifts around town. We’ll have to wait to test the A4 Allroad with its new powertrain. From our previous experience, however, the A4 Allroad drives like a dream, balancing ride and handling extremely well. Its cornering grip is plenty adequate and puts it right in line with most competitors. It feels like a car rather than an SUV, something we appreciate and think many buyers will too.
We recommend the mid-range Premium Plus model. It’s slightly elevated over the base Premium model with additional standard features such as Audi’s cool Virtual Cockpit gauge display, lane-keeping assist, keyless entry with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior side mirrors, and a memory seat for the driver. We’d also add the Cold Weather package with its all-weather floor mats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There’s only one powertrain for the A4 Allroad, but it’s a good one: the gutsier, 261-hp version of the regular A4’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which now comes with a 12-volt hybrid system. A seven-speed automatic transmission and the latest version of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. In our experience with older nonhybrid models, we noted that the gearbox modulates its attitude depending on the driver’s demands and can snap off quick, precise shifts under hard driving or more relaxed, unobtrusive shifts around town. We’ll have to wait to test the A4 Allroad with its new powertrain. From our previous experience, however, the A4 Allroad drives like a dream, balancing ride and handling extremely well. Its cornering grip is plenty adequate and puts it right in line with most competitors. It feels like a car rather than an SUV, something we appreciate and think many buyers will too.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the A4 Allroad will earn 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, we can’t evaluate its real-world mpg until we run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the A4 Allroad’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
