Used 2022 Audi A4 allroad

The 2022 Audi A4 Allroad is a premium compact wagon with an SUV attitude. Its in-between status can appeal to those who need some crossover-like practicality yet still wish to retain elements of driving pleasure.

The A4 Allroad also brings the usual luxury qualities like a refined Audi cabin, healthy power, a supple ride quality, technology, and cachet. But part of the attraction is that it isn’t a crossover SUV — as driven by the world and its sister. Nor is it a sedan. The Germans may not have an expression like “vive la différence” but if they did, they’d probably apply it to the Audi A4 Allroad.

As its name suggests, the A4 Allroad is based on the Audi A4 sedan, which is an excellent starting point. For those seeking something bigger, there’s also an A6 Allroad. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a slightly raised ride height. These changes really help create a particular Allroad character.

Most of the time, the turbocharged engine’s meaty 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque is just right for a compact luxury car with a greater hauling capability than normal. A fleeting glimpse of turbo lag happens occasionally, but it’s really not a deal-breaker. With maximum thrust coming in at just 1,600 rpm, there’s enough punch to get things moving.

A sophisticated ride quality straddles the line between comfort and control masterfully, complemented by supportive seats. If we had to make a cross-country trip in winter, we’d be happy with a 2022 A4 Allroad, reassured by the all-wheel-drive system.

Gaining extra practicality while losing a few final degrees of precision is a bargain that many drivers might be prepared to strike. The A4 Allroad is far more poised and enjoyable to drive than, say, a Lexus RX.

Extending the Gorgeous Cabins R Us approach to high-riding wagons, the 2022 A4 Allroad furnishes a well-designed and well-assembled interior with leather seating surfaces, wood trim and quality plastics.

Technology also makes a strong showing with a generously sized 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and, in the top two trims, a digital driver information display that can show sharp navigation images from Google Maps as well as the usual speed and rpm stuff.

With legroom of 35.7 inches, the rear seats aren’t the sort of place where tall adults will want to hang out for too long. Shorter friends and family members will be fine, though.

Behind those 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats is a luggage area of 24.2 cubic feet. With the seats folded down (they don’t go completely flat) a maximum cargo space of 58.5 cubic feet is possible.

Accepted wisdom states that Americans don’t like wagons. Which is a shame because Audi tends to make some arguably elegant wagons that are sold in Europe.

However, show an American a wagon with some SUV-style plastic cladding down the sides, a raised ride height and all-wheel drive, and it’s a slightly different story. The great thing about the A4 Allroad is that it’s in a pretty exclusive class.

Ground clearance is 6.5 inches. That’s a happy medium between a regular sedan (the A4 sedan has 5.2 inches) and something like an Audi Q5 with about 7.9 inches. So those who like a slightly elevated driving position could find an A4 Allroad ideal, especially if the hardiest terrain they need to tackle is a dirt road or snow.

ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION
Part of the A4 Allroad magic is a standard adaptive suspension that adjusts its responses within milliseconds to suit the conditions of the moment. There are also driving modes ranging from Comfort to Sport, including an Off-Road setting.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO SYSTEM
A decent sound system is the gift that keeps on giving, especially in a family car that’s perfect for road trips. It’s a $950 option in Premium Plus trim (standard in the top Prestige model), but B&O is a top audiophile brand for a good reason.

Audi has chosen an intriguing set of standard equipment for the 2022 A4 Allroad. Blind-spot monitoring isn’t included, but an adaptive suspension is.

Other items include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior and interior lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/ignition, 3-zone automatic climate control, heated/8-way power-adjustable front seats, leather seating surfaces, self-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, and a powered liftgate.

Among the few standard driver aids are Pre Sense City, which is forward-collusion warning with automatic emergency braking that works up to 52 mph, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The infotainment system has a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto smartphone integration.

Premium trim is offered with a Convenience package that adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, self-dimming side mirrors, front/rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, memory settings for the driver’s seat, satellite radio, and an alarm. These are all standard in the Premium Plus trim.

This mid-range model also adds adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, active lane-keeping, Virtual Cockpit digital driver information display, wireless charging, phone signal booster, two USB ports for rear passengers, and a 360-degree/top-view camera system.

Options for Premium Plus include navigation, Wi-Fi, heated/ventilated front seats, shades for the rear side windows, and a 19-speaker/755-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. Predictably, the top Prestige trim incorporates these extras into its standard equipment.

Exclusive to the Prestige trim are things like matrix-design LED headlights with washers, self-parking function, dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows, head-up display, road sign recognition, and heated rear seats.

Rear side airbags are optional in all three trims.

Regardless of trim level, every 2022 A4 Allroad has one drivetrain. It consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, augmented by a 12-volt mild hybrid system for the fuel-saving engine stop/restart function and a momentary 13-horsepower bump. This setup develops 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

An all-wheel drive system, which Audi refers to as quattro, is standard and fed by a 7-speed automated transmission. Shift paddles are set beneath the steering wheel for those occasions when drivers might feel like changing gears themselves.

Premium fuel is required.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
261 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg