2017 Audi allroad

Pros: Unique, compelling mix of passenger-car and SUV traits; high-quality materials and assembly inside and out; nicely balanced steering and handling

Cons: Some testers find Audi’s MMI system complicated and frustrating to use

CG Says: Audi’s SUV-esque all-wheel-drive compact station wagon is redesigned for 2017. The Audi A4 allroad is based on Audi’s A4 compact sedan, which has also been redesigned this year. Though it looks nearly identical to the outgoing model, the new allroad is slightly bigger and has more power than the previous generation. Audi markets the allroad as an SUV, but we categorize it as a premium compact car because it is essentially an A4 wagon with a raised ride height and rugged-looking body cladding. The sole powertrain is a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed automated-manual transmission. Available features include xenon headlights, head-up instrument display, “virtual cockpit” instrument panel, tri-zone automatic climate controls, and adaptive cruise control. Available safety features include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and a 360-degree camera system. In a market that favors crossovers and SUVs, the Audi allroad wagon has little direct competition in the premium-compact-car category. It’s an intriguing fusion of SUV/crossover attributes applied to a traditional passenger-car-based station wagon. The allroad has satisfying acceleration, athletic handling, and a comfortable, classy interior. Add to that all-weather versatility and a bit of mild off-roading ability, and Audi’s genre-bending compact wagon becomes a nice alternative to a premium-compact SUV.

ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO

Test Drive: 2017 Audi A4 allroad

2018 Audi allroad Review

2016 Audi allroad Review

Dateline Detroit: 2017 Audi A4 Sedan and allroad

Audi allroad Shooting Brake Concept: Small Wagon, Big Grip