2018 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

2018 Allroad

CG Says: After its redesign last year, the 2018 Audi allroad is essentially unchanged with only some equipment changes. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are now standard on the topline Prestige model. Audi’s SUV-esque all-wheel-drive compact station wagon is based on Audi’s A4 compact sedan, which was also redesigned last year. 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.