2021 Audi A4 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: Tight back-seat legroom; limited stand-alone options means stepping up to high-end models to get desired features

CG Says: The 2021 Audi A4 allroad’s engine gains a mild-hybrid system and is now rated at 261 horsepower—an increase of 13 hp. Also, lane-departure warning is newly standard.

This SUV-esque all-wheel-drive compact station wagon is based on Audi’s A4 compact sedan, both were redesigned for 2017. 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 allroad’s sole powertrain is a 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a mild hybrid system and a 7-speed automated-manual transmission.

Available features include LED 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 A4 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.