What Does Audi A4 Allroad Mean? (7 Changes From Avant)

Audi’s A4 Allroad is the perfect car for those who want the performance and style of an Audi Avant with a bit of extra ruggedness.

But what exactly does Allroad mean?

Audi’s “Allroad” badge indicated a raised, more off-road-worthy version of an Audi Avant model. For example, an Audi A4 Allroad combines the practicality and ruggedness of an SUV with the smooth ride and handling of an Avant.

Some argue that Allroad offers the best of both worlds: car-like handling and fuel economy with the off-road capabilities of an SUV.

It’s perfect for drivers who like to take their cars off-road or simply like its rugged looks and all-wheel drive system.

Read on to learn more about the differences and the pros and cons of getting one!

What is the Audi A4 Allroad? (7 Differences from the Avant)

If you’re looking for an all-weather wagon that can tackle light off-roading, the Audi A4 Allroad is a great choice.

A black Audi A4 Allroad from the back — A black Audi A4 Allroad (Source)

It is based on the popular Audi A4 Avant but is modified to be more rugged (unlike the A4 S Line, which is designed to be more sporty).

“Allroad” literally means that it should be able to drive on ‘all roads.’

Here is a list of seven changes that make the Allroad different from the Avant:

An AWD drivetrain. Unlike an A4 Avant, which is often a front-wheel drive car, the Allroad is always equipped with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. This helps the vehicle find traction even in the most challenging conditions!
Increased ride height. Compared to the Avant, the Allroad has slightly larger wheels, tires, and a raised suspension. Together, these modifications raise an Audi Allroad about 35 mm or 1.4 inches, which is a visible difference.
More power. An Audi Allroad is always equipped with the most powerful engine configuration. For example, the 2023 Audi A4 Allroad is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 261 horsepower, while the A4 Avant may have the same engine but one that’s limited to 190 horsepower.
Reinforced underbody. An Audi A4 Allroad has a reinforced underbody to minimize the chances of damage when going off-road!
Body cladding. An Audi Allroad has plastic parts around the bottom edges, which give the car a more rugged look.
More standard features. An Audi A4 Allroad has more generous standard equipment than the A4 Avant. For example, a panoramic sunroof and three-zone automatic climate control are standard.
Increase cargo space. The 2023 Audi A4 Avant has 17.3 cubic feet or 495 liters of cargo space, while the 2023 Audi A4 Allroad offers 24.2 cubic feet or 685 liters of space.

Tip: If you’re unsure of whether the Audi A4 you’re looking at is an Allroad, you can easily find out the exact model of your Audi using one of these four tools!

The pros and cons of getting an Audi Allroad

So, is an Audi Allroad a better choice for you?

Let’s discuss the pros and cons:

Pros of Audi Allroad

at a glance

Audi Allroad is perfect for people who love going off-roading, the aesthetics of the car’s rugged looks, or the additional luxury features it offers. With the Allroad’s raised suspension and all-wheel drive system, it can handle rougher terrains than an Avant.

Let’s check out all the pros of getting an Audi Allroad:

Better off-road capabilities. An A4 Allroad has excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its increased ground clearance, all-wheel drive system, and reinforced underbody.
Increased traction. Whether you’re dealing with snow or ice, or simply want added traction on dry roads, all-wheel drive can give you the peace of mind and confidence you need when behind the wheel.
A more rugged look. The body cladding on an Audi Allroad gives it the rugged look of an SUV.
More generous standard equipment. The Allroad comes with a variety of features that make it a luxury car. Heated seats, navigation, and a premium sound system are just a few of the features that come standard on the Allroad. You can even pair it with some great Audi accessories to further enhance its looks!
Additional practicality. With enough room to fit all your gear, the Allroad is perfect for weekend getaways or longer road trips. Also, due to the raised ride height, the Allroad can provide a comfortable ride no matter the conditions.

Cons of Audi Allroad

at a glance

Although an Audi Allroad is a great car, some minor disadvantages come with it. First, it’s more expensive than an Audi Avant. Second, it has a worse fuel economy than an Avant due to its increased weight and all-wheel drive system.

Here are all the cons of an Audi Allroad:

More expensive. An Audi Allroad is typically more costly than the A4 Avant, with the exact difference depending on the country you live in. This relatively high price tag can be a deterrent for some shoppers.
Less fuel-efficient. An Audi Allroad gets worse gas mileage than an Audi Avant mainly due to its all-wheel drive system, which causes increased weight and adds more friction to the drivetrain.
More difficult to maneuver. The plastic body parts around the bottom edges of the Allroad make it slightly wider than the Avant. This can make the car somewhat more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.
You may not like the rugged looks. Some people like the rugged looks of the Allroad, but others prefer the sleek and elegant look of the Avant.

FAQs about Audi Allroad

Do you have any questions left about Audi Allroad? If so, check out these FAQs below:

What does Allroad mean in Audi?

Allroad is a term Audi uses to describe a vehicle designed for both on and off-road use. Allroad models often have raised ground clearance and an AWD system, making them better equipped to handle rough terrain.

Is the A4 Allroad a good car?

The Audi A4 Allroad is a good car thanks to its off-road capabilities, generous standard equipment, and rugged looks. However, buyers should be aware of its increased price compared to the A4 Avant.

What is the difference between A4 Avant and A4 Allroad?

The main difference between the A4 Avant and A4 Allroad is that the A4 Avant is a standard wagon designed for on-road use, while the A4 Allroad is an all-wheel drive wagon with increased ground clearance that can handle light off-road use.

Is Audi Allroad the same as Audi Quattro?

Audi Allroad and Audi Quattro are not the same. Audi Allroad is a term used to describe a vehicle that has been modified to handle rougher terrain, while Audi Quattro is a term that indicates a car is equipped with Audi’s all-wheel drive system.

Conclusion

Ultimately, is the Audi A4 Allroad a good choice for your needs?

Well, if you’re looking for an upscale wagon offering additional practicality, the Audi A4 Allroad is a good option. It’s also great if you need better off-road capability or an all-wheel drive system.

However, remember that the Allroad is more expensive than the A4 Avant and gets slightly worse gas mileage.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions, and have a great rest of your day!

Tip: If you’re interested in getting an Allroad from the B8 generation (2008 – 2015), check out this A4 B8 buyer’s guide here!

What Does Audi A4 Allroad Mean? (7 Changes From Avant)

What is the Audi A4 Allroad? (7 Differences from the Avant)