2014 Audi A4 vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

Saying that the Subaru Outback owns the rugged-wagon is an exaggeration; but it's not all that far off.

The six-cylinder 3.6R version of the Outback doesn’t have a luxury badge, but it costs nearly as much as the base Allroad.

It’s tough, handles reasonably well, and has good ground clearance but doesn’t match up in terms of fuel-efficiency.

The Volvo XC60 is a great crossover, and we love both its rakish, sporty exterior and the upright, contrast-heavy Swedish design sensibility inside.

Its true luxury-vehicle interior wows, while its gas mileage doesn’t.

The Acura TSX Wagon is the right pick if you love the look of a premium wagon but want to throw every last bit of rugged pretense out the window—and even forgo all-wheel drive.

Or take the glossy, more urban side of the Allroad and amp it up, and you may find your way to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

As with the Allroad, it's all car underneath; but Land Rover has worked a lot harder to make some real off-road components available at least for occasional use.

That said, the Evoque is probably best kept for single folks and couples, as it's not as roomy--think more of a tall five-door (or three-door) hatchback.

Last but not least, Audi’s own Q5 is a cross-showroom rival that we can see many Allroad shoppers considering.

The Q5 is a really strong package, and it can feel roomier inside; the only drawback is that ride and handling isn’t quite as deft if you choose this somewhat taller crossover.