2005 Audi allroad Test Drive

Who Needs An SUV?

You can treat the Allroad Quattro like an SUV, but it's more like a performance car with lots of room.

Should You Buy This Car?

The only serious competition to the Allroad isn't an SUV but another wagon, Volvo's $34,900 V70 Cross Country. That's a lot cheaper than the Allroad, but because so many features come standard on the Audi (including heated side mirrors and washer nozzles for the wipers, leather seats, metallic paint, a theft-deterrent system and even an air compressor) and so few come with the Volvo, the real price difference may only be a few hundred dollars.

The tiebreaker is the adjustable ride height of the Audi -- which translates as superior onroad handling -- and the Allroad's more potent engine; the Volvo comes with a 197 hp five-cylinder that's slower than the Audi's six and delivers almost the same gas mileage.

Still, the Allroad won't offer that tall SUV road view. If that's so important, look elsewhere. If instead you're shopping for a vehicle that offers lots of interior space and also delivers plenty of driving pleasure, the Allroad is a great choice -- one that can climb mountains, but which is better suited to onroad driving than any SUV on the market.