2022 Audi A4 Sedan

Sport sedans have evolved dramatically over the years, shifting from simple athletic thoroughbreds to complex combinations of electronic aids and driver-centric hardware. Always tech-focused, Audi’s popular sedans have those changes quite successfully. The 2022 Audi A4 and its hotter sister, the S4, retain the underpinnings that make for an engaging driving machine while incorporating enough tech and innovation to keep up with the times. The Q5 SUV may have stolen the A4’s crown as the best-selling Audi model, but all of its traditional virtues remain.

Nestled in between the A3 and A5 models, the A4 offers a compact, 5-passenger alternative to the smallish A3 and the more substantial sportier-looking A5. The A4 doesn’t get coupe, convertible and hatchback bodies like the A5, but it does offer a station wagon, the A4 Allroad, complete with butch body cladding and lots of cargo room. For a model lineup that starts at a reasonable $39,900 (plus a $1,095 destination fee), the A4 includes a good lineup of standard equipment, including wireless Apple CarPlay and a large 10.1-inch center multimedia touchscreen. 

The current A4 and S4 date back to 2016 and had a major update in 2020. For 2022 there aren’t many changes.  There are three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige— and with two powerplants—40 TFSI, and 45 TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection), powered by four-cylinder engines with 201 or 261 horsepower. Stepping up to the S4 packages a gruntier turbocharged V6. Each offers a trio of trims (Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige) with more and more features added, but like Goldilocks, the best value is usually in the middle.

Compact luxury sedans are a competitive class even if the action is on SUVs these days. The A4 is one of the older designs on the market, but it’s still able to hold its own against the Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW 3 Series, Volvo S60 and newer designs like the Genesis G70 and all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The A4 Allroad is a niche machine, but compares well to the Volvo V60. The S4 is a capable performer, but it’s neither quite as fast nor anywhere near as expensive as the hottest BMW M3 Competition or Mercedes-AMG C 63 S models. Unlike on the A3 and A6, there’s no RS version.

Comfortable and finely crafted, the A4’s interior trends towards the austere in appearance, all chrome lines, big screens and industrial-chic details, but is comfortable and well-appointed, with an average amount of back seat space for its modest-sized class. Trunk space isn’t great at 12 cubic-feet of volume, but the A4 Allroad offers more cargo space than the Q5 overall, which is partial proof that wagons can sometimes be more practical than SUVs. Each is a fine driver, too, with athletic responses but a compliant and comfortable ride. 

It may not be the most lavishly appointed or blatantly ambitious compact sports sedan on the market, but for buyers seeking an honest, engaging driver that fits the sport and utility ideal to a bill, the Audi A4 is a great option. It achieves the rare combination of being small and engaging enough to justify as a daily driver, and polished enough to feel as though it’s a more premium product than it actually is. Apart from Genesis and the Cadillac CT4, it also slightly undercuts many of its rivals on price.

Performance: 12/15 

The standard Audi A4 is powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system channeled through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 40 TFSI models produce a relatively modest 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. For between $700 and $2,100 extra, A4 buyers can upgrade to a 261 hp, 273 lb-ft 45 TFSI version that accelerates to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds; a no-brainer considering the mild cash outlay for noticeable performance gains. 

For comparison, the 40 model achieves 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Both feature a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a speed-sensitive electromechanical steering system. Bundled into the 45 models is a sport suspension with a 23mm lower ride height. 

The A4 Allroad goes in the opposite direction, with butch, SUV-like body cladding and 1.3 inches of additional ride height. It’s meant to suggest real off-road ability, but the Allroad only has 6.5 inches of ground clearance in total so while light dirt trails aren’t too bad, don’t try anything too risky. Allroads only come with the 261-horsepower engine and their extra weight makes them slightly slower than the regular A4, but they’re still capable performers and the most practical member of the family.

Those seeking more performance can opt for the S4, which packs a turbocharged V6 that produces 349 hp mated to an eight-speed automatic. It can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and sharpens all the responses of this already athletic platform. Sweetening the package are bigger wheels and brakes, which offer heightened performance without going over the top into RS territory, Audi’s top-tier level. 

Fuel Economy: 13/15 

Using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as a starting point for both drivetrain options, the Audi A4 achieves strong fuel economy figures: 24 mpg city for both engines, and 32 mpg highway in the 40 TFSI model and 33 highway in the 45 TFSI. That results in a combined figure of 28 mpg and 27 mpg, respectively. 

These figures compare well to the Audi’s rivals, with most versions of the Lexus IS and CT4 falling short and the Mercedes C 300 about even. BMW’s 330i does a little better at up to 30 mpg combined.

Switch it up to the S4, and that model’s V6 delivers a still-respectable 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway. The Audi A4 requires premium unleaded and has a 15.3-gallon fuel tank that can enable up to 505 miles of highway range in the least thirsty configuration. The S4 is much more frugal than the BMW M3, but it’s also targeted closer to the M340i, which can return up to 26 mpg combined with AWD.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

The 2022 Audi A4 achieves an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with the only imperfect scores coming in the overall front and side ratings, which achieve 4 out of 5 stars. The model was also a Top Safety Pick for IIHS, achieving Good scores across the board. Standard safety features include Quattro all-wheel drive, automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warnings. 

The best active-safety features require stepping up to the Premium Plus trim, which costs the A4 a couple of points here. Available options include adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, self-parking, and a heads-up display.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

Despite its relatively compact footprint, the A4 manages a spacious feeling cabin with inobtrusive proportions that help the interior feel pleasantly voluminous and airy thanks to a standard sunroof. Its 35.7 inches of rear legroom is particularly good compared to much of this class (the all-new C-Class has 36 inches, the Lexus IS has a diminutive 32.2), and the overall feeling of sleek understatement aids the impression that the A4 uses its space efficiently and effectively. 

Ventilated seats are a (welcome) $800 option, and the optional S line package adds leather seats, stainless pedals and brushed aluminum inlays for an additional $500. The Allroad doesn’t add much in terms of passenger room, but it does allow them to put much more stuff behind them, saving space in the cabin.

Infotainment: 13/15

The Audi A4’s infotainment system is dominated by an expansive 10.1-inch touchscreen that ornaments an otherwise sparse dashboard. The screen is just the right size, taking up enough real estate to manage multiple functions simultaneously without feeling crammed or awkward. Intuitive steering wheel controls manage the instrument cluster readouts and, if applicable, the so-called Virtual Cockpit feature which spreads an additional 12.3 inches of digital display across the driver instrumentation.

The A4’s infotainment scores well for its clear and intuitive graphics, and while many physical controls are still present, the software could use a few less touches and swipes to get deeper into the menus. Still, it’s a better and more modern system than those of the Giulia or IS.

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

The 5-passenger Audi A4 delivers an okay amount of space for a compact sedan, with a spacious cabin and 12 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk. Once a pretty good number, this is a bit on the skimpy side nowadays, with Mercedes offering 12.6 cubic feet and BMW even more, to say nothing of the huge hold of the Tesla Model 3, though it now costs much more. Volvo and Lexus have appreciably less room in their holds.

Crave more space? It’s hard to beat the wagon format, and the A4 Allroad Quattro doubles the cargo volume behind the rear seats with its expansive rear storage area. There are 24.2 cubic-feet back there, and 58.5 in total if you fold the rear seats down, which bests the Q5’s 54 cubes and several other small luxury crossovers. Only the Volvo V60 Cross Country is really comparable these days, and it offers much less room at 18.3 and 31.4 cubic-feet, respectively.

Style & Design: 7/10

It may not be the most charismatic compact sport sedan, but the Audi A4 holds its own with sharp lines and pleasing proportions. There’s a consistency to the designer’s vision inside and out, with the minimalist cabin offering a tidy environment with just enough hard buttons to make operating the infotainment system an easy task. 

Those who believe the A4 is too understated might want to consider opting for a bolder color like Tango Red Metallic, District Green Metallic, or Navarra Blue metallic. Those colors are available for an extra $595, though punchier custom colors are available with Audi’s exclusive hues. Those special selections add an extra $5,900 to the MSRP.

If you want to look like you drive an S4 without ponying up the extra cash, the S-line option enables that too. The Allroad has its own look, which mirrors its A6 big brother and looks rich beyond its price tag.

Is the 2022 Audi A4 Worth it? Which A4 is the Best Value? 

There are three trims on all A4 variations, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium level A4s include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a lane departure warning system. Opt for Premium Plus, and buyers get a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, adaptive cruise control with active lane assist and a top view camera system. Prestige buyers receive LED matrix headlights, park assist, a heads-up display, MMI navigation plus, and a warm weather package.

The 2022 Audi A4’s starting price is $39,900 for the Premium trim level, plus a $1,095 destination fee (or $42,000 for the 45 TFSI model). While that’s an attractive starting price, the Premium Plus package adds desirable options like a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, virtual cockpit, adaptive cruise, and top view camera starting at $45,000, or $46,600 for the quicker 45 TFSI version. 

The standard range tops out with the $50,900 Prestige 45 TFSI setup, while the S4 version climbs to $62,840. For our money, we believe the ultimate bang for buck comes with the mid-level Premium Plus equipped with the gutsier 45 TFSI engine. 

For premium compact wagon buyers, A4 Allroad Premium Plus ($46,595), with the added active-safety features is the best choice, and the best car in its tiny segment now that the BMW 3 Series wagon is gone.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Audi A4?

The A4 costs a little more to insure than its rivals, but not much. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $2,782 for an A4 Quattro Premium Plus. The Allroad costs marginally less, but the S4 adds abou $500 to $600 to the annual bill. That compares to $2,744 for the BMW 330e, $2,960 for the Alfa Giulia Sprint $2,960 and $2,259 for the Acura TLX SH-AWD. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.