2022 Audi A4 Pros vs Cons

In a world where most vehicles are trying to mostly appeal to families, the 2022 Audi A4 is unapologetically different. This luxury small car focuses on performance and sophistication rather than versatility and convenience. It does what it is meant to do quite well, but there is room for improvement in a few areas. Is it considered to be a good vehicle overall, or is it one that should be avoided? Let's weigh the pros against the cons.

What's New for 2022?

This year, the models with the more powerful engine also get a standard sport suspension. The Black Optic package is now available for more trim levels as well. Choosing to add this package will mean swapping out the chrome exterior accent pieces for black ones instead.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Audi A4 – The Pros

1. Quattro AWD Comes Standard

All models of the 2022 A4 come standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Originally designed for rally cars, this system makes adjustments in a split-second to ensure that torque is going where it needs to be. It is meant to provide extra traction before it is too late, and can help in a variety of driving conditions and surfaces.

2. Interior is Comfortable and Upscale

The Audi A4 is undeniably a luxury vehicle. You will find that the build quality is excellent and that there are several high-end materials available. Soft-touch plastic, leather, and aluminum are all examples of finishes you can find inside the cabin. Further adding to the appeal of this vehicle is how quiet the interior stays, even at highway speeds. Heated and power-adjustable front seats are standard, along with leather upholstery. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are both on the options list.

3. Acceleration is Highly Satisfying

While the A4 is probably not the right choice if you need a family car, it is worth serious consideration if performance is your top priority. The standard turbocharged engine works with a 12-volt hybrid system and creates 201-horsepower, which is more than enough for this smaller vehicle. That engine is known as the 40. There is another version of this engine, called the 45, that is able to produce 261-horsepower. Both pair with a fun seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

4. Touchscreen Makes Infotainment System User-Friendly

Coming standard for the 2022 A4 is a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It runs the MMI infotainment system, which many people find to be simple to learn. You will find that it is easy to learn the menus and that the system responds quickly to touch commands. The crips graphics are also a nice touch that helps the Audi A4 feel like the luxury vehicle it is.

5. Luxurious and Forgiving Ride

Many sport sedans have a stiff ride that makes them unpleasant to ride in after a while. This is not the case for the 2022 A4. Well-controlled body motions and highly-responsive steering combine for sharp and enjoyable handling. There is also the perfect amount of braking power, allowing you to come to a stop with confidence. To top it off, the suspension of the A4 does an amazing job of absorbing your average bumps in the road, resulting in an enjoyable experience for the passengers as well.

6. Strong Fuel Economy Numbers

With the standard 40 engine, the 2022 A4 is estimated to get 25mpg in the city and 34mpg on the highway. These are great numbers, especially considering the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that comes standard on all models. Choosing to go with the 45 powertrain will mean getting 24mpg city and 31mpg, which is not terrible either, especially when factoring in the power that this setup is capable of producing.

7. Technology Features are Plentiful

The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the tech found inside the 2022 A4. Android Auto and the wireless variation of Apple CarPlay are also standard, along with a 10-speaker audio system. The available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster takes the high-tech feet to the next level. And if 10-speakers is not enough to satisfy you in this relatively small vehicle, there is an available 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen option to check out as well.

8. Surprisingly Spacious Backseat

There is no doubt that the A4 is a small car, and it will not work for large families. That said, the backseat is surprisingly spacious. While adults will not want to sit back there for a long road trip, they should be reasonably comfortable for shorter journeys around town. As for the front seats, their contouring makes them incredibly supportive and easy to sink into for all-day driving.

9. Reasonable Starting Price for the Class

Luxury vehicles are not cheap, but the 2022 A4 is more affordable than many of its rivals. The starting price is just over $39,000. For comparison, the BMW 3 Series has a starting price of over $41,00. Despite the lower price, the A4 has a respectable amount of standard features to enjoy. It also has standard all-wheel drive, which is something that many vehicles require you to pay extra for.

10. Strong Safety Ratings

The Insurance Insitute for Highway Safety has given the 2022 Audi A4 the top score of "Good" in all six of the main categories they test. The very similar 2021 A4 was named a Top Safety Pick when equipped with certain headlights. IIHS also tested the standard front crash prevention system equipped on the A4. It received the top "Good" rating as well.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Audi A4 – The Cons

1. Limited Amount of Trunk Space

Granted, you probably are not thinking that the 2022 A4 is going to be the most practical vehicle in the world. Still, with only 12 cubic feet in the trunk, this is not going to be a vehicle you want to take if you need a lot of groceries. There is an A4 Allroad model that is actually a wagon to consider if you need more cargo space.

2. Very Few Standard Driver Aids

Despite getting impressive safety ratings, the 2022 A4 has a relatively small list of standard driver assistance features. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist are all optional. Many of the A4's competitors give these things to drivers on all models.

3. Touchscreen Placement is Awkward

One of the first things you will undoubtedly notice about the A4 is the positioning of the touchscreen. Rather than being integrated into the dash, it is just kind of stuck on to it. While this does not negatively impact the actual use of the infotainment system, it is a bit jarring, and it takes away from an otherwise flawless cabin.

4. No Actual Hybrid Yet

While all 2022 A4 models use a mild-hybrid system, Audi is yet to give this vehicle a full-on hybrid powertrain. Rivals such as the BMW 3 Series have a plug-in hybrid for buyers to consider. Although the A4 is already fuel-efficient, Audi should still consider giving the vehicle more powertrain options to broaden its appeal.

Conclusion

Many people believe that the 2022 Audi A4 will be the last year in this generation. If this is true, one would hope that Audi will make some improvements in key areas for the next model. A bit more space in the trunk would certainly be nice, as well as a more seamless look for the touchscreen. In the meantime, the 2022 Audi A4 is an overall nice choice that many drivers will enjoy.