2014 Audi Allroad: worth the higher price?

The 2014 Audi Allroad offers essentially the same features as its 2013 predecessor, but it comes at a price: the 2014 Allroad is $1,100 more expensive than the 2013 Allroad. 

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Gene J. Puskar/AP/File
The 2014 Audi Allroad has already arrived at some dealerships. How does it compare to the 2013 Allroad, and is the extra $1,100 you'll pay to get it worth it?

If you've kept up with our month-long, up-close coverage of the 2013 Audi Allroad, you probably have a pretty good idea by now of how this stocky wagon fits into the market—and whether it fits you.

But with 2014 Allroad models already arriving to dealerships, you might be wondering if you'd be better off going for one of those.

Rest assured, no matter how the deal pans out, you'll essentially be getting the same vehicle whether you go for the 2013 model or the 2014.

At the base level, prices for the 2014 Audi Allroad have risen $1,100 versus 2013—to $40,700. Although the Convenience Package, with its Audi music interface, HomeLink universal garage-door opener, the so-called driver information system, and Bluetooth connectivity, has been packed in as part of the Allroad's standard equipment for 2014.

If you opt for one of the better-equipped Allroads (like the 2013 Premium Plus we had), you'll get a few more features for 2014, too. All models at the Premium Plus level and higher get the Advanced Key system as standard, while Audi Side Assist, which monitors blind-spot areas and scans for fast-moving vehicles at a range of 150 feet behind the car, is newly offered as a standalone option on the Premium Plus model. Meanwhile, models with the top Prestige package get rear window shades.

Two new metallic exterior colors have been added to the palette: Cuvée silver metallic, and Dakota gray metallic.

Saving perhaps the best for last, you get just a touch more power for 2014. Although the 2.0 TFSI engine carries over, it makes nine more horsepower—a new total of 220 hp. Torque remains unchanged, at 258 pound-feet.

You might not be able to feel the difference from the driver's seat, but Audi notes an improvement from the stopwatch; it's knocked a tenth of a second off its official 0-60 mph time—now 6.4 seconds—for the Allroad.

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