The 2016 Audi Allroad covers all the right bases for busy suburban familes who seek a little more interior room than the standard sedan offers, but better performance and handling than they'd likely get with a towering SUV. The luxury-oriented Allroad wagon also displays a stylish exterior design and delivers a high level of interior fit and finish. It comes with the automaker's quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard equipment, adding to its versatility and making it sure-footed and nimble in just about any driving condition. And for 2016, Audi further sweetens the Allroad package with a few minor upgrades.

Unlike typical wagons, the Allroad has no problem going off-road, thanks to its stainless steel skid plates, 7.1 inches of ground clearance, and AWD system. But it looks stunningly good even while just sitting in the driveway or dropping the kids off at soccer practice.

Up front, the vertically-ribbed deep-mouth Singleframe grille, narrow HID headlights with LED lightstrips, and circular fog lights give the Allroad a rugged appearance, while LED taillights, dual circular exhaust pipes, and a power-operated tailgate come standard in the rear. Raised aluminum roof rails add functionality and enhance the vehicle's appearance even more. Audi makes no changes to the Allroad's exterior for 2016, so such features as heated exterior side mirrors, a heated headlight washing system, and aluminum trim around the windows all roll over from the previous year.

The few updates for 2016 all take place inside. A three-spoke, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, previously found only on the top-level Premium Plus trim, has now been extended to the entry-level Premium trim as well. The Premium Plus trim with the Technology Package now includes a 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD Radio as standard equipment, while Audi makes its Advanced Key system with keyless start available on the Premium trim. And the Audi Connect system, which includes Internet access and a Wi-Fi in-car hot spot, is now available on both trims as part of the optional Navigation Plus package.

The Allroad offers a comfortable, well-equipped interior with an upscale design and good build quality. Leather upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, 3-zone automatic climate control, and LED ambient lighting are all included in the standard package. Audi also outfits the Premium trim with a 10-speaker Audi concert audio system, which includes satellite radio.

The Premium Plus adds such standard features as heated front seats, memory for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the Advanced Key system with keyless start. Both trims also include a panoramic sunroof, 60/40 split-and-fold rear seatbacks, and decorative inlays in the interior and door sills. As expected for a wagon, the 5-passenger Allroad offers plenty of cargo space, measuring 27.6 cubic feet in back with the rear seats up, and expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Compare that to such competitors as the Volvo V60, which offers up to 43.8 cubic of cargo space, and the Subaru Outback, with up to 73.3 cubic feet.

The Allroad gets the same powerplant as the A4 sedans it's based on, a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI which creates 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The turbo links to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode. The Allroad goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 130 mph. It requires premium fuel and it's mileage estimates check in at 21 mpg city/28 highway/24 combined.

The Allroad also delivers the same responsive handling and firm-yet-comfortable ride as the A4 because it sits on the same platform. The suspension features a 5-link configuration in the front and a trapezoidal-link arrangement in the rear. The setup ensures a smooth ride over rough road surfaces, minimal body roll in corners, and good overall agility. Electromechanical power steering delivers precise control. And an available Drive Select system enables drivers to adjust transmission shifts, throttle response, and steering for a sportier driving experience.

Under normal operation, the quattro AWD system splits power 40/60 front to rear, but can transfer up to 80 percent of available power to the rear wheels to ensure optimal road grip and traction in all driving conditions. Standard safety features include electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, as well as 8 airbags. An optional adaptive cruise control system with long-distance radar maintains an acceptable distance from the vehicle ahead. Although the Allroad has not been safety tested, its A4 sibling was named a Top Safety Pick by the NHTSA.

The Allroad finds its place in Audi's lineup between the A3-based Sportback and crossovers like the Q5 and Q7, giving buyers quite a range to choose from when it comes to functional family-oriented vehicles.