Audi A6 vs RAM 1500

What's the difference?

The Subaru Outback has a lot to answer for. Way back in 1994 the Japanese brand created the high-riding wagon scene - and while the idea never really took off with most mainstream makers, European luxury brands seemingly loved the idea of a rugged estate. It’s another niche to fill, after all.

This led to the Volvo V70 Cross Country in 1997, and Audi followed suit with the A6-based Allroad quattro back in 1999. 

Other luxury brands have entered the fray since then, and obviously the market has proliferated with SUVs… but they’re not the same as a high-riding station wagon.

There has been evolution in the Audi Allroad line-up over time: in 2015 the company added the smaller A4 Allroad, while the original larger A6-based Allroad wagon continues to cop the rough-and-tumble treatment, as it has for decades now.

So, since the all-new Audi A6 Allroad has just arrived in Australia, we thought we’d see what it’s like. And perhaps more pertinently, maybe we’ll be able to answer the question that many of you probably have: Should you buy a high-riding wagon? Or is it smarter to just buy an SUV?

Fancy a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux Rogue or Isuzu D-Max Blade, but need something that’s a bit bigger, bolder and brawnier?

Behold the Ram 1500 Rebel. No, not a Rambler Rebel from the Mad Men era, but a full-sized pick-up truck that’s aimed at younger and/or more-adventure-minded buyers.

Rivalling the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, it brings a sporty off-road vibe to Australia’s best-selling big US-made ute. Let’s check it out.