I drive A4s, Passats and Accords regularly (among lots of others).
If you looking to buy new, the Accord tourer is not a practical choice anymore – boot is even smaller than the A4 and an awkward shape. Engines, transmission, and particularly refinement do not match current VW/Audi standards either. They do not hold there value particularly well (unless you are looking at ones that have aged enough to be further down the depreciation curve).
The Passat is significantly more practical than the A4, and cheaper. The A4 is a much nicer drive and has a much nicer interior, and is slightly more refined. Looks better too. Don’t buy one if you regularly use it as a load lugger, it’s not practical enough. Ride on the A4 is only an issue on very rough surfaces if you have the sports suspension.