Audi Q2 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi Q2 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q2 features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q2 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q2 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 447mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi Q2 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 91L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q2's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.5 m against 10.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $1,568 a year (5.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $684 a year less for the Audi Q2.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q2) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q2), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q2: lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,568 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $49,400), more power (136kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 405L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 71

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Audi Q2's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 31 points), fuel economy (Audi Q2 ahead by 21 points), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 12 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $684 less (5.5 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 405L in the Audi Q2, 496L in the Subaru Forester.

Common questions