Audi Q2 vs Subaru Outback

The Audi Q2 starts from $49,400 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $410.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $54,340 and $53,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q2 by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi Q2 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q2 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Subaru Outback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q2 and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

The Audi Q2 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 8.8 seconds.

The Subaru Outback lines up making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q2 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 662mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 356L in the Audi Q2 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 619L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Audi Q2 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q2.

Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Audi Q2) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Audi Q2 saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years (Audi Q2) vs 5 years (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.