Audi Q3 vs Subaru Solterra

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $61,990. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $390.

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 $67,760 and $68,189 respectively.

The Subaru Solterra qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q3 and Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Solterra.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

The Audi Q3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Solterra gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Solterra offers synthetic leather.

The Audi Q3 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 159mm shorter than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 575L in the Audi Q3 and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Audi Q3 a 123L advantage.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). Both match on warranty length.