Audi Q3 vs Subaru Trailseeker

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Trailseeker opens at $67,990. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $6,390.

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 $74,789 respectively.

The Subaru Trailseeker 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 Trailseeker hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

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 Trailseeker.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 8 in the Subaru Trailseeker.

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

The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru Trailseeker. The Subaru Trailseeker 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 Q3 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Trailseeker 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 Trailseeker responds with a Dual Electric Motor making 280kW and 536Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The Subaru Trailseeker has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Trailseeker is 4.6s 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, 314mm shorter than the Subaru Trailseeker at 4,845mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Trailseeker generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 575L in the Audi Q3 and 609L in the Subaru Trailseeker, giving the Subaru Trailseeker a 34L 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 Trailseeker). Both match on warranty length.