Audi Q4 e-tron vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q4 e-tron at 5 stars (2021) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q4 e-tron, against 7 on the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Q4 e-tron stands out with power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q4 e-tron gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

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

The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 67mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q4 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Audi Q4 e-tron a 24L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg 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 Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Audi Q4 e-tron costs about $835 a year (17.4 kWh/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.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q4 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q4 e-tron), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: more power (210kW against 136kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 496L).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $84,900) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Audi Q4 e-tron's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 22 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 8 points), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 7 points).

Common questions