Audi Q4 e-tron vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2021. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

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 6 on the Subaru Outback.

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 Outback.

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 Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 137kW. 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, 292mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm 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 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 10L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg 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 Outback's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.1 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 Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: more power (210kW against 137kW).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $84,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 74

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Audi Q4 e-tron's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 28 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 9 points).

Common questions