Audi Q5 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 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 Q5, 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 Q5 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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Q5 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 Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

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

The Audi Q5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 62mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Audi Q5 a 24L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg 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 1.0 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/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. That is $627 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: more power (150kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 496L), the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $80,900).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The Audi Q5 and Subaru Forester are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 20 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 8 points), performance (Audi Q5 ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $627 less (5.7 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions