Audi Q5 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). 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 88% for the Subaru Outback, 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 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 Q5 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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Q5 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.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

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

The Audi Q5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 137kW. 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, 163mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 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 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 0.7 m tighter, 11.1 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 Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $684 a year less for the Audi Q5.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: more power (150kW against 137kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $80,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 520L).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The Audi Q5 and Subaru Outback are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 22 points), performance (Audi Q5 ahead by 13 points), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $684 less (5.7 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions