Audi Q5 vs Subaru Solterra
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Audi Q5
From $80,900
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology
150kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Subaru Solterra
From $76,990
SUV
Electric Motor
252kW
—
5★ ANCAP
452L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Solterra opens at $76,990. That makes the Subaru Solterra the more affordable entry point by $3,910.
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 $88,990 and $84,689 respectively.
The Subaru Solterra qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q5 and Subaru Solterra hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 88% for the Subaru Solterra.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q5 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru Solterra.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Audi Q5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Solterra misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Solterra gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Solterra. The Subaru Solterra counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Solterra offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Subaru Solterra.
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 Solterra responds with a Electric Motor making 252kW and 455Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Subaru Solterra has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Solterra is 1.7s quicker. 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, 27mm longer than the Subaru Solterra at 4,690mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Solterra generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 452L in the Subaru Solterra, giving the Audi Q5 a 68L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Solterra). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Solterra if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Solterra takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi Q5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q5 and Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra is the cheapest at $76,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q5 by $3,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q5 and Subaru Solterra all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q5 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Solterra makes the most power at 252kW. The Subaru Solterra is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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