Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron at 5 stars (2024) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron 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 Q6 Sportback 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 Q6 Sportback 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 Q6 Sportback e-tron features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 Q6 Sportback e-tron stands out with wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron uses a Electric producing 185kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds.

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

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron measures 4,771mm long on a 2,899mm wheelbase, 109mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 511L in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 19L 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 0.5 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.6 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron: more power (185kW against 137kW).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $97,935) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 511L).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 71

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 3 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron ahead by 23 points), technology (Subaru Outback ahead by 15 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 13 points).

Common questions