Audi Q8 e-tron vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q8 e-tron at 5 stars (2019) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2019 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 Q8 e-tron and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q8 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 8 in the Audi Q8 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 Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 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 Q8 e-tron stands out with head-up display, 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.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q8 e-tron gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.

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

The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 39L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback 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 Outback's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 11.1 m against 12.5 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 Q8 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q8 e-tron), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q8 e-tron: more power (250kW against 137kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (569L against 530L).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $140,600) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 71

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Audi Q8 e-tron's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi Q8 e-tron ahead by 35 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 26 points), technology (Subaru Outback ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions