Audi RSQ8 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the Audi RSQ8. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 RSQ8 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 RSQ8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi RSQ8 gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RSQ8 and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Audi RSQ8 uses a Petrol producing 471kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds.

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

The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi RSQ8 measures 5,012mm long on a 2,998mm wheelbase, 132mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 605L in the Audi RSQ8 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Audi RSQ8 a 75L advantage.

For towing, the Audi RSQ8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Subaru Outback turns in a 11.1 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Audi RSQ8's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi RSQ8 costs about $3,477 a year (12.2 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 $1,168 a year less for the Subaru Outback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi RSQ8) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi RSQ8), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Audi RSQ8: more power (471kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (605L against 530L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $257,227) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $3,477).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 58

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Audi RSQ8's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi RSQ8 ahead by 60 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 42 points), fuel economy (Subaru Outback ahead by 38 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $1,168 less (8.1 L/100km against 12.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 605L in the Audi RSQ8, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions