Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 62mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 19L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 Forester's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 10.8 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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $86 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi SQ5 Sportback), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 496L), the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,800kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $109,900).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 41 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 22 points), reliability (Subaru Forester ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $86 less (7.6 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions