Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). 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 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

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 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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and panoramic roof. 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 Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

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

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 137kW. 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, 163mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 15L 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 0.7 m tighter, 11.1 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 Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $143 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 137kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $109,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 515L).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 47 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 20 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $143 less (7.6 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions