Subaru Outback vs Audi Q2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q2 opens at $49,400. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $410.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,889 and $54,340 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q2 by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Subaru Outback
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005485 · published 3 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing issue, the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2018
- REC-001697 · published 24 Aug 2021The fuel pump impeller may not meet manufacturing specifications, as a result it may become deformed.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 10 more on the model page.
Audi Q2
- REC-005771 · published 12 Sep 2023Due to an installation defect, the internal fuse box wiring harness may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2023
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q2 gets a 8.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Audi Q2. The Audi Q2 counters with Apple CarPlay, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi Q2 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The Audi Q2 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a s tronic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,880mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 672mm longer than the Audi Q2 at 4,208mm (2,601mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 530L in the Subaru Outback and 405L in the Audi Q2, giving the Subaru Outback a 125L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.5m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Outback and $1,568/year for the Audi Q2. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q2.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q2). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q2 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Outback: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 66
The Subaru Outback comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 66), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q2 ahead by 23), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 22), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 14). The Audi Q2 will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Audi Q2?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q2 by $410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q2 uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Subaru Outback holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Audi Q2, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L with the seats up (1,267L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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