Audi Q2 vs Subaru Outback
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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q2 starts from $49,400 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. 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 $54,340 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q2 by roughly $3,560 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.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q2 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q2 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q2 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 662mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 356L in the Audi Q2 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 619L 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 10.8m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Audi Q2 and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q2.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Audi Q2) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Audi Q2 saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q2) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q2 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi Q2 will save you roughly $712 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q2 and Subaru Outback?
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 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
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. The Audi Q2 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.8s.
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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