2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to its classy and modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with a technology-packed yet uncluttered interior. The materials were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older models. While the base trim had a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The interior quality was evident, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Premier trims. The Outdoor XT trim offered water-resistant upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback had smooth, plain styling with high gray cladding for protection. It maintained a balanced and stable appearance, with chrome flourishes and adaptive LED headlights. The Outback's standout feature was its lifted wagon design, offering an alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, combined with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only rating of 8.8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD, allowing for various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, had a 2.5-litre boxer flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup struggled with the vehicle's weight, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback's handling was more about comfort, with long-travel springs and high ground clearance for rough roads. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, always driving all four wheels and offering X-Mode for challenging conditions. The Outback excelled off-road, showcasing Subaru's rally heritage.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row had reasonable legroom and ample headroom and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive ground clearance, allowing it to tackle various terrains without being oversized. It offered 2,144 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback excelled in storage, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a centre console with handy pockets. However, some features like push-button start and rear console climate vents were not standard on all trims. The Outback's standout feature was its roof rails with integrated crossbars, providing easy installation for roof racks.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, providing a high-tech and immersive experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to radar-based systems.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in crash tests and for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall. The Outback featured a strong chassis, standard airbags, and driver-assist technologies like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The Premier trims included a driver-attention monitor.