2022 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 with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold taillights, giving it a classy and modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, such as standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern look, with technology integrated seamlessly into an uncluttered design. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery, ensuring a luxurious experience throughout.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged version of the popular model, offering 23 centimetres of ground clearance, a centimetre more than other Outbacks. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and improved approach and departure angles due to restyled bumpers. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents added to its distinctive look. The interior was dominated by dark gray and black, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. While ventilated seats were absent, heated ones were standard. The Outback Wilderness was positioned as an entry point into the turbocharged Outback family, priced at $41,995 plus a destination charge, offering a unique blend of ruggedness and style.

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 allowed for impressive acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD, providing various driving modes for battery power management. Its handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and fuel efficiency of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The Outback Wilderness featured a CVT with eight programmed ratios, which, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch transmission. Its standout features included a taller stance, 23 cm of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. The Wilderness trim also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual-function X-Mode traction system for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-packaged interior, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row offered 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 design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded, with waterproof materials and LED lighting. The roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV was equipped with Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, enhancing connectivity and user experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. Despite its target demographic, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The EyeSight technology was effective and unobtrusive, providing a Level 2 ADAS experience. The 2021 standard Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.