2020 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Ascent boasts a practical and utilitarian design, resembling a puffed-up Subaru Forester. It features gray plastic cladding for 360-degree protection, an oversize grille, and robust roof rails. The base model starts at $31,995, with higher trims offering premium features such as leather seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Touring trim, priced at $45,045, comes with exclusive color leather, a panoramic sunroof, and special wood trim.

The Q5 is a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodies the Audi design language. It features LED headlights, crisp character lines, and a modern appearance. The plug-in Q5 wears S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, it offers a classy and modern cabin with smartly grouped buttons, switches, and knobs, as well as high-quality materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Ascent is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and all-wheel drive (AWD). It delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing good acceleration for its size. However, its fuel economy falls short of expectations, and its handling and transmission have been criticized.

The Q5 PHEV features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. It offers convincing acceleration, impressive fuel economy figures, and various driving modes for optimized performance and efficiency.

The Ascent offers comfort and versatility, with options for a 3-person second-row bench seat or individual captain’s chairs. It provides ample cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and up to 86 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down.

The Q5 PHEV offers 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. It provides a comfortable interior with a reasonable amount of legroom and headroom in the second row.

The Ascent features a Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. It also offers a 180-degree front camera view and a rear-seat reminder system.

The Q5 PHEV is equipped with Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and a built-in Integrated Toll Module (ITM).

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Subaru Ascent 10 out of 10 for safety, and the 2021 Audi Q5 7 out of 10.

The Ascent receives a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist systems.

The Q5 PHEV offers various safety features, including Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, and available driver-assistance features such as Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert and traffic-sign recognition.