2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Audi Q5

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback featured Subaru’s Global Platform, enhancing structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. Higher trims included a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition for driver settings and safety alerts.

The Outback was available in seven trims, starting at $26,645 for the 2.5i, which included LED headlights, keyless entry, and automatic climate control. The Premium trim, starting at $28,895, introduced the 11.6-inch touchscreen and additional features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Higher trims like the Limited and Touring offered more luxury and safety features, with the Onyx Edition XT adding off-road capabilities and a turbo engine. The top-tier Touring XT, priced at $39,695, included all the bells and whistles, making it a versatile and appealing choice for many buyers.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a large Singleframe grille. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold taillights. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, giving it an even more refined appearance.

Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered look. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered standard leather seating. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the design was cohesive and pleasing. The Q5's interior was a testament to Audi's commitment to quality and attention to detail.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims produced 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks.

Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system was a standout feature, providing consistent power delivery and better handling. The Outback also offered impressive off-road capabilities with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and upgraded X-Mode on the Onyx XT, which included hill-descent control. However, it wasn't a Jeep, and its approach, departure, and breakover angles had limitations.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive. It offered different driving modes, including battery-only and hybrid modes, providing flexibility for various driving conditions. The Q5's handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel, and its braking was powerful and predictable.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and lower center of gravity compared to an SUV improved braking and handling. Visibility was excellent, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior was well-designed, with smartly laid-out controls and ample storage options.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen that was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The screen was easy to understand and navigate, but the lag affected nearly every function, including navigation and volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV came with Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was user-friendly and responsive. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views, enhancing the futuristic feel of the cabin. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a convenient addition, and the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical nature of EyeSight meant it could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often gave false alerts, making it more of a distraction.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in most categories. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system. The Q5 PHEV was expected to match the gasoline-only model's safety ratings.