2021 Subaru Forester 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 had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large 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 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, 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 easy driver access. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a styling reminiscent of its previous generation. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers, offering a clean and unpretentious look. The Forester Sport models added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, which made a significant visual impact. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining its rugged SUV image. Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense mix of materials promised durability, with the Sport trim adding orange accents. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while leather was available on higher trims. The All-Weather Package added practical features like heated seats and mirrors.

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-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive and multiple driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for most situations, the engine lacked the desired thrust for highway merging and overtaking. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. Standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode enhanced its capability on different surfaces, with Sport models offering Dual X-Mode. The Forester had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds and featured hill-descent control and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for better off-road handling.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a balanced size, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces, including cupholders and a center-console storage bin.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, with above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall roofline. It offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's cupholders were practical, and the center console was reasonably sized, though the phone-storage cubby was small. The infotainment controls were user-friendly, but the steering wheel had an overwhelming number of buttons.

The 2021 Audi Q5 featured the latest 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 LED ambient lighting for a personalized cabin experience. The Prestige Package included navigation, and the Integrated Toll Module was standard. A Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available, and wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, but the screen was slow to start. Additional displays provided secondary information, though the setup felt complex.

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

The 2021 Subaru Forester earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came standard with EyeSight, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Forester also featured a unique DriverFocus system to monitor driver attention. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.