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 focus on technology and an uncluttered appearance. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. While the base trim had a less appealing dual-screen setup, higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright and sharp. The interior quality was a significant improvement over pre-2015 models, with substantial window switches, dash padding, and surface materials. The Onyx Edition XT offered a unique interior with gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. Externally, the Outback sported gray cladding on its wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, with smooth and plain styling. It was a lifted wagon, offering a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque to its standard gasoline engine, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and achieve impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for optimal efficiency. Its handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, struggled with its base 2.5-liter flat-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), resulted in sluggish performance, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. However, the XT trim offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its long-travel springs, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and Subaru’s proactive all-wheel-drive system. The XT trim's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, but the performance gains were worth the trade-off.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior 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 ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options on higher trims. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out storage options.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive elements. The Outback offered excellent headroom and legroom in all seating positions, with superb outward visibility. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a handy front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback’s standout feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s 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 color/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting. The Prestige Package included a Navigation Package that optimized fuel consumption and battery usage. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included, enhancing connectivity.

The 2021 Subaru Outback’s infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation on higher trims. Subaru EyeSight was standard, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems using radar.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance options like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was built on a stronger chassis and featured standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," with top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA gave it an overall five-star rating. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, including blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking.