2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights flanking the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The plug-in Q5 wore S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, giving it an even more refined appearance. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with smartly grouped buttons, switches, and knobs. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its increased ride height of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and oversized fender protection trim. It featured a unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. The roof rack and rail system supported a 700-pound static load, perfect for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was a sea of dark gray and black with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, Anodized Copper stitching, and brushed aluminum pedals. The rear seatback and cargo tray were waterproof, adding to the vehicle's rugged appeal.

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 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes, including battery-only and hybrid modes. The vehicle featured speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, providing a balance of comfort and road feel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg combined. The Outback Wilderness used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. It featured all-wheel drive, a taller stance with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. The vehicle also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a dual function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control, making it highly capable off-road.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured several storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had a cargo area measuring 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The seats were wrapped in dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the front passenger, with heated seats for both rows. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The vehicle also featured a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster. The system offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While it included physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less responsive to natural commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on other trims. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 Q5 received top ratings in most categories. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness did not include Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.