Audi A6 vs Subaru WRX

The 2019 Audi A6 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the automaker's Prologue Concept. Its design featured a wider single-frame grille, subtle fender swells reminiscent of the original Audi Quattro, and advanced LED lighting with animated sequences, giving it a distinctive presence, especially at night. The A6 maintained its lineage with a short front overhang, rakish roofline, and horizontal themes for the taillights and exhaust outlets, resulting in a technical yet familiar look. The S-line styling details added a sporty touch across all versions, with prices ranging from $58,900 to $85,245, excluding destination charges. The Prestige trim, with its Daytona Gray Pearl paint and various packages, brought the total to $75,140. CarGurus recommended the Premium Plus trim for its balance of features and cost, offering amenities like Audi Virtual Cockpit and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance variant of the Impreza, showcased a more aggressive design with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake. The STI version further amplified this with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI WRX maintained a sleeper appeal, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX's cabin, while functional, was considered somewhat pedestrian for a modern performance car. Trim levels included Base, Premium, and Limited, each offering varying features from 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen to leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI or Limited trims, boasted 19-inch wheels, leather-and-suede upholstery, and advanced safety features.

The 2019 Audi A6 delivered a sublime driving experience, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the A6 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Paired with a 7-speed S tronic automated manual transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD system, the A6 offered robust acceleration and impressive handling. The mild hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, enhanced fuel efficiency by capturing energy during coasting and braking. Despite the EPA's 25 mpg estimate, real-world testing yielded 22.9 mpg. The A6's steering, brakes, and adaptive damping suspension contributed to its dynamic performance, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivered 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical AWD through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT with SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The manual transmission offered a 50:50 torque distribution, while the CVT provided a 45:55 split, enhancing responsiveness. The WRX excelled in cornering, with precise steering and minimal body lean. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, featured Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling. However, the ride was notably stiff, especially on rough roads, and road noise was prevalent.

The 2019 Audi A6's interior offered comfort with 18-way multi-contour front seats and massage programs, though space was somewhat limited. The Prestige trim included 4-zone climate control and heated rear seats, while dual-pane acoustic glass ensured a quiet cabin. Storage space was minimal, and the trunk, housing the 48-volt battery, offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and functional design. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating was spacious, and rear-seat space was adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX's 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars.

The 2019 Audi A6 excelled in technology with its MMI system, featuring dual touchscreens with haptic feedback and lush graphics. Highlights included a navigation system with Google Earth imagery, handwriting recognition, and a surround-view camera. The Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation and Bang & Olufsen sound system further enhanced the tech experience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch screen, featuring the Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2019 Audi A6 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems, with advanced features available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Pre Sense systems, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and intersection assistant were among the highlights. Prestige trim added HD Matrix LED headlights, though night-vision assistant was optional.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.