Verdict
At RM352,900, the Audi Q5 costs RM73,900 more than the RM279,000 Subaru Outback, but brings 196 hp and 340 Nm against 185 hp and 245 Nm. The Q5 also has a 2,817-mm wheelbase, 14.5-inch Android Automotive screen, Digital Matrix LED headlamps and six front parking sensors. The Outback counters with all-wheel drive, a marginally larger 522-litre boot and a five-year/100,000-km warranty. For a Malaysian buyer, the Audi’s RM434 annual road tax is far lower than the Subaru’s RM878, though the Outback is the cheaper way into AWD.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want the stronger 196-hp/340-Nm petrol drivetrain, a longer 2,817-mm wheelbase and more parking and lighting hardware.
Pick the Subaru Outback if all-wheel drive, the RM73,900 lower purchase price, a sunroof and five-year/100,000-km warranty matter more than outright output.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; Subaru Outback RM279,000.
- Output: Audi Q5 196 hp and 340 Nm; Subaru Outback 185 hp and 245 Nm.
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; Subaru Outback all-wheel drive.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; Subaru Outback 2,745 mm.
- Road tax: Audi Q5 RM434/year; Subaru Outback RM878/year.
- Warranty: Audi Q5 two years/unlimited mileage; Subaru Outback five years/100,000 km.
Q5
- 196 hp and 340 Nm, versus 185 hp and 245 Nm.
- 2,817-mm wheelbase and 14.5-inch Android Automotive touchscreen with navigation.
- Digital Matrix LED headlamps, OLED tail lamps and six front parking sensors.
- RM352,900 is RM73,900 more than the Outback.
- Front-wheel drive versus the Outback’s all-wheel drive.
- Two-year warranty cover versus the Outback’s five years.
Outback
- RM279,000 price and all-wheel drive.
- Five-year/100,000-km warranty.
- 522-litre boot, sunroof and 360-degree view monitor.
- 185 hp and 245 Nm trail the Q5’s 196 hp and 340 Nm.
- RM878 annual road tax is RM444 higher than the Q5’s.
- No front parking sensors, against six on the Q5.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900 | RM279,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM878 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | Direct Fuel Injection, Horizontally Opposed, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16-Valve, Boxer Engine |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 196 hp✓ | 185 hp |
| Torque | 340 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 12 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Subaru |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 9.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 206 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,756 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 522 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 225/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 225.60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Bridgestone Alenza H/L33 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 10-speaker Audi Sound System | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 11-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 & Outback for sale
Q5 vs Outback FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or Subaru Outback better?
The Audi Q5 is better for stronger 196-hp/340-Nm performance, a longer wheelbase and more advanced lighting and parking hardware. The Subaru Outback is the better buy for all-wheel drive, lower upfront cost and five-year warranty cover.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM73,900 more than the Subaru Outback. The Audi’s lower annual road tax saves RM444 per year, but that does not close the purchase-price gap quickly.
Which has the better warranty?
The Subaru Outback has the longer time-based warranty at five years or 100,000 km. The Audi Q5 has unlimited mileage cover, but only for two years.