2018 Audi Q5 vs. 2018 Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Audi Q5 and the 2018 Subaru Outback.
In comparing the 2018 Audi Q5's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Audi Q5 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2018 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Audi Q5's and the 2018 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Subaru Outback is a better car than the 2018 Audi Q5.
Pricing: A used 2018 Audi Q5 ranges from $16,998 to $28,437 while a used 2018 Subaru Outback is priced between $14,995 to $25,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Audi Q5 loses 53.6 percent of its value and the 2018 Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Subaru Outback retains 14.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Audi Q5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi Q5 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Audi Q5 being ranked 4 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi Q5 is 8.1 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi Q5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Audi Q5’s base engine makes 252 horsepower, and the 2018 Subaru Outback base engine makes 175 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Audi Q5 and the 2018 Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$41,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$41,146
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$33,355 - $54,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,922
Price Range:
$16,998 - $28,437
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$24,585
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$20,268 - $35,179
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
694
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
73,577
# Good or Great Deals:
414
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,638
Price Range:
$14,995 - $25,997
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
700
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
90,378
# Good or Great Deals:
288
Audi Q5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Audi Q5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
6.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.7 - 7.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1 - 22.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Audi Q5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 59Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
41 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Audi Q5 Trim Levels
2.0T quattro Premium, 2.0T quattro Premium Plus, 2.0T quattro Prestige
2018 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
252 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 27 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
426 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
26.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
60.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Cargo Space:
35.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
143.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4045 lbs
Width:
84.3 inches
Height:
65.3 inches
Length:
183.6 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3622 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
189.9 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Moonlight Blue Metallic / Navarra Blue Metallic / Utopia Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic / Monsoon Gray Metallic
Green
Azores Green Metallic
Red
Matador Red Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Ibis White
Beige
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Wilderness Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
Tungsten Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Nougat Brown
Gray
Rock Gray/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Warm Ivory
Black
Slate Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Titanium Gray