Audi Q5 vs Subaru Forester
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q5 | Subaru Forester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 145 | +84.8% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 400 | 188 | +112.8% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 10.2 | 14.0 | -27.1% |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automated Manual | CVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $54,500 | $21,120 | +158.0% |
- Audi Q5 makes about 85% more power (268 vs 145 hp).
- Subaru Forester is the more economical, at 14.0 km/L against 10.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (US and Japan); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Q5 or Forester?
Audi Q5 advantages
- Engine power (+46%)
- Pulling torque (+53%)
Subaru Forester advantages
- Fuel economy (+27%)
- Affordability (+61%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Subaru Forester if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Audi Q5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Subaru Forester delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q5 vs Subaru Forester: which should you choose?
Audi Q5 (2026 Premium Plus 45 TFSI) — petrol suv with 268 hp and 400 Nm, rated at 10.2 km/L; priced near $54,500 in the US market.
Subaru Forester (2026 Touring e-Boxer) — hybrid suv with 145 hp and 188 Nm, rated at 14 km/L, 5-star JNCAP safety; priced near $21,120 in the Japan market.
Audi Q5 vs Subaru Forester: Audi Q5 is more powerful. Audi Q5 makes about 85% more power (268 vs 145 hp). Subaru Forester is the more economical, at 14.0 km/L against 10.2.
Performance
The Audi Q5 is the more powerful, at 268 hp against 145 hp, with 400 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Running costs
The Subaru Forester is more economical at 14.0 km/L against 10.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Price and value
The Subaru Forester lists lower at about $21,120 (USD-converted from the Japan market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q5 better than the Subaru Forester?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Audi Q5 makes about 85% more power (268 vs 145 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q5 and the Subaru Forester?
Audi Q5 makes about 85% more power (268 vs 145 hp). Subaru Forester is the more economical, at 14.0 km/L against 10.2.
Which is better value?
Subaru Forester delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Audi Q5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Subaru Forester if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.