Station wagons that can go anywhere and do anything are the stock-in-trade for the 2021 Subaru Outback and 2021 Audi Allroad. Here’s how they compare.
2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback Starting Price $27,845 | Price Yours Link or View listings near you
Above Average: Standard all-wheel drive; EyeSight Safety technology; good off-road capability.
Below Average: Harsh auto start/stop; CVT drivability.
Consensus: A smart, practical alternative to sedans and SUVs, it features the cargo-hauling capabilities of an SUV without the towering ride height. The buying public concurs as it is Subaru’s best-seller.
2021 Audi A4 Allroad
2021 Audi A4 Allroad Starting Price $45,595 | Price Yours Link or View listings near you
Above Average: Standard Quattro all-wheel-drive; hybrid assist adds more power; upscale cabin; good off-road capability.
Below Average: No blind-spot monitor on the base model; no manual transmission or sporty S4 Allroad variant; pricey.
Consensus: The Allroad is a raised wagon that blends the plush ride quality of a luxury vehicle with the utility of an off-road crossover. Audi offers a premium interior and European handling.
Outback vs. Allroad: Off-road capability with upscale overtones
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback provides decent acceleration even with a load. While there are some drivability issues with the CVT under load, there are eight “steps” that can be manually selected to give it a more conventional feel. The Outback is also gifted with excellent trail prowess. Thanks to the standard Subaru Symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it makes short work of moderate to rough trails. While this Subaru is powered by a standard 2.5-liter 182 horsepower “boxer” engine, it can be optioned with an available 2.4-liter turbocharged that makes 260 horsepower. The Subaru can carry up to five passengers and 32.5 cubic feet of cargo behind them. Fold the rear seat forward and the area grows to 75.7 cubic feet.
Audi A4 Allroad
Now more powerful thanks to a 12-volt mild hybrid system, the A4 Allroad has jumped from 248 to 261 horsepower. While most other features remain similar to the 2020 model, it still manages to go off-road and look good doing it. We love the Virtual Cockpit Plus with a 12.3-inch digital display and the standard Audi Adaptive suspension which adjusts itself to nearly every surface, including trails, gravel, and even pavement for a smooth, enjoyable ride. DriveSelect is the adaptable ride control that allows the driver to switch from Comfort to Sport to Off-Road for optimal traction. The 6.5 inches of ground clearance isn’t as trail-friendly as the 8.7 found on the Subaru. If you want to go deep into the woods, you might be better off with a proper SUV.
Similarities
Both off-road capable; traditional wagon body styles; comfortable cabins.
2021 Subaru Outback Advantages
More ground clearance; lower price; more cargo area; lower price.
2021 Audi A4 Allroad Advantages
More power, spirited handling; better ride quality; conventional automatic transmission.
Final Recommendation
If style and luxury are more important than off-road abilities, the Audi A4 Allroad is your choice. Otherwise, we recommend the Subaru Outback as a very capable vehicle with more cargo space and a lower price of entry.
Ready to buy a Subaru Outback or Audi A4 Allroad: Shop now for one on sale near you.
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter flat-4 | 2.0-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 261 @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed DCT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 29 mpg (26 city/33 hwy) | 26 mpg (24 city/30 hwy) |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo flat-4 | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-star | 5-star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 inches | 110.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 191.3 inches | 187.5 inches |
| Width | 73 inches | 72.7inches |
| Height | 66.4 inches | 58.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.5 inches | 35.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.1 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.4 inches | 54.5 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 109.0 cu. ft. | 92.0 cu. ft. |
| Cargo Volume | 32.5/75.7 cu. ft. | 24.2/58.8 cu. ft. |
