Audi RS Q8 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?

Audi RS Q8

$230,827 - $255,727

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

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Summary

2026 Audi RS Q8

2026 Subaru Forester

By Stephen Ottley

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

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Seating

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Likes

Immense performance
Excellent handling for a big SUV
Premium design

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Dislikes

Big power equals big thirst
Seven-year warranty costs extra
No current ANCAP rating

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

2026 Audi RS Q8 Summary

Not to spoil the illusion, but at their core the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne all share the same base mechanical DNA. And yet despite their huge price tags and enviable reputation for performance, the fastest SUV isn’t one of them - it’s an Audi.

The new Audi RS Q8 Performance, to be precise, which has lapped the famous Nurburgring in Germany in record time, usurping the Cayenne Turbo GT in the process.

Boasting the most powerful internal combustion engine Audi has ever installed in a production car, ceramic brakes and a highly advanced suspension package, the RS Q8 Performance takes the German brand’s SUVs to a new level of, how do I put this… performance.

So it’s an appropriate name, but is it an appropriate car for Australian buyers looking for something fast, spacious and special? Read on to find out…

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2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS Q8 2026 Subaru Forester

Verdict

The Audi RS Q8 Performance is a lot - of everything. It offers lots of power, lots of performance, lots of space and lots of luxury. But it’s also a lot of money, and at more than $250k it’s not going to be on everyone’s shopping list. It’s a very niche proposition for a small group of buyers. For those select few, those who want a lot of everything and who crave the ultimate of whatever product they’re buying, then the RS Q8 Performance is going to be a very tempting proposition - even if they never set any lap record in it.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

Audi RS Q8 vs Subaru Forester What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS Q8 vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?