Compare the2025 Audi new Q5VS 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the new Q5 and Outlander have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The new Q5 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Outlander’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Audi new Q5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Outlander has not been tested.

The new Q5 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Outlander doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the new Q5. But it costs extra on the Outlander.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The new Q5 has Car-to-X Services, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Outlander doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

The Audi new Q5 offers an optional Top View Camera System and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Mitsubishi Outlander doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

Both the new Q5 and Outlander have rear cross-traffic warning, but the new Q5 has Automatic Brake Activation (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Outlander’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the new Q5 and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the new Q5 is much safer than the Outlander:

	new Q5	Outlander
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	22/45 pounds	202/247 pounds
Thigh Forces L/R	22/45 pounds	202/247 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi new Q5 is safer than the Outlander:

	new Q5	Outlander
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	81	171
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	156 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.94 in	1.46 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	892 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Audi new Q5 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Outlander is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The new Q5’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the Outlander’s (12/unlimited vs. 7/100,000).

Reliability

The Audi new Q5’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Outlander’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the new Q5 has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Outlander’s 120-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The new Q5’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 87 more horsepower (268 vs. 181) and 114 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the new Q5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The new Q5 has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (17.2 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The new Q5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Outlander doesn’t offer launch control.

Tires and Wheels

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the new Q5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Outlander doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The new Q5 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Outlander’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The new Q5 Prestige has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The new Q5’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Outlander doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The new Q5 has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the new Q5’s wheelbase is 4.4 inches longer than on the Outlander (110.9 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

Cargo Capacity

The new Q5 has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (27.6 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the new Q5. The Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The new Q5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander’s (4400 vs. 2000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The new Q5 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Outlander uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the new Q5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Outlander. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The power windows standard on both the new Q5 and the Outlander have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the new Q5 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The new Q5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the new Q5 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The new Q5’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the Outlander SE/SEL/Platinum.

The new Q5’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The new Q5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Outlander ES’ standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the new Q5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Outlander doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the new Q5 Premium Plus/Prestige has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Outlander doesn’t offer cornering lights. The new Q5 Premium Plus/Prestige also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The new Q5’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL/Platinum.

The new Q5’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Audi new Q5 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Outlander SE/SEL/Platinum.

The Audi new Q5 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the Outlander SE/SEL/Platinum.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi new Q5 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Outlander SE/SEL/Platinum offers wireless charging.

The new Q5’s Park Assist Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The Audi Q5/SQ5 outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by 5% during 2024.

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