Audi A5 vs Subaru WRX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $31,710.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A5 by roughly $5,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Audi A5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 8 in the Subaru WRX. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru WRX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A5 stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru WRX. The Subaru WRX counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi A5 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A5 measures 4,762mm long on a 2,821mm wheelbase, 162mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 41L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Audi A5 and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,055 annual difference in favour of the Audi A5.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Audi A5) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Audi A5 saves you roughly $1,055 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi A5 will save you roughly $1,055 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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