Holden Malibu 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.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Holden Malibu: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle, plus 2 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$48,890RRP
- with the Holden Malibu's standard kit: $48,890 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Holden Malibu
- REC-000493 · published 18 Jul 2016A pivot pin inside the twin buckle assembly for the right-hand rear and rear centre seatbelts may not have been assembled correctly and may translate sideways.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-000523 · published 11 Feb 2015A pivot pin inside the twin buckle assembly for the right-hand rear and centre rear seatbelts may not have been assembled correctly and may slide sideways.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
Subaru WRX
- REC-005484 · published 11 Aug 2022The reverse lamps may not illuminate and the rear-view reverse camera may not display the rearwards image when reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Subaru WRX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Holden Malibu lines up producing 123kW and 225Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic with active select to a FWD layout.
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 123kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Holden Malibu measures 4,865mm long on a 2,737mm wheelbase, 195mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Holden Malibu generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Holden Malibu) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The Subaru WRX has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Holden Malibu if: You or prefer Holden's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (40 vs 65). The Holden Malibu and Subaru WRX trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Subaru WRX adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Holden Malibu and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Holden Malibu and Subaru WRX carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Holden Malibu has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru WRX has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX makes the most power at 202kW.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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