Honda Accord 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda Accord starts from $54,250 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $6,060.
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 $59,675 and $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda Accord by roughly $7,980 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Honda Accord holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda Accord 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 8 in the Honda Accord and 8 in the Subaru WRX.
Feature Showdown
The Honda Accord features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru WRX gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda Accord stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate, Bose 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.
Interior trim differs: the Honda Accord gets leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Honda Accord uses a Hybrid producing 135kW and 335Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda Accord measures 4,975mm long on a 2,830mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Accord generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Honda Accord and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Honda Accord a 156L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m 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 $1,226/year for the Honda Accord and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,596 annual difference in favour of the Honda Accord.
Estimated annual total: $1,226 (Honda Accord) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Honda Accord saves you roughly $1,596 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda Accord) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda Accord)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda Accord if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda Accord takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Honda Accord will save you roughly $1,596 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda Accord has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda Accord and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Honda Accord by $6,060.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda Accord uses the least fuel at 4.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Honda Accord has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda Accord has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda Accord has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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