Hyundai i30 Sedan vs Subaru Liberty
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.
Hyundai i30 Sedan
From $29,250
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.1 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
474L
Subaru Liberty
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
FB25 Boxer
129kW
7.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
493L
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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
The Subaru Liberty holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Liberty packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai i30 Sedan features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Liberty gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Liberty counters with heated front seats that the Hyundai i30 Sedan does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Subaru Liberty responds with a FB25 Boxer making 129kW and 235Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Subaru Liberty has the clear power advantage at 129kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4,710mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 85mm shorter than the Subaru Liberty at 4,795mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Liberty generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 474L in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 493L in the Subaru Liberty, giving the Subaru Liberty a 19L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Liberty leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and $2,081/year for the Subaru Liberty. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs $2,081 (Subaru Liberty). The Hyundai i30 Sedan saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Liberty if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Liberty takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai i30 Sedan will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Subaru Liberty?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan is the cheapest at $29,250 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Liberty has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Liberty has the largest boot at 493L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Liberty has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Liberty makes the most power at 129kW.
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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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