Hyundai Sonata 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.
Hyundai Sonata
From $55,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
213kW
8.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Subaru WRX
From $48,890
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
202kW
9.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
414L
Track the Hyundai Sonata & Subaru WRX
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Sonata starts from $55,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $6,610.
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 $61,050 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Sonata by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Sonata features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Hyundai Sonata stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru WRX. 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.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Sonata gets suede & nappa leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Sonata uses a Petrol producing 213kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) 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 Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 202kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Sonata measures 4,910mm long on a 2,840mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Hyundai Sonata and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Hyundai Sonata a 66L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Sonata.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Sonata takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai Sonata will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Sonata has a clear edge. The Hyundai Sonata adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Sonata and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $6,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Sonata uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Hyundai Sonata and Subaru WRX carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Sonata has the largest boot at 480L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Sonata has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
