Hyundai Staria vs Subaru WRX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Staria
From $50,500
People Mover
Petrol
Petrol
200kW
10.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
831L
Subaru WRX
From $48,890
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
202kW
9.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
414L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Staria starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $1,610.
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 $55,550 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Staria features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Hyundai Staria stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on 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.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 331Nm of torque, sent through a automatic 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 200kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 583mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 831L in the Hyundai Staria and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Hyundai Staria a 417L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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 $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Subaru WRX saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru WRX will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Staria 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, Hyundai Staria and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Staria by $1,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Staria all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 831L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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