Kia Carnival 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Carnival starts from $50,570 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $1,680.
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 $55,627 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 Kia Carnival features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-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 Kia Carnival stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate 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.
Drivetrain
The Kia Carnival uses a Petrol producing 216kW and 355Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 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 Kia Carnival has the clear power advantage at 216kW vs 202kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Carnival measures 5,155mm long on a 3,090mm wheelbase, 485mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Carnival generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 627L in the Kia Carnival and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Kia Carnival a 213L advantage. The Kia Carnival seats 8 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m 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 $2,736/year for the Kia Carnival and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Kia Carnival.
Estimated annual total: $2,736 (Kia Carnival) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Kia Carnival saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Carnival) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The Kia Carnival has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Carnival if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia'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 Kia Carnival takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Kia Carnival will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Carnival has a clear edge. The Kia Carnival 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, Kia Carnival and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Carnival by $1,680.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Carnival uses the least fuel at 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Carnival all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Carnival has the largest boot at 627L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Carnival has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Carnival has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Carnival makes the most power at 216kW. 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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