Kia K4 vs Subaru Impreza
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.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 23 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$32,090RRP
- with the Subaru Impreza's standard kit: $32,090 (nothing to add)
$36,490RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia K4 starts from $32,090 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $36,490. That makes the Kia K4 the more affordable entry point by $4,400.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $33,490 for the Kia K4 and $37,672 for the Subaru Impreza.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia K4 by roughly $2,140 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.
Recalls on our record
Kia K4
- REC-006571 · published 20 Mar 2026K4 Hatch: rear centre seat belt may not latch properlyYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
Subaru Impreza
- REC-001603 · published 2 Jun 2021Due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming, the ignition coil may overheat, creating a short circuit which may blow the ignition coil fuse.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2020
- REC-001222 · published 4 Nov 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2019
- REC-001223 · published 1 Nov 2019Due to improper Engine Control Module (ECM) programming, the ignition coil may overheat, creating a short circuit and blowing the fuse.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2019
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia K4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Impreza. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia K4 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Impreza has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia K4 measures 4,710mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 220mm longer than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 508L in the Kia K4 and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Kia K4 a 217L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,710/year for the Kia K4 and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Kia K4.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). The Kia K4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia K4 if: You want the lower entry price, 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 Impreza if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (73 vs 63). The Kia K4 and Subaru Impreza trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia K4 will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia K4 has a clear edge. The Kia K4 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 K4 and Subaru Impreza?
The Kia K4 is the cheapest at $32,090 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Impreza by $4,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Subaru Impreza holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Kia K4, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 508L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Impreza makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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