Kia K4 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.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 21 Oct 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
- no option data for this car
$48,890RRP
- with the Kia K4's standard kit: $48,890 (nothing to add)
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 WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Kia K4 the more affordable entry point by $16,800.
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 $35,299 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia K4 by roughly $5,415 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 WRX
- REC-005484 · published 11 Aug 2022The reverse lamps may not illuminate and the rear-view reverse camera may not display the rearwards image when reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2021
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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX counters with Harman Kardon audio. 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 cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 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 Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia K4 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 230mm shorter than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Kia K4 and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Kia K4 a 24L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.2m
Based on 10.7m 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 $1,739/year for the Kia K4 and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,083 annual difference in favour of the Kia K4.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The Kia K4 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru WRX).
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 WRX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia K4: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 65
The Kia K4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 65), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Kia K4 ahead by 35), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 30), value (Kia K4 ahead by 16). The Kia K4 will save you roughly $1,083 a year in fuel. 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 WRX?
The Kia K4 is the cheapest at $32,090 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $16,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Kia K4 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 Kia K4 has the largest boot at 438L 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 WRX makes the most power at 202kW. 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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