Lexus ES 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.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus ES starts from $73,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $25,710.
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 $81,290 and $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $6,555 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Lexus ES holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus ES packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus ES and 8 in the Subaru WRX. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru WRX misses.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus ES stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting 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 Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 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 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 375mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 473L in the Lexus ES and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Lexus ES a 32L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru WRX leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,511/year for the Lexus ES and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,311 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $1,511 (Lexus ES) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $1,311 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The Subaru WRX has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus ES if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $1,311 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The Subaru WRX adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus ES and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus ES by $25,710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Lexus ES has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 473L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus ES has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru WRX has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
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.
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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