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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus ES starts from $65,540 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $16,650.
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 $72,094 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $7,270 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.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 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.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus ES gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth.
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, 305mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 454L in the Lexus ES and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Lexus ES a 40L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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 $1,368/year for the Lexus ES and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,454 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Lexus ES) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $1,454 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 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $1,454 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 $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus ES by $16,650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus ES and Subaru WRX carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 454L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru WRX has the longest warranty at 5 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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