Mazda 6 vs Subaru Impreza
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.
Mazda 6
From $29,740
Sedan
Petrol
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT
125kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
519L
Subaru Impreza
From $33,490
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol I4 Boxer
115kW
7.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
291L
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda 6 starts from $29,740 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $33,490. That makes the Mazda 6 the more affordable entry point by $3,750.
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 $32,714 and $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Impreza by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda 6 and Subaru Impreza hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 0 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda 6 and 9 in the Subaru Impreza.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
Drivetrain
The Mazda 6 uses a 2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT producing 125kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual / 5-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Mazda 6 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda 6 measures 4,735mm long on a 2,725mm wheelbase, 245mm longer than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 519L in the Mazda 6 and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Mazda 6 a 228L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,394/year for the Mazda 6 and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Impreza.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Mazda 6) vs $2,138 (Subaru Impreza). The Subaru Impreza saves you roughly $256 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda 6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). The Subaru Impreza has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda 6 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru Impreza will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda 6 has a clear edge. The Subaru Impreza 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, Mazda 6 and Subaru Impreza?
The Mazda 6 is the cheapest at $29,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Impreza by $3,750.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Impreza uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda 6 and Subaru Impreza all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda 6 has the largest boot at 519L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru Impreza has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda 6 makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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