MG 5 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.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 6 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.
MG 5: we're still completing 0-100km/h, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$30,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$48,890RRP
- 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 MG 5 starts from $30,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $17,900.
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 $34,089 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG 5 by roughly $4,990 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
MG 5
None open on our record
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
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, 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 MG 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for 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 MG 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the MG 5 and 2-zone in the Subaru WRX.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
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 119kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 5mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 13L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $998 annual difference in favour of the MG 5.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The MG 5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru WRX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
MG 5: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 65
The MG 5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 65), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (MG 5 ahead by 32), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 28), value (MG 5 ahead by 16). The MG 5 will save you roughly $998 a year in fuel. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG 5 and Subaru WRX?
The MG 5 is the cheapest at $30,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $17,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG 5 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
MG 5 holds a 3-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Subaru WRX, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 414L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX makes the most power at 202kW.
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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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