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.
Price Breakdown
The MG 5 starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the MG 5 the more affordable entry point by $15,200.
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 $36,289 and $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG 5 by roughly $4,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Subaru WRX holds a 4-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the MG 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG 5 and 8 in the Subaru WRX. The MG 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru WRX misses.
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 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 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, 75mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 40L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $1,824/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.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The MG 5 saves you roughly $998 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
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
This is genuinely close. The MG 5 and Subaru WRX trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The MG 5 will save you roughly $998 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX has a clear edge. 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 $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $15,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG 5 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru WRX has the highest ANCAP rating at 4 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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.
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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