MINI Cooper 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.
MINI Cooper
From $41,990
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
115kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
210L
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 MINI Cooper starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $33,490. That makes the Subaru Impreza the more affordable entry point by $8,500.
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 $46,189 and $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MINI Cooper by roughly $1,855 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 MINI Cooper features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Impreza gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The MINI Cooper stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru Impreza. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MINI Cooper gets synthetic leather / cloth upholstery while the Subaru Impreza offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper uses a Petrol Turbo producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Cooper measures 3,876mm long on a 2,495mm wheelbase, 614mm shorter than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Impreza generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 210L in the MINI Cooper and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Subaru Impreza a 81L advantage. The Subaru Impreza seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m 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 $1,767/year for the MINI Cooper and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the MINI Cooper.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (MINI Cooper) vs $2,138 (Subaru Impreza). The MINI Cooper saves you roughly $371 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Impreza takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MINI Cooper will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Impreza has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MINI Cooper and Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza is the cheapest at $33,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $8,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Subaru Impreza has the largest boot at 291L.
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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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