Polestar 2 vs Subaru WRX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Polestar 2 starts from $62,400 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $14,210.
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 $68,640 and $53,009 respectively.
The Polestar 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru WRX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Polestar 2 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 2 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Polestar 2 and 8 in the Subaru WRX.
Feature Showdown
The Polestar 2 features a 11.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Polestar 2 stands out with Apple CarPlay, 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 Polestar 2 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 2 uses a Electric Motor producing 200kW and 490Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 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 200kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Polestar 2 measures 4,606mm long on a 2,735mm wheelbase, 6mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 2 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Polestar 2 and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 34L advantage.
For towing, the Polestar 2 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.5m
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 2) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar 2 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX 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, Polestar 2 and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 2 by $14,210.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Polestar 2 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The Polestar 2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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