Skoda Octavia 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Octavia starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Impreza opens at $33,490. That makes the Subaru Impreza the more affordable entry point by $6,500.
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 $43,989 and $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Octavia and Subaru Impreza hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Octavia packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Subaru Impreza.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 8 in the Skoda Octavia and 9 in the Subaru Impreza.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Octavia features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Impreza gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The Skoda Octavia stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Impreza. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Octavia uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Subaru Impreza responds with a Petrol I4 Boxer making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Subaru Impreza has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Octavia measures 4,698mm long on a 2,686mm wheelbase, 208mm longer than the Subaru Impreza at 4,490mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Octavia generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Skoda Octavia and 291L in the Subaru Impreza, giving the Skoda Octavia a 309L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,625/year for the Skoda Octavia and $2,138/year for the Subaru Impreza. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Skoda Octavia) vs $2,138 (Subaru Impreza). The Skoda Octavia saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Octavia) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Impreza). The Skoda Octavia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Impreza if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Octavia takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Octavia has a clear edge. The Skoda Octavia adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Skoda Octavia and Subaru Impreza?
The Subaru Impreza is the cheapest at $33,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Octavia by $6,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Octavia has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Octavia has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Impreza makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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