Skoda Octavia 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Octavia starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Skoda Octavia the more affordable entry point by $8,900.
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 $43,989 and $53,779 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $5,985 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 Skoda Octavia features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-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 Skoda Octavia 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.
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 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 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.3s quicker. 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, 28mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Octavia generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Skoda Octavia and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Skoda Octavia a 186L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $1,197 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Skoda Octavia) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Skoda Octavia saves you roughly $1,197 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 WRX). The Skoda Octavia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You want the lower entry price, 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 WRX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Octavia takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $1,197 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 WRX?
The Skoda Octavia is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $8,900.
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 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 WRX makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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