Subaru BRZ vs Hyundai Staria
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 Subaru BRZ starts from $49,190 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Staria opens at $50,500. That makes the Subaru BRZ the more affordable entry point by $1,310.
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 $54,109 and $55,550 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru BRZ by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Staria holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Staria packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Subaru BRZ and 7 in the Hyundai Staria.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Staria gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru BRZ gets leather upholstery while the Hyundai Staria offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru BRZ and 1-zone in the Hyundai Staria.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 331Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Staria has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 174kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru BRZ measures 4,265mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 988mm shorter than the Hyundai Staria at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 284L in the Subaru BRZ and 703L in the Hyundai Staria, giving the Hyundai Staria a 419L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ and $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Subaru BRZ.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Subaru BRZ) vs $2,993 (Hyundai Staria). The Subaru BRZ saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Subaru BRZ will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Staria 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, Subaru BRZ and Hyundai Staria?
The Subaru BRZ is the cheapest at $49,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Staria by $1,310.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru BRZ uses the least fuel at 9.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 703L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Staria makes the most power at 200kW. The Subaru BRZ is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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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