Subaru Tribeca vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Wagons 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.
Subaru Tribeca
Price TBC
Wagon
Petrol
EZ36
190kW
11.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Subaru WRX Sportswagon
From $52,290
Wagon
Petrol
Petrol
202kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
492L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Subaru Tribeca features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments.
The Subaru Tribeca stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Tribeca gets leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Tribeca uses a EZ36 producing 190kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed automatic with manual mode to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 190kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Tribeca measures 4,865mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,755mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Tribeca generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Subaru Tribeca leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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
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 $3,306/year for the Subaru Tribeca and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $883 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Warranty: 3 years (Subaru Tribeca) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Tribeca if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon will save you roughly $883 a year in fuel. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Tribeca and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Subaru Tribeca and Subaru WRX Sportswagon carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Tribeca has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon 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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