Subaru WRX Sportswagon vs BMW X1
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 WRX Sportswagon starts from $52,290 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 opens at $61,800. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $9,510.
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 $57,519 and $67,980 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X1 by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BMW X1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 6 in the BMW X1.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X1 gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X1 counters with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that the Subaru WRX Sportswagon does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses a Petrol producing 202kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The BMW X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon measures 4,670mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 170mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 410L in the BMW X1, giving the Subaru WRX Sportswagon a 31L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X1 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 11.3m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.3m 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 $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and $1,853/year for the BMW X1. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $1,853 (BMW X1). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X1 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon 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 WRX Sportswagon and BMW X1?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $9,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The BMW X1 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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.
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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