Subaru WRX Sportswagon vs GWM Cannon Alpha
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 GWM Cannon Alpha opens at $52,990. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $700.
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 $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The GWM Cannon Alpha holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Cannon Alpha packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 6 in the GWM Cannon Alpha.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Cannon Alpha gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Cannon Alpha counters with power tailgate 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 GWM Cannon Alpha responds with a 2.4L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel making 135kW and 480Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 4.1s 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, 775mm shorter than the GWM Cannon Alpha at 5,445mm (3,350mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Cannon Alpha generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the GWM Cannon Alpha leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,500kg 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 13.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.0m 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 $2,537/year for the GWM Cannon Alpha. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $2,537 (GWM Cannon Alpha). The Subaru WRX Sportswagon saves you roughly $114 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 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Cannon Alpha). The GWM Cannon Alpha has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Cannon Alpha if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The GWM Cannon Alpha 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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