Subaru WRX Sportswagon vs Mazda CX-80
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 Mazda CX-80 opens at $64,490. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $12,200.
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 $70,939 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda CX-80 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-80 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 Mazda CX-80.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-80 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mazda CX-80. The Mazda CX-80 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. 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 Mazda CX-80 responds with a Petrol making 209kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 202kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 2.6s 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, 320mm shorter than the Mazda CX-80 at 4,990mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 258L in the Mazda CX-80, giving the Subaru WRX Sportswagon a 183L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and $2,394/year for the Mazda CX-80. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-80.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $2,394 (Mazda CX-80). The Mazda CX-80 saves you roughly $29 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 (Mazda CX-80). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-80 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Mazda CX-80 will save you roughly $29 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 Mazda CX-80?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-80 by $12,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-80 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda CX-80 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 Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-80 makes the most power at 209kW. 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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