Subaru WRX vs BMW 2 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,190 before on-road costs, while the BMW 2 Series opens at $59,900. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $11,710.
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 $53,009 and $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW 2 Series by roughly $5,130 in fuel alone.
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 WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the BMW 2 Series gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 2 Series counters with head-up display and power tailgate that the Subaru WRX does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru WRX gets cloth upholstery while the BMW 2 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru WRX uses a Petrol producing 202kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The BMW 2 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX measures 4,670mm long on a 2,675mm wheelbase, 124mm longer than the BMW 2 Series at 4,546mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 414L in the Subaru WRX and 360L in the BMW 2 Series, giving the Subaru WRX a 54L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.7m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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 $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX and $1,796/year for the BMW 2 Series. That is a $1,026 annual difference in favour of the BMW 2 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $1,796 (BMW 2 Series). The BMW 2 Series saves you roughly $1,026 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 2 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX 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 2 Series if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 2 Series will save you roughly $1,026 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX 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 and BMW 2 Series?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 2 Series by $11,710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 2 Series uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 2 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 414L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 2 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX 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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