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.
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 $5,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The BMW 2 Series holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru WRX and 6 in the BMW 2 Series.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 2 Series gets a 10.7-inch display. 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.
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 6.8 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX measures 4,600mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 54mm longer than the BMW 2 Series at 4,546mm (2,670mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX and 390L in the BMW 2 Series, giving the Subaru WRX a 51L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 2 Series 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX and $1,682/year for the BMW 2 Series. That is a $1,140 annual difference in favour of the BMW 2 Series.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $1,682 (BMW 2 Series). The BMW 2 Series saves you roughly $1,140 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, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 2 Series will save you roughly $1,140 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.
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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