Subaru WRX vs Honda Civic
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 starts from $48,190 before on-road costs, while the Honda Civic opens at $35,900. That makes the Honda Civic the more affordable entry point by $12,290.
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 $39,490 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda Civic by roughly $7,125 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Honda Civic holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda Civic packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX.
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 Honda Civic.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Honda Civic gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Honda Civic. The Honda Civic counters with wireless charging, Bose audio and ambient lighting. 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 Honda Civic responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 240Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 2.1s 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, 51mm longer than the Honda Civic at 4,549mm (2,735mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Civic generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX and 333L in the Honda Civic, giving the Subaru WRX a 108L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru WRX leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,397/year for the Honda Civic. That is a $1,425 annual difference in favour of the Honda Civic.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $1,397 (Honda Civic). The Honda Civic saves you roughly $1,425 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 (Honda Civic). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda Civic).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda Civic if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru WRX takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Honda Civic will save you roughly $1,425 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 Honda Civic?
The Honda Civic is the cheapest at $35,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $12,290.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda Civic uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Honda Civic has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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.
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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