Subaru WRX vs Hyundai i30 Hatch
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 Hyundai i30 Hatch opens at $26,990. That makes the Hyundai i30 Hatch the more affordable entry point by $21,200.
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 $53,009 and $29,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai i30 Hatch by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai i30 Hatch holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai i30 Hatch.
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 7 in the Hyundai i30 Hatch.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai i30 Hatch gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Hyundai i30 Hatch. The Hyundai i30 Hatch counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Hyundai i30 Hatch responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 203Nm, paired to a manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 3.0s 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, 260mm longer than the Hyundai i30 Hatch at 4,340mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX and 395L in the Hyundai i30 Hatch, giving the Subaru WRX a 46L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai i30 Hatch leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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 $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX and $2,081/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Hatch.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $2,081 (Hyundai i30 Hatch). The Hyundai i30 Hatch saves you roughly $741 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 (Hyundai i30 Hatch). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai i30 Hatch takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai i30 Hatch will save you roughly $741 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 Hyundai i30 Hatch?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $21,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch 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 Hyundai i30 Hatch has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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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