Subaru WRX vs Hyundai Sonata

The Subaru WRX starts from $48,190 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $55,500. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $7,310.

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 $61,050 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Sonata by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Sonata gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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 Sonata. The Hyundai Sonata counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru WRX gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Sonata offers suede & nappa leather.

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 Sonata responds with a Petrol making 213kW and 422Nm, paired to a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) driving the front wheels.

The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 202kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru WRX measures 4,670mm long on a 2,675mm wheelbase, 240mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,910mm (2,840mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 414L in the Subaru WRX and 480L in the Hyundai Sonata, giving the Hyundai Sonata a 66L advantage.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX and $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Sonata.

Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $2,309 (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata saves you roughly $513 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 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.