Subaru WRX vs Hyundai Sonata
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.
Data checked: specs 11 Sep 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$48,890RRP
- no option data for this car
$57,000RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Subaru WRX & Hyundai Sonata
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,890 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $57,000. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $8,110.
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 $53,779 and $62,700 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Sonata by roughly $2,565 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.
Recalls on our record
Subaru WRX
- REC-005484 · published 11 Aug 2022The reverse lamps may not illuminate and the rear-view reverse camera may not display the rearwards image when reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2021
Hyundai Sonata
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-005607 · published 24 Jan 2023Due to a programming issue, the “fail-safe” driving mode may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults are detected.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005043 · published 19 Jan 2022Due to a software issue with the Smart Junction Box (SJB) the turn signal may activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intended.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2016
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
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 — features our data doesn't list for 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.
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 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.
Space & Comfort
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.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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
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 $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Sonata.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Hyundai Sonata: Top CarSorted Score, 69 vs 65, but the Subaru WRX is $8,110 cheaper
The Hyundai Sonata comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (69 vs 65), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 17), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 15), practicality (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 11). The Hyundai Sonata will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Sonata has a clear edge. The Hyundai Sonata adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 Sonata?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $8,110.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Sonata uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Subaru WRX and Hyundai Sonata carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Sonata has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Sonata has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
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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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