Subaru WRX vs Skoda Octavia
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 6 Sep 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
$39,990RRP
- 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 & Skoda Octavia
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,890 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Octavia opens at $39,990. That makes the Skoda Octavia the more affordable entry point by $8,900.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $5,415 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
Skoda Octavia
- REC-005899 · published 19 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the heat shield between the brake master cylinder and the exhaust may have been incorrectly fitted.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005419 · published 28 Apr 2022Due to manufacturing issue, the engine compartment cover may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-001196 · published 15 Oct 2019Due to a production fault, over time a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator can occur.Year range on the notice: 2008 - 2015
- 6 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 Skoda Octavia gets a 13-inch display and 10-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 Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX is 2.3s quicker. 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, 28mm shorter than the Skoda Octavia at 4,698mm (2,686mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Octavia generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 414L in the Subaru WRX and 600L in the Skoda Octavia, giving the Skoda Octavia a 186L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m 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 $1,739/year for the Skoda Octavia. That is a $1,083 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Octavia). The Skoda Octavia has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Skoda Octavia: Top CarSorted Score, 80 vs 65
The Skoda Octavia comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (80 vs 65), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Skoda Octavia ahead by 35), safety (Skoda Octavia ahead by 25), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 22). The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $1,083 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Octavia has a clear edge. The Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia?
The Skoda Octavia is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $8,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Skoda Octavia holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Subaru WRX, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Octavia has the largest boot at 600L with the seats up (1,555L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Octavia has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Octavia has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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.
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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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