Subaru WRX vs Toyota Camry
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,190 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Camry opens at $39,990. That makes the Toyota Camry the more affordable entry point by $8,200.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Camry by roughly $8,410 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota Camry holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Camry 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 8 in the Toyota Camry.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Camry gets a 8-inch display. 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 Toyota Camry. 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 Toyota Camry responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Dual VVT-i Hybrid making 170kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 170kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX is 1.7s 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, 320mm shorter than the Toyota Camry at 4,920mm (2,825mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Camry generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX and 524L in the Toyota Camry, giving the Toyota Camry a 83L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Camry 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.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,140/year for the Toyota Camry. That is a $1,682 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Camry.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $1,140 (Toyota Camry). The Toyota Camry saves you roughly $1,682 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 (Toyota Camry). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Camry if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Camry takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Camry will save you roughly $1,682 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Camry has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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