Subaru WRX vs Toyota Corolla Sedan
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 29 Oct 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer 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
$32,585RRP
- 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 & Toyota Corolla Sedan
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,890 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Sedan opens at $32,585. That makes the Toyota Corolla Sedan the more affordable entry point by $16,305.
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 $35,844 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Sedan by roughly $8,550 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Subaru WRX. ANCAP's published record does not give the Toyota Corolla Sedan a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
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
Toyota Corolla Sedan
- REC-006390 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006193 · published 2 Dec 2024Due to a software issue in the skid control unit ECU, a higher pedal force may be required increasing the braking distance under certain driving conditions.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006191 · published 29 Nov 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, cracks may develop in the upper universal joint of the steering intermediate shaft assembly.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 5 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 Toyota Corolla Sedan gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX stands out with Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. 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 Corolla Sedan responds with a 1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid making 103kW and 142Nm, 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 103kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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 4,670mm long on a 2,675mm wheelbase, 40mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Sedan at 4,630mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Corolla Sedan generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 414L in the Subaru WRX and 471L in the Toyota Corolla Sedan, giving the Toyota Corolla Sedan a 57L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,112/year for the Toyota Corolla Sedan. That is a $1,710 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Sedan). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Subaru WRX)—.
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 Corolla Sedan if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Toyota Corolla Sedan: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 65
The Toyota Corolla Sedan comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 65), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Toyota Corolla Sedan ahead by 54), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 26), value (Toyota Corolla Sedan ahead by 17). The Toyota Corolla Sedan will save you roughly $1,710 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Sedan 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 Toyota Corolla Sedan?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan is the cheapest at $32,585 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX by $16,305.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan uses the least fuel at 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Toyota Corolla Sedan, and we hold no ANCAP data for Subaru WRX, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan has the largest boot at 471L with the seats up.
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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