Subaru WRX vs Toyota GR Corolla
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 GR Corolla opens at $67,990. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $19,800.
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 $74,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota GR Corolla by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota GR Corolla holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 6 in the Toyota GR Corolla.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota GR Corolla 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 wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Toyota GR Corolla. The Toyota GR Corolla counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and JBL audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru WRX gets cloth upholstery while the Toyota GR Corolla offers synthetic 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 Toyota GR Corolla responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 400Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Toyota GR Corolla has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 202kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Corolla is 0.5s 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, 240mm longer than the Toyota GR Corolla at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX and 217L in the Toyota GR Corolla, giving the Subaru WRX a 224L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Corolla. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Toyota GR Corolla.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (Subaru WRX) vs $2,537 (Toyota GR Corolla). The Toyota GR Corolla saves you roughly $285 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 GR Corolla). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR Corolla if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota GR Corolla takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota GR Corolla will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru WRX 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 GR Corolla?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Corolla by $19,800.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota GR Corolla uses the least fuel at 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota GR Corolla has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 441L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR Corolla makes the most power at 221kW. The Toyota GR Corolla is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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