Subaru WRX vs Volkswagen Caddy
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.
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.
Volkswagen Caddy: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Subaru WRX & Volkswagen Caddy
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru WRX starts from $48,890 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Caddy opens at $49,990. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $1,100.
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 $54,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Caddy by roughly $7,125 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
Volkswagen Caddy
- REC-005864 · published 12 Jan 2024An airbag deactivation switch may have been incorrectly fitted instead of a blanking plug.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-005575 · published 5 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the transverse link bushes fitted to the front axle may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-001375 · published 2 Apr 2020Vehicles fitted with a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox have a fluid leak that can lead to pressure loss in the gearbox.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2015
- 7 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 Volkswagen Caddy gets a 8.3-inch display. 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 Volkswagen Caddy. The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru WRX gets cloth upholstery while the Volkswagen Caddy offers cloth (trialog).
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 Volkswagen Caddy responds with a Diesel I4 Turbo TDI making 90kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.
The Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 90kW. 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, 183mm shorter than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Caddy generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 414L in the Subaru WRX and 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy, giving the Volkswagen Caddy a 32L advantage. The Volkswagen Caddy seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.1m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 $1,397/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $1,425 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Caddy: Top CarSorted Score, 78 vs 65, but the Subaru WRX is $1,100 cheaper
The Volkswagen Caddy comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (78 vs 65), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 46), performance (Subaru WRX ahead by 29), safety (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 23). The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $1,425 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Caddy has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Caddy?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Caddy by $1,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Caddy uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Volkswagen Caddy 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 Volkswagen Caddy has the largest boot at 446L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Caddy has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX makes the most power at 202kW.
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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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