Toyota GR Yaris vs Subaru WRX
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 Toyota GR Yaris starts from $55,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,190. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $7,300.
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 $61,039 and $53,009 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota GR Yaris by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota GR Yaris holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Toyota GR Yaris.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Toyota GR Yaris and 8 in the Subaru WRX.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR Yaris features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota GR Yaris stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru WRX. The Subaru WRX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR Yaris uses a Petrol producing 221kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds.
The Subaru WRX responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 202kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR Yaris measures 3,995mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 605mm shorter than the Subaru WRX at 4,600mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 174L in the Toyota GR Yaris and 441L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 267L advantage. The Subaru WRX seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Yaris and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Toyota GR Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (Toyota GR Yaris) vs $2,822 (Subaru WRX). The Toyota GR Yaris 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 (Toyota GR Yaris) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Toyota GR Yaris takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota GR Yaris 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, Toyota GR Yaris and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,190 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $7,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota GR Yaris uses the least fuel at 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota GR Yaris 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 Yaris makes the most power at 221kW. The Toyota GR Yaris is quickest to 100km/h in 5.5s.
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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