Volvo S40 vs Subaru WRX
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 11 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Volvo S40: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, warranty 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 Volvo S40 & Subaru WRX
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
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 Volvo S40 lines up producing 125kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed geartronic automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 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 Subaru WRX has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo S40 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 194mm shorter than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru WRX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 404L in the Volvo S40 and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the Subaru WRX a 10L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.2m
Based on 10.6m 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
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 $2,594/year for the Volvo S40 and $2,822/year for the Subaru WRX. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Volvo S40.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo S40 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru WRX: Top CarSorted Score, 56 vs 36
The Subaru WRX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (56 vs 36), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Subaru WRX ahead by 46), value (Subaru WRX ahead by 32), safety (Subaru WRX ahead by 30). The Volvo S40 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. 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, Volvo S40 and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo S40 uses the least fuel at 9.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volvo S40 and Subaru WRX carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the largest boot at 414L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo S40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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