Volvo V70 vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Wagons 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 31 Aug 2026, price 10 Sep 2026
Volvo V70: 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.
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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.
Recalls on our record
Volvo V70
None open on our record
Subaru WRX Sportswagon
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volvo V70 lines up producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed geartronic automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Volvo V70 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 202kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo V70 measures 4,823mm long on a 2,816mm wheelbase, 68mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,755mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo V70 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 575L in the Volvo V70 and 492L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, giving the Volvo V70 a 83L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m 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
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 $3,363/year for the Volvo V70 and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $940 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo V70 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru WRX Sportswagon: Top CarSorted Score, 57 vs 33
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (57 vs 33), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: value (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 37), safety (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 30), fuel economy (Subaru WRX Sportswagon ahead by 30). The Subaru WRX Sportswagon will save you roughly $940 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo V70 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, Volvo V70 and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volvo V70 and Subaru WRX Sportswagon 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 Volvo V70 has the largest boot at 575L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo V70 makes the most power at 210kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon 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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