Hyundai Staria vs Subaru WRX Sportswagon
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 Hyundai Staria starts from $50,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon opens at $52,290. That makes the Hyundai Staria the more affordable entry point by $1,790.
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 $55,550 and $57,519 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru WRX Sportswagon by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Staria holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Staria.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Staria and 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Staria features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Staria uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 331Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 4.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Staria measures 5,253mm long on a 3,273mm wheelbase, 583mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,670mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Staria generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 703L in the Hyundai Staria and 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, giving the Hyundai Staria a 262L advantage. The Hyundai Staria seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 12.6m
Based on 12.6m 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 $2,993/year for the Hyundai Staria and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Hyundai Staria) vs $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). The Subaru WRX Sportswagon saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Staria) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Staria if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Staria 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, Hyundai Staria and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Hyundai Staria is the cheapest at $50,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru WRX Sportswagon by $1,790.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Staria has the largest boot at 703L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Staria has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon makes the most power at 202kW. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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