Subaru WRX Sportswagon vs Toyota HiAce
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 Subaru WRX Sportswagon starts from $52,290 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiAce opens at $62,490. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $10,200.
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 $57,519 and $68,739 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiAce by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Toyota HiAce hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 8 in the Toyota HiAce.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota HiAce gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota HiAce. The Toyota HiAce counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon uses a Petrol producing 202kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds.
The Toyota HiAce responds with a Diesel making 130kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon has the clear power advantage at 202kW vs 130kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon measures 4,670mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 595mm shorter than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiAce generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Toyota HiAce a 5759L advantage. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon seats 5 vs 2.
For towing, the Toyota HiAce leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 900kg 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 13.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.2m 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 $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon and $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiAce.
Estimated annual total: $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs $2,109 (Toyota HiAce). The Toyota HiAce saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Toyota HiAce trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota HiAce will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota HiAce 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, Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Toyota HiAce?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota HiAce by $10,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiAce uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru WRX Sportswagon and Toyota HiAce all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota HiAce has the largest boot at 6200L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiAce has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
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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