Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon opens at $52,290. That makes the Subaru WRX Sportswagon the more affordable entry point by $24,610.
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 $84,590 and $57,519 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 8 in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX Sportswagon gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. The Subaru WRX Sportswagon counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 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 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru WRX Sportswagon is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 81mm longer than the Subaru WRX Sportswagon at 4,670mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 441L in the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 14L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg 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 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,995/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $2,423/year for the Subaru WRX Sportswagon. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $2,423 (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX Sportswagon). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX Sportswagon if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Subaru WRX Sportswagon?
The Subaru WRX Sportswagon is the cheapest at $52,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $24,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the largest boot at 455L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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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