2025 Audi A5 vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the sophisticated 2025 Audi A5 and the spirited 2025 Subaru WRX often comes down to balancing luxury expectations against raw performance value. The most glaring difference is the $10,650 price gap, with the Audi starting at $48,400 versus the WRX's $37,750. While the WRX offers slightly more peak horsepower at 271 hp compared to the A5's 261 hp, the Audi counters with significantly better fuel economy, achieving a 26 MPG combined versus the WRX's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, practicality favors the A5 hatchback, boasting 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space—a massive advantage over the WRX sedan's 12.5 cubic feet. Despite the Audi's higher recommended premium fuel requirement, its superior efficiency and utility present a strong case for daily driving comfort over the WRX's pure, manual-transmission focused fun.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A5
The Audi A5 offers a better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG compared to the WRX's 22 MPG.
2025 Audi A5
The A5's hatchback body provides substantially more cargo capacity at 21.8 cu ft versus the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX features a more engaging 6-speed manual transmission and slightly higher peak horsepower at 271 hp.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX undercuts the Audi A5 by $10,650, offering excellent performance figures for its lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Audi A5 if...
- You prioritize day-to-day efficiency and expect 32 MPG on the highway.
- Your lifestyle demands maximum utility, benefiting from 21.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the smooth operation of an automated manual transmission over a traditional clutch pedal.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- Your budget ceiling is strictly under $40,000, as it saves you $10,650.
- You actively seek out the tactile feel of a 6-speed manual transmission for spirited driving.
- You appreciate marginally higher peak output with 271 horsepower versus the A5's 261 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A5 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 183.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Height | 54.6" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.0 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 245/40R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A5 and 2025 Subaru WRX.
How does the premium fuel requirement affect the long-term cost difference?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel. However, the Audi A5's 26 MPG combined efficiency will mean fewer fill-ups than the WRX's 22 MPG combined, potentially offsetting some of the initial fuel price premium over time.
Is the Audi A5's extra cargo space significant for daily life?
Yes, the A5 hatchback offers 21.8 cu ft, which is nearly double the WRX sedan's 12.5 cu ft. This difference is substantial for grocery runs or weekend trips.
Which car is quicker off the line based on torque figures?
The Audi A5 actually boasts higher torque at 273 lb-ft compared to the WRX's 258 lb-ft, which might give it a slight edge in mid-range acceleration, despite the WRX having 10 more peak horsepower.
Does the transmission choice affect the driving experience dramatically?
Absolutely; the A5 uses a 7-speed automated manual for smooth, fast shifts, while the WRX requires active engagement with a 6-speed manual, defining two very different types of driving enjoyment.
How do their physical sizes compare for parking?
The Subaru WRX is slightly shorter in length (183.8 inches vs 187.2 inches) and narrower (71.9 inches vs 72.6 inches), which might offer minimal ease when squeezing into tight urban spots.
Which vehicle is easier to maneuver on rough roads given their stated heights?
The Subaru WRX is notably taller at 57.8 inches compared to the Audi A5's 54.6 inches, suggesting the WRX might offer slightly better ground clearance for imperfect pavement, consistent with its rally heritage.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool