2025 BMW 2 Series vs 2025 Subaru WRX

$39,600 · Coupe

$37,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 BMW 2 Series and the 2025 Subaru WRX lies in fuel economy, where the BMW achieves a 30 MPG combined rating versus the WRX's 22 MPG combined, an 8 MPG advantage. Performance-wise, the WRX extracts 271 hp from its engine, surpassing the BMW's 255 hp, although the BMW counters with superior torque output at 295 lb-ft compared to the WRX's 258 lb-ft. Pricing shows the WRX has a lower entry point at $37,750 against the BMW’s $39,600 MSRP. Dimensionally, the BMW is slightly shorter overall (179.0 inches vs. 183.8 inches) but slightly lower in height (54.8 inches vs. 57.8 inches). Furthermore, the BMW mandates premium fuel while the WRX only recommends it, impacting long-term running costs for both vehicles.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 2 Series

The 2025 BMW 2 Series wins due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG, leading to lower operational costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX is slightly better suited due to its four-door sedan body style and standard All-Wheel Drive system compared to the BMW coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

Enthusiasts favoring driver engagement will prefer the WRX’s standard 6-speed manual transmission and higher 271 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX offers a lower starting MSRP of $37,750 and features standard AWD, presenting a compelling performance package at a lower initial investment.

Choose the BMW 2 Series if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, benefiting from the BMW's 30 MPG combined rating versus the WRX's 22 MPG.
You prefer the torque advantage, as the 2 Series offers 295 lb-ft compared to the WRX's 258 lb-ft.
You desire the refinement of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a standard manual gearbox.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You require the enhanced traction of standard All-Wheel Drive and the engaging control of a 6-speed manual transmission.
Your budget is tighter, as the WRX starts at $37,750, $1,850 less than the BMW's $39,600 MSRP.
You need a more utilitarian design, evidenced by the WRX's sedan body style and marginally larger 57.8-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 2 Series	Subaru WRX
Length	179.0"	183.8"
Width	72.4"	71.9"
Height	54.8"	57.8"
Wheelbase	107.9"	105.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
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	2	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5000 rpm	271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1550 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	BMW	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/35 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.2/479.5 mi.	315.4/431.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	43.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
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	BMW	Subaru
Rear Head Room	35.0 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	49.3 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/40R

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 2 Series and 2025 Subaru WRX.

Which car has better straight-line power according to the specifications?

The 2025 Subaru WRX technically has a higher peak horsepower rating at 271 hp compared to the 2025 BMW 2 Series' 255 hp. However, the BMW holds a distinct advantage in low-end responsiveness due to its superior torque rating of 295 lb-ft versus the WRX's 258 lb-ft.

How does the required fuel type affect ownership costs?

The BMW 2 Series requires premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more per gallon than regular gasoline. The Subaru WRX only recommends premium fuel, offering owners flexibility to potentially save money by using regular grade if performance parameters allow.

Is there a significant difference in size or practicality between the two?

The WRX is dimensionally longer at 183.8 inches compared to the BMW's 179.0 inches and offers a sedan layout which aids in passenger access, although the BMW has slightly more cargo space at 13.8 cu ft versus 12.5 cu ft.

What are the primary mechanical differences in drivetrain?

The BMW utilizes a rear-wheel-drive layout paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, emphasizing traditional coupe dynamics. Conversely, the WRX comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, focusing on grip and driver involvement.

How does the initial purchase price compare?

The 2025 Subaru WRX has a more accessible starting MSRP of $37,750. The 2025 BMW 2 Series carries a premium price tag, starting at $39,600, creating an initial gap of $1,850.

Which vehicle is marginally taller and wider?

The BMW 2 Series is slightly wider at 72.4 inches (vs. WRX's 71.9 inches) but is significantly shorter in height at 54.8 inches compared to the WRX’s 57.8 inches, giving the BMW a lower center of gravity appearance.