2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Subaru WRX

$45,950 · Sedan

$37,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant disparity between the 2025 BMW 3 Series (car1) and the 2025 Subaru WRX (car2) is the initial investment, with the WRX priced $8,200 lower at $37,750 compared to the BMW's $45,950 MSRP. Performance metrics are split: the WRX offers a higher 271 hp output versus the 3 Series' 255 hp, though the BMW counters with superior torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Subaru's 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy is a major dividing line, with the BMW achieving a 31 MPG combined rating, significantly outperforming the WRX's 22 MPG combined. Conversely, the 3 Series mandates premium fuel, while the WRX only recommends it. The BMW provides more utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft. Drive systems differ fundamentally, featuring BMW's RWD setup against the WRX's standard AWD configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the WRX's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

Car1 offers substantially more utility with 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 271 hp rating and standard all-wheel drive paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX presents better initial value, priced $8,200 lower than the BMW 3 Series while providing 16 more horsepower.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the 3 Series delivers 31 MPG combined versus 22 MPG.
You require higher low-end pulling power, indicated by 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the WRX's 258 lb-ft.
Maximum practical storage is needed, evidenced by 16.9 cu ft of trunk space versus 12.5 cu ft.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

A standard all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission are preferred for driving dynamics.
Budget is a primary concern, as the WRX has an MSRP of $37,750, significantly undercutting the BMW's $45,950.
Maximum peak horsepower is prioritized, with the WRX boasting 271 hp against the 3 Series' 255 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Subaru WRX
Length	185.9"	183.8"
Width	71.9"	71.9"
Height	56.8"	57.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	105.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Driver Attention 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	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 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)	28/35 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	315.4/431.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 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 Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/40R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	Performance

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 3 Series and 2025 Subaru WRX.

How does the drivetrain difference (RWD vs. AWD) impact daily driving?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup, focusing on balanced handling and acceleration for its 255 hp output. The 2025 Subaru WRX features standard all-wheel drive, which offers superior traction in inclement weather but comes at the cost of slightly lower combined fuel economy (22 MPG).

Which vehicle is more expensive to run considering fuel requirements?

While the BMW 3 Series is significantly more efficient at 31 MPG combined, it strictly requires premium unleaded fuel. The Subaru WRX only recommends premium unleaded for its 271 hp output and achieves 22 MPG combined.

Is the BMW 3 Series noticeably larger than the Subaru WRX?

Dimensionally, the cars are very similar; the BMW is 185.9 inches long versus the WRX's 183.8 inches. However, the BMW is slightly lower in height (56.8 inches vs. 57.8 inches) and offers nearly 4.4 cubic feet more cargo capacity.

Which car offers more outright power despite the lower horsepower figure?

The 2025 Subaru WRX has a higher peak horsepower rating at 271 hp compared to the 3 Series' 255 hp. However, the BMW compensates with greater torque, producing 295 lb-ft versus the WRX's 258 lb-ft, which aids in low-speed responsiveness.

How significant is the MSRP difference between the two sedans?

The price gap is substantial, with the 2025 Subaru WRX starting at $37,750 and the 2025 BMW 3 Series beginning at $45,950. This represents an $8,200 initial savings opportunity with the WRX.

Can the manual transmission in the WRX be optioned on the BMW 3 Series?

No, the 2025 BMW 3 Series exclusively uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2025 Subaru WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, fitting its performance orientation.