2025 Subaru WRX vs 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

$37,750 · Sedan

$33,375 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru WRX grips the pavement with its raw 271 hp, an ode to analog engagement paired with standard all-wheel drive and a slick 6-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid captivates with staggering efficiency, achieving a combined 52 MPG and offering 45 miles of pure electric range. While the WRX is the more powerful machine, boasting 258 lb-ft of torque against the Prius's efficiency focus, it commands a higher MSRP of $37,750 compared to the Prius's $33,375—a $4,375 difference. The Subaru weighs in at 19 MPG city, contrasting sharply with the Prius's 53 MPG city figure, highlighting a massive 30 MPG gulf in everyday fuel economy. For those prioritizing visceral driving dynamics over maximum utility, the WRX delivers, but the Prius offers superior practicality with 20.3 cu ft of cargo space versus the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its exceptional 52 combined MPG and 45-mile electric range, drastically cutting running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

The Prius offers superior family utility with 20.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the WRX's 12.5 cu ft, plus easier ingress/egress in its hatchback body.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, delivering 271 hp through a true 6-speed manual transmission and standard symmetrical AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Despite having less horsepower, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers superior long-term value by costing $4,375 less and saving substantially more on fuel costs.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You demand maximum driver engagement from a vehicle equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
All-wheel drive capability for confident handling in variable road conditions is a non-negotiable requirement.
You desire the higher peak performance rating of 271 horsepower for spirited driving.

Choose the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid if...

Achieving 52 combined MPG and utilizing 45 miles of electric range for daily driving is your top priority.
You need significant cargo space, as the Prius offers 20.3 cu ft compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.
You prefer the lower initial investment of $33,375 and the use of regular unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
Length	183.8"	181.1"
Width	71.9"	70.1"
Height	57.8"	55.9"
Wheelbase	105.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	—
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	271 hp @ 5600 rpm	220 hp
Torque	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	Subaru	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	53/51 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	52 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	561.8/540.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	10.6 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	140/115 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	127 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	45 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	26
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	55.3 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	36.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	52.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R	195/60R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	✓
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more expensive is the Subaru WRX than the Prius Plug-In Hybrid?

The 2025 Subaru WRX has an MSRP of $37,750, making it $4,375 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which starts at $33,375.

Which car is dramatically better for saving money on gas?

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid is vastly superior for fuel savings, delivering a combined 52 MPG compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG, equating to a 30 MPG difference.

Can the WRX use electric-only power like the Prius?

No, the 2025 Subaru WRX is a purely gasoline-powered vehicle; the 2025 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid offers 45 miles of zero-emission electric range before needing gasoline.

Is the WRX significantly more powerful than the plug-in Prius?

Yes, the WRX has 271 hp, offering 51 more horsepower than the 220 hp produced by the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, making the Subaru the faster machine in a straight line.

Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience via the transmission?

The Subaru WRX provides a more engaging, traditional performance feel with its 6-speed manual transmission, whereas the Prius utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic.

What is the trade-off between cargo space and size?

The larger hatchback Prius offers substantially more storage at 20.3 cu ft versus the WRX sedan's 12.5 cu ft, despite the WRX being slightly longer overall at 183.8 inches.