2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla

$37,750 · Sedan

$39,920 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between two legendary, rally-bred AWD manual machines—the 2025 Subaru WRX and the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla? It’s a genuine toss-up, as both deliver thrills, but they serve slightly different masters. The WRX starts a bit cheaper at $37,750 and offers a slightly longer body at 183.8 inches, which might feel more substantial on the highway. However, the GR Corolla pulls ahead significantly in the power department, boasting 300 hp compared to the WRX's 271 hp, along with a higher 295 lb-ft of torque. For practicality, the GR Corolla is the surprise winner, offering a spacious 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the WRX’s 12.5 cu ft. While the WRX gets 22 combined MPG, the GR Corolla edges it out slightly at 24 combined MPG, despite its higher power output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The 2026 GR Corolla achieves slightly better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla wins easily for families due to its larger 17.8 cu ft hatchback cargo area compared to the WRX's sedan trunk space of 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla appeals more to enthusiasts with a clear advantage of 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque over the WRX.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 WRX provides an excellent performance package starting at a lower MSRP of $37,750.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You prefer a slightly lower entry price, with the WRX starting at $37,750.
You favor the longer, more traditional sedan profile (183.8 inches long).
You are happy with 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque for spirited driving.

Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...

You prioritize outright power, benefiting from the GR Corolla's 300 horsepower.
You need maximum utility, thanks to the hatchback offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You want slightly better efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG from the more powerful engine.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Toyota GR Corolla
Length	183.8"	173.6"
Width	71.9"	72.8"
Height	57.8"	57.2"
Wheelbase	105.2"	103.9"

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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	271 hp @ 5600 rpm	300 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
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	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	277.2/369.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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	—
Stereo Power	—	160W
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.	38.4 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	53.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.9 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	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	45.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	245/40R	235/40R18

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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.

Is the fuel requirement a major difference between these two AWD manuals?

Yes, although both require premium fuel for peak performance, the 2025 WRX recommends it while the 2026 GR Corolla requires it, which slightly impacts running costs for the Corolla.

Which car is physically smaller for city parking?

The GR Corolla is shorter overall at 173.6 inches compared to the WRX's length of 183.8 inches, making it marginally easier to squeeze into tight spots.

How significant is the power difference when driving?

The GR Corolla offers a 29 hp advantage (300 hp vs. 271 hp) and 37 lb-ft more torque (295 vs. 258), meaning the Toyota should feel noticeably quicker, especially at lower speeds.

Which car is better for hauling gear or pets?

The GR Corolla wins decisively here; its hatchback design provides 17.8 cu ft of cargo room, which is substantially more than the WRX’s 12.5 cu ft sedan trunk.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2025 WRX has a starting MSRP of $37,750, undercutting the 2026 GR Corolla's launch price of $39,920 by $2,170.

Do these cars offer different driving dynamics based on dimensions?

The WRX is nearly 8 inches longer than the GR Corolla, which might translate to more stable high-speed highway cruising, while the shorter Corolla might feel nimbler overall.