Verdict
At RM286,245, the Subaru WRX costs RM82,705 less and makes the stronger Malaysian daily-driver case: its 411-litre boot, 63-litre tank and 2,672-mm wheelbase suit family use better than the GR Corolla’s 213 litres, 50 litres and 2,640 mm. The Toyota GR Corolla fights back with 296 hp and 400 Nm, against 271 hp and 375 Nm, plus a claimed 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time. It also brings adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking. Pick the WRX for space and price; pay for the Toyota’s sharper performance and safety kit.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want the RM82,705 saving, a 411-litre boot and a 63-litre fuel tank in a four-door sedan.
Pick the Toyota GR Corolla if you want 296 hp, 400 Nm, a claimed 5.3-second 0-100 km/h sprint and more active safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX RM286,245; Toyota GR Corolla RM368,950.
- Output: Subaru WRX 271 hp and 375 Nm; Toyota GR Corolla 296 hp and 400 Nm.
- Cargo space: Subaru WRX 411 litres; Toyota GR Corolla 213 litres.
- Fuel tank: Subaru WRX 63 litres; Toyota GR Corolla 50 litres.
- Dimensions and weight: Subaru WRX is 4,669 mm long and 1,510 kg; Toyota GR Corolla is 4,407 mm long and 1,475 kg.
- Road tax: Subaru WRX RM767 per year; Toyota GR Corolla RM207 per year.
WRX
- RM82,705 cheaper to buy.
- 411-litre boot and 63-litre fuel tank.
- Larger 2,672-mm wheelbase.
- Less power and torque: 271 hp/375 Nm versus 296 hp/400 Nm.
- No listed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring or pre-collision braking.
- 35 kg heavier at 1,510 kg.
GR Corolla
- 296 hp and 400 Nm with a claimed 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision braking.
- Unlimited-kilometre five-year warranty and RM207 annual road tax.
- RM82,705 more expensive.
- 213-litre boot is 198 litres smaller.
- 50-litre fuel tank is 13 litres smaller.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM286,245✓ | RM368,950 |
| Body type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 296 hp✓ |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 87 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | 6MT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 230 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,407 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,851 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,479 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,640 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 1,475 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres✓ | 213 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Yokohama Advan Apex |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Limited Slip Differential Front and Rear |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Wireless Charger, 1 USB Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM207✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used WRX & GR Corolla for sale
WRX vs GR Corolla FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX or Toyota GR Corolla better?
The WRX is better for daily practicality and purchase price, with a 411-litre boot and RM82,705 lower price. The GR Corolla is better for outright output, active safety equipment and lower annual road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Corolla costs RM82,705 more than the Subaru WRX: RM368,950 versus RM286,245.
Which has more luggage space, the Subaru WRX or Toyota GR Corolla?
The Subaru WRX has the larger boot at 411 litres. The Toyota GR Corolla has 213 litres, a 198-litre deficit, despite its five-door hatchback body.