Verdict
Just RM665 separates these two, but they serve very different Malaysian buyers. The WRX is the lighter 1,510-kg choice, with a 271-hp/375-Nm 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine, six-speed manual and AWD for drivers who want to work through the gears. The V60 answers with 316 hp, 400 Nm, AWD and a plug-in hybrid system capable of 49 km electric running. Its 529-litre boot, 2,872-mm wheelbase and extensive active safety kit make it the more rounded family car. The Subaru remains the focused manual alternative.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want a 271-hp AWD sedan with a six-speed manual and 531 kg less weight.
Pick the Volvo V60 if you need a 529-litre wagon boot, 49 km EV range and comprehensive driver assistance.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX RM286,245; Volvo V60 RM286,910.
- Power and torque: WRX 271 hp and 375 Nm; V60 316 hp and 400 Nm.
- Powertrain: WRX 2.4-litre turbo petrol with six-speed manual; V60 2.0-litre turbo/supercharged plug-in hybrid with 8-speed automatic.
- Weight: WRX 1,510 kg; V60 2,041 kg.
- Boot space: WRX 411 litres; V60 529 litres.
- Wheelbase: WRX 2,672 mm; V60 2,872 mm.
WRX
- Six-speed manual with AWD
- 531 kg lighter than the V60
- 63-litre fuel tank
- Less power and torque: 271 hp/375 Nm versus 316 hp/400 Nm
- Smaller 411-litre boot versus 529 litres
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot system or adaptive cruise control
V60
- 49 km EV range from an 11.6-kWh battery
- 529-litre boot and five-door wagon body
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control
- 531 kg heavier than the WRX
- No manual transmission; 8-speed automatic only
- RM665 more expensive
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM286,245✓ | RM286,910 |
| Body type | Sedan | Wagon |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM365✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, supercharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | 316 hp✓ |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 86 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 240 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 11.6 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 49 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 3.7 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 4.6 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 2 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 46 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,432 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,872 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 2,041 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres | 529 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" 5-multi-spoke Two-Tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" 5-multi-spoke Two-Tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electric 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, with Pedestrian, Cyclist, Oncoming Vehicle and Large Animal Detection (4 to 80 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Blind Spot Collision Mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Mitigation, Run-off Road Protection |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 9" Touchscreen Sensus Connect Infotainment System with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (600 W) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Park Assist Pilot with Parallel and Perpendicular Parking |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Boot Grocery Bag Holder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 120,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 & V60 for sale
WRX vs V60 FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX or Volvo V60 better?
The V60 is better for family use, electrified commuting and active safety, with a 529-litre boot, 49 km EV range and autonomous braking. Choose the WRX for its six-speed manual, AWD and far lower 1,510-kg weight.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo V60 costs RM665 more than the Subaru WRX. That small gap brings plug-in hybrid hardware, a larger boot, 19-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera and substantially more driver-assistance equipment.
Which has more practical luggage space?
The Volvo V60 does. Its 529-litre boot is 118 litres larger than the WRX's 411 litres, and it has five doors rather than the Subaru sedan's four. Both seat five and have 60:40 split-folding rear seats.