Verdict
The Subaru WRX costs RM286,245, RM7,357 more than the RM278,888 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric, so this is not a simple petrol-versus-EV price fight. The WRX is the lighter, lower C-segment sedan at 1,510 kg with a 6-speed manual and 271 hp/375 Nm from a turbo flat-four. The Volvo is the heavier SUV at 2,150 kg, but its two motors give 402 hp/660 Nm, a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time, 418 km EV range and stronger listed safety kit.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want a manual, all-wheel-drive petrol sedan with lower weight and a more traditional driver-car layout.
Pick the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric if you want the quicker, roomier electric SUV with more driver-assistance kit and a stronger warranty package.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX RM286,245; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric RM278,888
- Power and torque: Subaru WRX 271 hp/375 Nm; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric 402 hp/660 Nm
- Drivetrain: Subaru WRX 2.4-litre turbo flat-four with 6-speed manual; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric dual motors with single-ratio automatic
- Size and weight: Subaru WRX 4,669 mm long/1,510 kg; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric 4,425 mm long/2,150 kg
- Boot space: Subaru WRX 411 litres; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric 460 litres
- Warranty: Subaru WRX 5 years/100,000 km; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric 5 years/unlimited mileage plus 8 years/160,000 km battery warranty
WRX
- 6-speed manual with all-wheel drive
- Much lighter than the Volvo at 1,510 kg versus 2,150 kg
- Longer body at 4,669 mm versus 4,425 mm
- Less power and torque than the Volvo
- Smaller 411-litre boot
- Lacks listed blind spot monitoring, autonomous braking, lane keeping assist and active cruise control
XC40 Recharge Electric
- 402 hp and 660 Nm from dual electric motors
- 418 km EV range with 150 kW DC charging
- Bigger 460-litre boot and powered contactless tailgate
- Much heavier than the Subaru at 2,150 kg
- No manual gearbox option
- No spare tyre listed, while the Subaru has a space saver
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 286,245 | RM 278,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | Dual electric permanent magnet synchron front and rear motors |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 271 hp | — |
| Torque | 375 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Flat 4 | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 94 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 402 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 660 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 78.0 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 418 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11.0 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS2 |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 2,150 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 49 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres | 460 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Pirelli P Zero Elect |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| 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, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Power Safety Lock for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED With Bulb Brake Lamps |
| 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 System |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 2 Front, 1 Boot |
| 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 Infotainment System with Android Automotive Operating System and 14-speaker, 600-watt Harman Kardon Sound System |
| 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 Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Traction Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 767 | RM 545✓ |
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.
WRX vs XC40 Recharge Electric FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX or Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric better?
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric is stronger on paper: more power, more torque, quicker listed acceleration, more boot space and more safety assists. The Subaru WRX is the pick only if a manual petrol sedan matters more.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX is RM7,357 more expensive than the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric.
Which one is more practical for daily use?
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric is more practical on the numbers, with 460 litres of boot space against 411 litres, five doors instead of four, rear air vents and a powered contactless tailgate.