Verdict
The VB asks RM55,266 more, but brings a 2,387 cc boxer four with 271 hp and 375 Nm, against the GJ’s 1,998 cc, 264 hp and 350 Nm. Its six-speed manual, 18-inch wheels and larger 63-litre tank suit the driver who wants a more involving new WRX. The GJ’s CVT is easier in Malaysian traffic, costs RM379 a year in road tax versus RM767, and has a more useful 460-litre boot. For a used-car buyer, the GJ remains the sensible route; the VB is the keener driver’s choice.
Pick the GJ if lower RM379 annual road tax, CVT convenience and its 460-litre boot matter more than a manual gearbox.
Pick the VB if you will pay for the 271 hp 2.4-litre engine, 375 Nm and six-speed manual.
Key differences
- Price: GJ RM230,979; VB RM286,245.
- Engine: GJ 1,998 cc, 264 hp and 350 Nm; VB 2,387 cc, 271 hp and 375 Nm.
- Transmission: GJ Lineartronic CVT automatic; VB six-speed manual.
- Road tax: GJ RM379 per year; VB RM767 per year.
- Boot space: GJ 460 litres; VB 411 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: GJ 17-inch alloys on 235/45R17 tyres; VB 18-inch alloys on 245/40R18 tyres.
GJ
- RM55,266 cheaper
- Lower RM379 annual road tax
- 460-litre boot and full-size spare tyre
- Less output: 264 hp and 350 Nm versus 271 hp and 375 Nm
- Lineartronic CVT rather than the VB’s six-speed manual
- Single-zone climate control and CD/MP3 audio instead of dual-zone air-con and an 11.6-inch touchscreen
VB
- 271 hp and 375 Nm from the 2.4-litre boxer engine
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- Dual-zone climate control, 11.6-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors
- RM55,266 higher purchase price
- RM767 annual road tax, versus RM379 for the GJ
- Smaller 411-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre
What the GJ has over the VB
What the VB has over the GJ
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
Boot space favours the GJ: 460 litres against 411.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM230,979✓ | RM286,245 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM767 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM2,360/mo✓ | RM2,920/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM6,319✓ | RM7,789 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM3,423 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM17.11 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM50,602 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 264 hp at 5,600 rpm | 271 hp at 5,600 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 350 Nm at 2,400 rpm | 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 86 mm × 86 mm | 94 mm × 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 8.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h | — |
| Co2 | 199 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,595 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,475 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,529 kg | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 460 litres✓ | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | 17" Full size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 26 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 16 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for outer two rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For 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 Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 6 Speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
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GJ vs VB FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX GJ or Subaru WRX VB better?
The VB is better for driver involvement, with 271 hp, 375 Nm and a six-speed manual. The GJ is the more practical ownership choice: it costs less, has RM388 lower annual road tax and carries 49 litres more in the boot.
What is the price difference?
The VB costs RM286,245 and the GJ costs RM230,979, a difference of RM55,266.
Which WRX is easier to use in Malaysian traffic?
The GJ is easier in stop-start traffic because it uses a Lineartronic CVT automatic. The VB has a six-speed manual, which gives the driver direct gear selection but requires clutch use.