VS
At a Glance
Power
150hp @ 6400
271hp @ 5600
Torque
133lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
36 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Civic delivers 150hp @ 6400 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Civic returns 36 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $24,595 for the Civic and $44,995 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
150hp @ 6400
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
133lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
32 (Est)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
41 (Est)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184.8in
183.8in
Width (in)
70.9in
71.9in
Height (in)
55.7in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.7in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2875lbs
3430lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Civic
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
Civic
Value
Civic
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($24,595)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or WRX?
The Civic gets 36 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Civic is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or WRX?
The Civic produces 150hp @ 6400 and 133lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and WRX?
The Civic starts from $24,595 and the WRX from $44,995. The Civic is cheaper by $20,400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Civic or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider