VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 5800
271hp @ 5600
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1650
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Sonata delivers 290hp @ 5800 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Sonata returns 28 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,900 for the Sonata and $33,995 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.
Specification
Hyundai SonataN Line FWD 2026 - From $35,900
Subaru WRXPremium Manual 2026 - From $33,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 5800
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1650
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32 (2025)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.3in
183.8in
Width (in)
73.2in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.9in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
111.8in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3534lbs
3351lbs
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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Sonata
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonata
Fuel Economy
Sonata
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Sonata
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price ($33,995)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonata or WRX?
The Sonata gets 28 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sonata 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 Sonata or WRX?
The Sonata produces 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonata and WRX?
The Sonata starts from $35,900 and the WRX from $33,995. The WRX is cheaper by $1,905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sonata 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