VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
271hp @ 5600
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
30 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 191hp @ 6100 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Sonata returns 30 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,500 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 SonataSEL Sport AWD 2026 - From $30,500
Subaru WRXPremium Manual 2026 - From $33,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
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
Transmission
Automatic
Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (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)
3466lbs
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
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
WRX
Fuel Economy
Sonata
Value
Sonata
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Sonata
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,500)
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 Sonata or WRX?
The Sonata gets 30 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 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-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 Sonata and WRX?
The Sonata starts from $30,500 and the WRX from $33,995. The Sonata is cheaper by $3,495 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