Browse over 9,000 car reviews

BMW 3 Series vs Subaru WRX

What's the difference?

VS
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series

$62,988 - $114,990

2023 price

Subaru WRX
Subaru WRX

$37,000 - $61,488

2022 price

Summary

2023 BMW 3 Series
2022 Subaru WRX
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Flat Turbo 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.5L/100km (combined)

8.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Harder ride might bother some people
  • Cosy back seat for child seats
  • Lacklustre lane keeping tech

  • No wireless smartphone charging
  • Not as hardcore in wagon style
  • Manual unavailable in the wagon
2023 BMW 3 Series Summary

Back in the day, the 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners, and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance.

And they simply looked good, no boring nanny design elements. Then the 1 Series came along and price points bumped up, so how does the ‘entry’ BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?

With an updated dashboard that brings the interior and tech up to market and a sharper exterior design, it more than holds its own at the table of luxury sedans, despite hard competition from the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C200 and Jaguar XE.

However, if the Merc is a placid and well-behaved mare… the BMW is the barely-broken-in bronco and it takes a certain kind of ‘rider’ to enjoy what the 320i has to offer.

I’ve been discovering just that this week with my family of three. What did we find out? Read below!

View full pricing & specs
2022 Subaru WRX Summary

This combination of three letters mightn’t mean much to the uninitiated, but to the diehard go-fast car customer, or even just the performance-curious one, WRX means something.

To me, the Subaru WRX stands for a lot. Its lineage stretches back almost 30 years, and over that period there have been some absolutely cracking rally-bred rockets for the road. I’ve personally owned a WRX, so I know what this Subaru sports car is all about.

Well, I thought I knew - but then I drove the new-generation ‘VB’ WRX. And also the ‘VN’ wagon. No, you’re not reading a retro Commodore review.

This new model takes everything we thought we knew about the Rex and makes it considerably more approachable, more palatable, more predictable, and frankly improves the breed for the better. 

I’ll explain how - so read on, or watch the video to see what I’m on about.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW 3 Series 2022 Subaru WRX

Change vehicle