DecodedCarsSubaru WRX vs Toyota Camry
2026 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Toyota Camry — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Camry is more fuel-efficient: 51 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $2,450 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Camry (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota Camry is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru WRX has had fewer recall campaigns (7 vs 44).
The two cars
The 2026 Subaru WRX is a midsize car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,340 lb (4dr Sedan).
The 2026 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,627 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
Buying used? The 2024 WRX and the 2024 Camry have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 WRX and the 2018 Camry.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Subaru WRX if…
- You want more power (up to 271 vs 184 hp)
- You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (7 vs 44 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota Camry if…
- You want lower fuel bills (51 vs 22 MPG)
- You want more room (10 in longer)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Subaru WRX
- Strong performanceUp to 271 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2026 models.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 29% below the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Toyota Camry
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 51 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Subaru WRX specs →Full 2026 Toyota Camry specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →