DecodedCarsSubaru WRX vs Toyota Prius
2026 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Toyota Prius — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient: 57 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $2,550 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Prius (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Subaru WRX is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Subaru WRX has had fewer recall campaigns (7 vs 29).
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 Prius is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 181 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,098 lb (4dr Liftback).
Buying used? The 2024 WRX and the 2021 Prius have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 WRX and the 2015 Prius.
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 157 hp)
- You put reliability history first (7 vs 29 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota Prius if…
- You want lower fuel bills (57 vs 22 MPG)
- 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 Prius
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 57 MPG combined — 83% 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 Prius specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →