Verdict
At RM286,245, the Subaru WRX costs RM64,445 more than the RM221,800 Camry, but its 271 hp/375 Nm turbo boxer, six-speed manual and all-wheel drive make it the enthusiast’s choice. The Camry is the more accommodating Malaysian daily: its 2,825 mm wheelbase is 153 mm longer, its boot holds 524 litres against 411 litres, and it brings adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and a 360-degree camera. Its 201 hp naturally aspirated engine and front-wheel drive are plainly less focused. The Camry also asks RM100 more a year in road tax.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want 271 hp, 375 Nm, a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive ahead of cabin space and driver-assistance kit.
Pick the Toyota Camry if you want the lower purchase price, a larger 524-litre boot and a better-equipped automatic daily sedan.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX RM286,245; Toyota Camry RM221,800.
- Output: Subaru WRX 271 hp and 375 Nm; Toyota Camry 201 hp and 246 Nm.
- Driveline/transmission: Subaru WRX all-wheel drive with six-speed manual; Toyota Camry front-wheel drive with eight-speed automatic.
- Wheelbase: Subaru WRX 2,672 mm; Toyota Camry 2,825 mm.
- Boot space: Subaru WRX 411 litres; Toyota Camry 524 litres.
- Road tax: Subaru WRX RM767 per year; Toyota Camry RM867 per year.
WRX
- 271 hp and 375 Nm turbocharged boxer engine
- All-wheel drive and six-speed manual
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- RM64,445 pricier
- 411-litre boot is 113 litres smaller
- No adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking or blind-spot monitoring
Camry
- 524-litre boot and 2,825 mm wheelbase
- Adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and 360-degree camera
- Power-adjustable front seats, rear air vents and rear USB ports
- 70 hp and 129 Nm down on the WRX
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- Fixed rear seats do not fold
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM286,245 | RM221,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767✓ | RM867 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with dual variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 271 hp at 5,600 rpm✓ | 201 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 375 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ | 246 Nm at 4,200 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 94 mm × 86 mm | 87.5 mm × 103.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,920 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,825 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 1,565 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres | 524 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | Space Saver |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Power Adjustable 4-way Ottoman Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | Fixed Rear Seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual Rear Sun Shades |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 9-speaker JBL Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used WRX & Camry for sale
WRX vs Camry FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX or Toyota Camry better?
The Camry is better for daily use, rear-seat accommodation, luggage space and active safety equipment. Choose the WRX if driving involvement matters more: it has 271 hp, 375 Nm, a manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX costs RM64,445 more than the Toyota Camry. That gap brings a turbocharged 271 hp engine, 375 Nm, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, but not the Camry’s driver-assistance suite.
Which has more practical luggage space?
The Toyota Camry has the larger boot at 524 litres, 113 litres ahead of the WRX’s 411 litres. The WRX counters with 60:40 split-folding rear seats, while the Camry’s rear seats are fixed.
