Compare the2026 Subaru WRX VS 2027 Audi S5

Both the WRX and the S5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the WRX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the S5 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 2 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the WRX’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 61 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Audi.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 13th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the WRX lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The S5 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The WRX has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (16.6 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The WRX offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The S5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The WRX tS handles at .97 G’s, while the S5 pulls only .95 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the WRX tS/Series.Yellow’s turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the S5’s (36.1 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The WRX’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the S5’s (36.7 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

The Subaru WRX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the Audi S5.

The WRX is 6.5 inches shorter than the S5, making the WRX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The WRX has 7.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S5 (98.9 vs. 91).

The WRX has 2.1 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more rear legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the S5.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 26% lower rating, Audi is ranked 18th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the WRX’s exterior PIN entry system. The S5 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The S5’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The WRX Limited/GT/tS/Series.Yellow’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru WRX, based on reliability, safety and performance.