VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
202 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
4.6 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
—
Engine
2494 cc
2387 cc
Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus ES delivers 160 kW while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. On fuel, the ES returns 4.6 l/100km while the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 138 800 for the ES and R899 000 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
160 kW
202 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
—
Top Speed
180 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
2387 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.6 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
104 g/km
225 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4975 mm
4670 mm
Width
1865 mm
1825 mm
Height
1445 mm
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
158 mm
135 mm
Kerb Weight
1740 Kg
—
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
454 l
423 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
5
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
150000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru WRX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
ES
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Lexus ES
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (160 kW vs 202 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
More powerful engine (202 kW)
Lower starting price (R899 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ES or WRX?
The ES uses 4.6 l/100km and the WRX uses 9.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The ES is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the ES or WRX?
The ES produces 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ES and WRX?
The ES starts from R1 138 800 and the WRX from R899 000. The WRX is cheaper by R239 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ES or WRX?
The ES has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the WRX can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ES or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.