Subaru WRX vs. Ford Fusion

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru WRX and Ford Fusion contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Subaru WRX and the Ford Fusion.

When comparing the Subaru WRX's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Subaru WRX's and the Ford Fusion's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX is a better car than the Ford Fusion.

Pricing: A used 2020 Subaru WRX ranges from $19,095 to $36,060 while a used 2020 Ford Fusion is priced between $11,290 to $22,443.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru WRX loses 35.3 percent of its value and the Ford Fusion loses 49.9 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 14.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Fusion.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru WRX is 8.5 out of 10 while the Ford Fusion's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru WRX being ranked 7 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Ford Fusion being ranked 9 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru WRX is 7.6 out of 10. For the Ford Fusion the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Subaru WRX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Fusion.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru WRX’s base engine makes 268 horsepower, and the Ford Fusion base engine makes 175 horsepower. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 429 miles. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. This gives the Ford Fusion the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru WRX. The WRX uses premium unleaded, and the Fusion uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Fusion, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru WRX, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru WRX and the Ford Fusion have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.