3rd gen taco or Subaru WRX

We have a 2016 Taco and a 2016 Forester (I know, not an STI). Both are great vehicles, for me, I'd pick a Taco as a pickup suits my needs. You have to decide for yourself what your needs are. I like Camping/Hunting/Fishing/Fixing things, so a Truck suits me. The Subaru is easier to drive around town and I bet the STI would be fun.

 

Currently I own a 2017 TRD4x4 OR DC and our other car is a 2015 WRX Premium. Just to get it out there, If you are considering the WRX wait till the 2018s comes out in August they will have updated interior and exterior features. The WRX is cheaper, but that is also for the base model, the premium and limited models are in the low to mid 30s. The WRX is much smaller in the interior, but also quicker, handles like a dream, and does great in snow (might want to get snow tires though, they come with summer tires), but has a harsher ride than the Tacoma, something to think about with your commute. The Tacoma has a better interior for now, is slow and much larger with worse MPG, but you get the bed and off road capabilities. The two are a great combination, but if I could only pick one I'd probably keep the WRX. Its fast, good in all weather conditions, can take you down some dirt roads, fun, better MPGs and you can pack a decent amount into it. If your lifestyle is more based on off road activities, then obviously the Tacoma wins. can't lose either way.

 

Sti

 

I went from a 13 WRX to the 16 Tacoma, so the Subaru comparison is not apples to apples to the new model, but close.

The WRX was a super fun car. Factory SPT exhaust plus a Cobb Accessport made the car fun to drive everyday. Skinny snow tires made the car a beast in winter, the best winter vehicle I had, and I have had at least 4 Jeeps plus trucks before. Plus the resale value is in the same great ballpark as the Tacoma.

If you are commuting, driving yourself and people around, and don't mind extra attention at gas stations and on the road etc., Subaru all the way.

If you ever have to haul ANYTHING large or small, want to be more low key on the road, and not have to worry about scratches or prying eyes when parked anywhere, Tacoma.

As an FYI, almost nobody get the window sticker mileage on a WRX. I filled my smaller fuel tank with premium 93 octane for nearly the same cost as the regular fuel larger tank in the Tacoma, for nearly the same miles per tank.

Here was my old car in winter mode. I miss driving it, but I do not regret moving on for the Tacoma. Much more practical for me.

 

Essential? Truck (with BFG Commercial T/A Traction tires)

 

Had a 15 WRX which was an absolute lemon, got a 16 WRX that started having small issues & decided no more. The dealer was 70 miles one way from where I live which made things a huge hassle.

That aside, they were a blast to drive when they were in a good mood & if I could afford to own a 2nd vehicle I would have kept the 16. My slow 17 Tacoma on the other hand has been 100% trouble free. When my lease is up on this SR5 I'll probably buy an off road or pro.

That's just my experience & wont reflect everyone's. Check out nasioc forums on the Subaru. It's a die hard group.

 

Wife has a WRX, and ignoring the truck vs car stuff.
You won't be getting 28~30 mpg, I'm really lucky to get 24 in it.
The inside is built like complete crap compared to your Golf or the Tacoma. It's noisy as hell, everything rattles & vibrates, and it's just plane cheap inside.
The outside is built as well (ie not all the great) as the Tacoma, neither have the exterior fit and finish of your Golf.
WRX will put the biggest smile on your face as it's so much fun to drive. That is until you stop smiling because all your fillings have fallen out, or you've gone def.
WRX is better on the road in bad weather conditions (unless you need ground clearance, deep snow / shallow flooding).
If you're a short ass, the seating position (and front visibility) in the WRX is a lot better.

Wife prefers to drive the Tacoma over her WRX and I'm left with one of our other vehicles as I don't like the WRX for commuting.

 

2nd gen - manual, supercharger with pulley, and stiffer suspension. Or Evo. I've driven my stepdads sti and its alright.. Not my favourite, then again it was a newer one. The older the sti the better

 

Sold my '13 STi for a '17 Taco as well.

Totally different vehicles. Both fun in their own way. You just have to decide what you need...To be able to haul stuff or haul a$$. Lol!

 

This. Even a 40k STI has a shit interior thats annoying as hell. constant squeaks and rattles. The door plastic on the door occasionally freaks out and starts rattling like its about to fall off.

 

Taco!!!

 

Both!

I DD a 13 WRX hatch. My truck is just a toy.

 

I used to daily my 98 2.5rs, but motor went bad. Now that I have the taco and want to make it last longer I'm working on getting the subaru going again so I don't put so many miles on the tacoma

 

2nd gen

 

Two completly different vehicles. Only thing in common is a huge enthusiast community. Makes me think you dont really need a truck?

The wrx is hands down better in the snow, better handling, more fun to drive. It won't haul stuff as well. Use to be able to put a hitch on. I had a 2004 wagon that towed really well up to 2000lbs. Plenty of power, but not heavy duty enough frame and brakes for more. I put 175k miles on mine most of them at stage 2 Cobb tune, ran flawless and used no oil. Newer wrxs seem to be lower and less conducive to a hitch install.

Unless things have changed significantly. You'll be lucky to get much more than 25mpg combined on the wrx though. And premium is far more expensive now than what it was when I got my wrx on '04.

I do miss my wrx, but if I was to buy another, I'd probably get a standard Impreza or maybe a crosstrek just for the regular fuel. Hatchback of course!

One more thing. A wrx is pretty fun and capable on gravel and forest roads. Mine was on lifted rally Springs, giving it a bit more capability. Anything more and the tacoma with 4low capabilities will be better.

 

I had a 2011 WRX Hatch that I put 189,000 miles on and still got $10,000 for it when I upgraded to my 2017 Tacoma. The Subaru was faultless, but my Taco has been too (18,xxx miles so far).

I had some basic bolt-ons and a tune on my WRX. It was quick and a blast to drive and got decent mileage. I towed with my WRX and treated it too much like a truck for what I do for work and being a new home owner. Depot runs are easier in the Taco. So the Tacoma won out on practicality vs. the WRX (Subaru killing the hatch was also a disappointment). I have the 6MT in my Taco which helps a lot with the drive-ability/fun and was the major reason for me picking the Tacoma as a truck. The Subaru community was pretty nice. I miss waving at "scooped" Subaru's. I miss chatting with people at gas stations who wanted to know about the car. Car guys regardless of brand respected the WRX a lot. The Taco is very low profile which is good in some regards, but not much of a community in the real world. That is not to hold anything against the enthusiasts here on Tacoma World, but talking to another Tacoma owner while filling up at a gas station isn't likely to happen.

Go with your gut. Both vehicles are great and can be fun in their own elements. One is more practical than the other and one is quicker than the other.

Pics for fun:




Only pick of the two of them together:

 

TACO!!!!!!! I'm essential personnel as well, and having the clearance to get around in the snow helps alot. It really comes down to what will work best for you.

 

I started a thread about how I bought a Subaru Forester instead of a third gen Tacoma. I've had the Fozzie for 3 months now and have no complaints whatsoever. I didn't expect it to be "fun" to drive, but guess what: it is fun.

I've driven a WRX in the snow and holy shit is that fun. In a couple years I probably will buy a Rex, and that is my advice.

 

I just sold a 2015 WRX to purchase a 2017 DCSB Offroad and have not regrets... Obviously as others have suggested you loose the awesome handling, speed, turbo, and fun factor. However things I don't miss.... Loud road noise and horrible rough ride as well as little so low to the ground. The WRX was a great car, but ran premium in it as it was recommended, but not required. This made the mileage pretty much a non-factor for me.

 

Road noise is definitely and issue with Subies. Apparently the 18' WRX/STI have thicker glass to address this. Hopefully it works because that was probably one of my biggest complaints with the WRX.