Are Subaru Imprezas quick?
In short, the everyday Impreza isn’t a speed demon, but Subaru braids practicality and all‑wheel drive into a lineup that includes a legitimately quick sports model (the WRX) and historically fast predecessors (the WRX STI). This article breaks down what “quick” means for each version and what to expect on the road.
Speed across the Impreza lineup
Before the details, here’s a snapshot of how the main variants compare in terms of acceleration and horsepower.
Impreza (base): 2.0-liter flat-four with about 152 horsepower and roughly 145 lb-ft of torque. 0‑60 mph times are typically around 9.0 to 9.5 seconds, with all-wheel drive standard and practical daily usability.
Impreza Sport/Limited: Shares the same engine as the base, so performance is similar—adequate for commuting and weekend trips but not a thrill-seeker compared with sportier rivals.
WRX: Turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four delivering around 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. 0‑60 mph times are commonly in the mid‑5 second range (roughly 5.0 to 5.5 seconds depending on transmission and trim), with all‑wheel drive providing strong off-the-line grip.
WRX STI (historical, not currently in production): The high‑water mark for Impreza performance, with more like 310–320 horsepower and 4.5 to 4.8 seconds 0‑60, plus sharper handling—an era that ended after the 2021 model year.
In summary, the base Impreza prioritizes efficiency and practicality, while the WRX delivers genuine speed for a compact sedan/hatchback, and the STI represented the peak of Impreza performance in its day.
How fast is the base Impreza, and how does that compare to the sportier variants?
Understanding the numbers helps put “quick” in perspective for a small, all‑wheel‑drive car family.
- Base Impreza: 0‑60 mph in about 9.0–9.5 seconds; top speed typically around 130 mph in older/variant reports. The acceleration is sufficient for daily driving but far from sporty standards.
- WRX: 0‑60 mph generally around 5.0–5.5 seconds, depending on drivetrain/transmission details. The turbocharged engine and AWD deliver a more responsive, brisk feeling in ordinary traffic and on winding roads.
- WRX STI (historical): 0‑60 mph approximately 4.5–4.8 seconds, placing it among the quicker compact-performance cars of its era. Note that STI is no longer offered in the lineup as of the early 2020s.
These figures illustrate that “quick” is very much model‑ and configuration‑dependent within the Impreza family. The base car is practical and reasonably efficient, while the WRX line brings true acceleration and sporty driving dynamics. The STI represented the pinnacle of Impreza-level speed, but it’s not available today.
What affects perceived speed and acceleration?
Key factors shaping how fast an Impreza feels on the road
Acceleration isn’t determined by horsepower alone. Several elements work together to determine how fast you go from a standstill and how the car behaves in real-world driving.
- Engine displacement and turbocharging: Naturally aspirated base engines deliver modest power, while turbocharged variants provide a big jump in throttle response and speed.
- Transmission choice: Manuals tend to feel more engaging and can affect shifting speed; automatics and CVTs can alter the perceived acceleration due to gearing and torque delivery.
- All-wheel drive: AWD improves launch grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions, which can shorten the feel of the 0‑60 time in real-world tests.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: The base Impreza is lighter than many all-wheel‑drive competitors, but performance trims add power and handling hardware that enhance speed and agility.
With these factors in play, the WRX remains the standout for speed within the current Impreza lineup, while the base model prioritizes efficiency and everyday usability. The historical STI, when it existed, was the clear fast mover in this family.
Bottom line and context
For most buyers, “quick” in the Subaru Impreza family depends on which model you choose. The base Impreza is not designed to thrill with speed; the WRX is purpose-built for quicker acceleration and spirited driving, and the long‑gone WRX STI represented the high end of performance in this family. If speed is your primary criterion, seek the WRX, and if you’re chasing historical performance, you’d look to the STI era—though it’s no longer available new.
Summary
The Impreza lineup offers a spectrum from practical to sporty. Base models emphasize daily reliability and efficiency, while the WRX adds real speed and all‑wheel‑drive capability for more dynamic driving. The ultimate Impreza performance icon, the WRX STI, is no longer in production but remains a benchmark in hindsight. For speed enthusiasts today, the WRX is the relevant quick option within the Impreza family.
What are the negatives of Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
Is a Subaru Impreza fast?
Whether a Subaru Impreza is fast depends on the model; performance-oriented versions like the STI are very fast, while standard models are not, with a base 2025 model taking around 9 seconds to reach 60 mph. Older performance models, such as the 2006-2008 WRX STi, could do 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
Performance models (WRX, STI)
- Fast: High-performance WRX and STI models are significantly faster, built for speed and rallying.
- Examples:
- The 2006-2008 WRX STi had a 0-60 mph time of about 5.4 seconds.
- The 1994 Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD could go from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Standard models
- Not fast: Standard, non-turbocharged Imprezas are not designed for speed.
- Examples:
- A 2025 Impreza takes around 9.0 seconds to go from 0-60 mph.
- Some users report that the current standard models feel sluggish, especially when merging or on inclines.
Are Subaru Imprezas sporty?
Get sporty fun, all-weather capability, and a versatile, hatchback design with the 2026 Impreza. Get sporty fun, all-weather capability, and a versatile, hatchback design with the 2026 Impreza.
Are subarus quick?
Some Subarus are fast, particularly the performance models like the WRX and STI, which are designed with turbocharged engines for speed and acceleration. However, not all Subarus are fast; the brand also produces many non-turbocharged vehicles with more typical performance levels.
Fast Subaru models
- Subaru WRX STI: This is a performance-oriented model with strong acceleration, capable of reaching 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds depending on the generation.
- Subaru WRX: The WRX uses a turbocharged engine and is designed for sporty driving, with the 2025 model achieving 271 horsepower.
- Outback XT: This turbocharged trim level offers surprisingly quick performance, with some tests showing a 0-60 mph time under 6 seconds.
Why some Subarus are fast
- Turbocharged engines: Performance models use turbochargers to increase horsepower and torque, resulting in quicker acceleration.
- All-wheel drive: Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is known for its exceptional grip, which helps with launching from a stop and cornering.
- Performance tuning: High-performance versions like the STI are tuned specifically for speed and handling, often featuring upgraded suspension and brakes.
Why some Subarus are not fast
- Non-turbocharged engines: Many standard Subaru models are equipped with naturally aspirated engines that provide adequate but not exciting performance.
