How fast is a WRX 0 60?
Across recent WRX models, 0–60 mph times sit in the low-to-mid five seconds with the manual and in the mid-to-high five seconds with the CVT, with variations by year and conditions.
What determines the WRX's 0–60 time
The acceleration figure depends on drivetrain, transmission, weight, tires, and testing conditions. The WRX uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four producing about 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with all-wheel drive. Manual and CVT options ship different launch characteristics, and real-world times can drift from the numbers seen in controlled tests.
Powertrain snapshot
Engine: 2.4L turbo flat-four; Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT; Drivetrain: Subaru Symmetrical AWD; Power-to-weight considerations; The combination leads to strong daily driving performance but with nuance in acceleration depending on gearing and launch.
0–60 times by transmission
Below are typical 0–60 mph times reported for common WRX configurations. They serve as benchmarks rather than guaranteed figures, as the exact time depends on driver skill, tires, surface conditions, and the specific model year.
- Manual transmission (6-speed): approximately 5.0–5.5 seconds 0–60 mph.
- CVT with Sport mode: approximately 5.6–6.0 seconds 0–60 mph.
Times can vary more widely in real-world conditions, and some drivers may see faster or slower results depending on the above factors.
Real-world factors that influence acceleration
In practice, several factors can move 0–60 numbers up or down. Understanding them helps explain why two WRXs with the same drivetrain can end up with different times.
- Tire grip and compound, especially on wet or cold pavement.
- Launch technique and torque delivery (manual vs CVT-specific launches).
- Ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity, and altitude.
- Vehicle weight from trims, options, or aftermarket additions.
- Engine and transmission condition, including lubricants and maintenance.
Even with identical hardware, a driver’s technique and the testing environment will cause noticeable differences in 0–60 times.
Summary
The WRX's 0–60 mph performance centers on its turbocharged 2.4L engine and AWD platform. In typical conditions, a manual-equipped WRX runs in roughly five seconds, while the CVT variant lands in the mid-five to six-second range. Expect real-world times to drift based on tires, surface, weather, and transmission choice, but the car remains brisk and competitive within its class.
How fast can a WRX go from 0 to 60?
A Subaru WRX's 0-60 mph time varies by model year and transmission, with most recent models being around 5.4 to 5.9 seconds for a manual transmission and slightly slower for automatic/CVT models. Older and modified versions can achieve faster times, with some 2017 models hitting 4.6 seconds with the STI trim, and some users reporting sub-4-second times after significant modifications.
Recent models (2021-2025)
This video shows the 0-60 acceleration of a 2024 Subaru WRX: 52sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jun 9, 2024
- 2025 WRX: Around 5.4 seconds (manual and CVT).
- 2025 WRX TR: Around 5.6 seconds (manual).
- 2022 WRX: Around 5.9 seconds (manual and CVT), though some tests show slightly slower results like 6.4-6.69 seconds under specific conditions.
- 2021 WRX: Around 5.2 seconds.
Older and modified models
This video shows the 0-60 acceleration of a tuned 2022 Subaru WRX: 55sJDM Right Hand DriveYouTube · Dec 9, 2022
- 2017 WRX STI: Around 4.6 seconds, with 310 horsepower.
- Modified WRX: Users have reported times as low as 3.9 seconds after adding aftermarket parts like intakes, full turbo-back exhausts, and custom tunes, but this depends heavily on the specific modifications.
How much HP does stage 1 add in WRX?
VB WRX MT Stage 1 93 vs Stage 2 93
| Stage1 91 | 93 Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak HP Increase | 4.1% | 293.5 hp @ 5680rpm vs 270.1 hp @ 5510rpm |
| Max TQ | 23.4% | 335.5 ft-lb vs 261.6 ft-lb @ 3200rpm |
| Max HP | 23.1% | 202.5 hp vs 158.3 hp @ 3200rpm |
| Average TQ | Stock 253.1 ft-lb | Tuned 286.6 ft-lb |
Is the Subaru WRX fast?
Yes, the Subaru WRX is fast, especially in terms of handling and cornering, but its straight-line acceleration varies by model year and condition. While some models achieve a 0−600 minus 600−60 mph time of around 5.8 seconds, modern WRXs are generally considered quicker than older generations in the 0−600 minus 600−60 mph sprint, with the STI version being even faster. The WRX is built to be more of a performance handling car than a drag racer.
You can watch this video to see the acceleration of a tuned WRX: 1mAuto EnthusiastYouTube · Nov 22, 2024
Acceleration
- Stock WRX: The 2025 model has a 0−600 minus 600−60 mph time of about 5.8 seconds, while a 2022 model has a time of around 6.0 seconds.
- Stock WRX STI: The STI is faster than the standard WRX, with a 0−600 minus 600−60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, according to a 2024 Car and Driver test.
- Tuned WRX: A tuned WRX can achieve a 0−600 minus 600−60 mph time under four seconds, rivaling more expensive sports cars.
Handling and cornering
- The WRX has a stiff chassis and all-wheel-drive system that provides excellent traction and grip in corners.
- Its handling capabilities are a major part of its performance appeal, as it can navigate twisty roads with confidence and precision.
Limitations
- The WRX's performance can be limited by its low-end torque, which can make it feel a little lazy at low RPMs, especially in taller gears.
- It is not designed for straight-line drag racing and will not be as fast in a straight line as some other cars with similar engine power.
This video discusses the acceleration and handling of the 2024 WRX: 56sSeppYouTube · Jun 29, 2024
What's faster, WRX or Elantra N?
With all four tires laying down power off the line, the WRX manages to beat the front-drive Elantra to 30 mph, but after that, it sees the Hyundai's taillights. The Elantra wins to 60 mph, to 100 mph, and in the quarter-mile, which it knocks out in 13.8 seconds at 103 mph, while the Subie takes 13.9 at 101.
