Is a Subaru a sports car?
Some Subarus are indeed sports-oriented, notably the BRZ and the WRX, but Subaru as a brand is not exclusively a sports-car maker. The BRZ is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, while the WRX is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance sedan. Many other Subaru models—like the Outback, Forester, and Legacy—prioritize practicality, comfort, or off-road ability rather than sport-focused performance.
Defining a sports car and how Subaru fits
In automotive terms, a sports car typically emphasizes handling, power delivery, lightweight construction, and a driver-centric experience. Some sports cars are two-seaters or 2+2 coupes with agile dynamics, while others are high-performance sedans or coupes. Within Subaru’s lineup, only a couple of models are designed with that traditional sports-car feel in mind, whereas the rest of the range focuses on versatility, all-wheel-drive capability, or family practicality.
Two core models driving Subaru's sporty reputation
Below are the flagship Subaru models commonly associated with sportiness. They demonstrate how Subaru translates performance into different body styles and driving experiences.
Subaru BRZ — A two-door rear-wheel-drive sports coupe co-developed with Toyota. It uses a 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Available with a six-speed manual transmission (and typically with a conventional automatic), the BRZ emphasizes light weight, balance, and precise handling for a purer sports-car feel.
Subaru WRX — A practical yet sporty four-door sedan/hatchback with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged flat-four engine around 271 horsepower. It’s designed for rally-inspired performance, offering strong acceleration, cornering grip, and a more aggressive, high-performance character than most mainstream Subarus. The WRX has traditionally been offered with a six-speed manual gearbox in the U.S.
Subaru WRX STI — Historically the top-tier performance variant with enhanced aero, suspension, and power. Production of dedicated STI versions ended in the early 2020s, and as of 2024 Subaru does not offer a current STI model. The WRX remains the brand’s main modern performance sedan, while STI-focused variants are now part of Subaru’s history rather than its current lineup.
Taken together, these models illustrate Subaru's sportier side: focused handling, turbocharged or high-output engines, and all-wheel drive for grip. However, the broader Subaru lineup continues to span practical, family, and adventure-oriented vehicles, so the brand as a whole is not categorized solely as a sports-car maker.
How to decide if a Subaru fits your idea of a sports car
If you’re evaluating whether a Subaru meets your personal definition of a sports car, consider these factors and how they align with other sports cars you might be considering.
- Body style and seating: Do you want a two-door coupe for a traditional sports-car look, or is a four-door sedan acceptable because you still want practicality?
- Drive layout: Is rear-wheel drive (BRZ) or all-wheel drive with turbo power (WRX) more important to your driving preferences?
- Power and responsiveness: Do you prioritize a lighter, balanced chassis or a higher horsepower figure with AWD traction?
- Practicality vs. purity: Will you trade some sportiness for cargo space, passenger room, and everyday usability?
- Budget and ownership costs: Consider purchase price, insurance, fuel, and maintenance relative to other sport-focused options.
In practice, Subaru offers one clear pure sport option (the BRZ) alongside a high-performance, rally-inspired sedan (the WRX). The brand’s sportfulness is real, but it coexists with a broad range of non-sporty models that emphasize utility and capability.
Summary
Subaru is not a pure sports-car company, but it does offer two prominent sport-oriented models: the BRZ, a lightweight rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe, and the WRX, a turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance sedan. The WRX STI was the brand’s peak-performance variant in the past, but it is no longer produced as a current model. For buyers, this means Subaru can deliver sporty driving experiences without requiring you to sacrifice practicality, but only a subset of the lineup truly fits the traditional sports-car mold.
Does Subaru make sports cars?
With its iconic sports car layout — two-door, front engine, rear-wheel drive — and razor-sharp handling, the 2025 BRZ is a Subaru sports car that can make any drive feel thrilling. The front-wheel-drive Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI just can't compare to the classic, balanced rear-wheel-drive design of the BRZ.
Is a Subaru considered a sports car?
Subaru: All-Wheel Drive Sports Car Performance that lasts.
Enjoy the feel of exciting performance and precision handling on the open road in a Subaru sports vehicle today.
Which Subaru is the most sporty?
The Subaru WRX is a rally-inspired sports car that stands out among all other vehicles in its class thanks to its ruggedly bold styling and performance. All models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 271-horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque.
What type of car is a Subaru?
A Subaru is a brand of car known for its range of vehicles, including SUVs, crossovers, sedans, and sports cars, with a key feature being the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system that is included on all models except the BRZ. The company also offers electric and hybrid options, alongside performance-oriented models.
- SUVs and Crossovers: The brand has a popular lineup of SUVs and crossovers, such as the compact Crosstrek and Forester, the midsize Outback, and the three-row Ascent.
- Sedans and Hatchbacks: Subaru also produces sedans, like the midsize Legacy, and compact hatchbacks, such as the Impreza.
- Sports Cars: For performance enthusiasts, Subaru offers the rear-wheel-drive BRZ and the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive WRX sports sedans.
- Electric and Hybrid: The company has expanded into electric vehicles with the Solterra, a compact crossover SUV, and offers hybrid options in some of its crossover models.
