Is a WRX a fast car?
Yes. In its class, the WRX is fast thanks to a turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive that deliver quick launches, confident grip, and strong mid-range torque. It isn’t a supercar, but it remains one of the briskest mainstream compact sedans you can buy.
The engine that powers the WRX
The WRX relies on a modern turbocharged flat-four engine that emphasizes both peak output and usable mid-range torque. This powertrain is tuned to deliver brisk acceleration and confident passing capability, especially when paired with the car’s all-wheel-drive system. The current generation moved to a larger displacement and a more punchy torque curve, which helps the car feel lively even at everyday speeds.
Power numbers and what they mean on the road
The turbocharged setup produces around 270–271 horsepower with roughly 258 lb-ft of torque in recent model years. Those figures translate to strong thrust from low rpm and a broad, useful pull into mid-range and beyond. The result is an impression of speed that’s readily accessible in daily driving, not just at redline.
Transmission choices and how they affect speed
Subaru has emphasized a focused driving experience with a traditional manual gearbox in the WRX lineup, delivering a connected, engagement-rich shift feel that many enthusiasts prefer. This setup tends to feel quicker in real-world driving than a sluggish automatic option, thanks to precise gear selection and a direct clutch pedal. The car’s powertrain architecture is tuned to maximize throttle response in everyday conditions, rather than relying on a slippery automatic to compensate for any lag.
Handling and all-wheel-drive performance
Handling characteristics in everyday and spirited driving
In everyday driving, the WRX delivers a brisk, engaging feel with predictable turn-in and stable mid-corner balance. When pushed into twisty roads, the combination of torque delivery, AWD grip, and chassis rigidity helps the car maintain speed through corners. This makes the WRX feel notably quick on winding roads and capable on track days, especially compared with front-wheel-drive sporty sedans.
Performance in practice: what to expect
Before exploring comparisons, it’s useful to summarize how the WRX performs in real-world conditions. The car’s turbocharged engine delivers ample acceleration for highway merging and overtaking, with AWD providing steady traction in rain, snow, or light gravel. The driving experience emphasizes engagement and confidence, rather than an all-out top-speed sprint.
Below is a concise look at the key performance aspects you’re likely to notice on the road.
- Brisk acceleration from a standstill and mid-range overtakes, aided by the turbocharged engine and AWD traction.
- Strong grip and stable cornering, thanks to the AWD layout and sport-oriented suspension tuning.
- Engaging manual shifting that rewards precise throttle and gear changes, enhancing the perception of speed during spirited driving.
Taken together, these factors create a sense of speed that is impressive for a compact sedan with practical purposes, including daily commuting and all-weather performance. The WRX is fast enough to feel exciting in most everyday scenarios, while not aiming to be the absolute quickest car in its segment.
Where the WRX sits among its rivals
In the crowded field of compact performance sedans and hot hatches, the WRX competes with several well-regarded players that emphasize different strengths, such as handling balance, straight-line speed, and daily practicality. The following comparisons highlight where the WRX tends to stand out or lag behind.
A sharp, well-rounded package with strong reliability and excellent handling in a lighter, front-wheel-drive format. The Si is typically quicker in certain track-focused contexts due to its nimble dynamics, but it lacks AWD, which makes the WRX superior in wet or snowy conditions. A refined all-around performer with superb chassis dynamics and daily practicality. It’s typically lighter and efficient, but the WRX’s AWD grip gives it an edge in inclement weather and on less-than-ideal road surfaces. A newer, aggressively tuned rival with strong power and a focused chassis. It’s more track-oriented and often arrives with sharper suspension characteristics, but the Elantra N is front-wheel drive, which changes its handling character compared with the WRX’s AWD setup. Vehicles like the Toyota GR Corolla (all-wheel drive in some markets) and various hot hatch offerings push the segment on raw acceleration and cornering ability. The WRX’s appeal remains its balance of turbocharged thrust with all-weather traction and a traditional manual vibe.
Overall, the WRX holds its own in terms of speed and performance within its class, offering a practical, all-weather capable alternative to more power-focused, but often less versatile, rivals.
Summary
The WRX is fast for a compact, performance-oriented sedan, delivering strong turbocharged acceleration and confident AWD grip that make it feel quick in a wide range of conditions. It excels in everyday driving and on winding roads, where its combination of power, traction, and precise handling shines. While it isn’t a high-end sports car or a halo vehicle, the WRX remains a compelling choice for buyers who prioritize speed, control, and all-weather capability in one package.
Note: As of 2025, Subaru’s WRX continues to be the primary enthusiast-focused model in its segment, while the historically associated WRX STI has not been revived for U.S. markets. The WRX lineup emphasizes a manual-driving experience with a modern turbo engine, a formula that keeps it relevant for speed-conscious buyers who value driver engagement.
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.
How many horsepower is in a WRX?
The modern Subaru WRX has 271 horsepower, produced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is the standard horsepower for the 2022-2025 model years across all trim levels, including the Premium, Limited, GT, and the new tS model.
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 boxer engine
- Horsepower: 271 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
- Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Is the Subaru WRX a performance car?
“Part sports car, part rally racer, the 2024 WRX is a performance powerhouse that shares merely a familial resemblance with Subaru's Impreza compact car.”
Which is faster, Subaru or BMW?
According to the official stats, the BMW is a mite quicker than the Subaru, getting to 62mph in a nick under five seconds to the Impreza's 5.1.
